Etihad Airways and New York City FC have announced that New York’s first soccer-specific stadium will officially be named Etihad Park. Under the 20-year agreement, the carrier will retain exclusive naming rights for the stadium being built in Willetts Point, Queens.
On Thursday (November 21, 2024), Etihad Airways announced that they have signed a 20-year agreement for the exclusive naming rights for New York’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium. New York City FC’s stadium is now being built in Willets Point, Queens and will be called Etihad Park. Etihad has been with New York City FC from the club’s inception, and has expanded their partnership over the last decade. In 2014, the airline started as a principal and founding partner of New York City FC, and became the ‘front-of-shirt’ partner for the club’s First Team and Boys Academy.
In Thursday’s announcement, New York City FC’s CEO, Brad Sims, said,
“This is an historic announcement for New York City FC, Etihad Airways, and New York City. Etihad Airways has been a fantastic partner to the Club for over a decade, and we are proud to call Etihad Park the home of our great Club. For over a decade, we’ve been investing in New York with a vision of building the city into one of the soccer capitals of the world. Etihad Airways has been alongside us every step of the way and we’re thrilled to be making this announcement with them. Etihad Park will be the physical evidence of our deep and longstanding investment in New York City and will become a cathedral of soccer in the United States.
“Etihad Park was designed to celebrate the essence of community and the vibrant life found in urban parks, much like New York City’s iconic green spaces that serve as gathering spots for people from all walks of life. We hope that Etihad Park becomes a central hub for the community, as it will host not only sporting events, but also concerts, festivals, and community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connection for all New Yorkers.”
Also commenting on the new sponsorship agreement, Etihad Airways’ CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, added,
“We are delighted to sponsor the naming rights of this fantastic venue, which I am sure will become a landmark sports destination in the US. We have been backing New York City FC since the start in 2014 and this marks the latest chapter in our support for the Club. Our values as an airline align perfectly with New York City FC and their commitment to New York City, through promoting soccer in the local neighborhoods and providing spaces for everyone to play.”
The New York City Council voted overwhelmingly to approve the next phase of the Willets Point Redevelopment project earlier this year, including the New York City FC’s stadium. The approximately 25,000 seat new stadium will be 100 percent privately funded, and will be the first fully electric sports stadium in New York City and all of Major League Soccer. It will also be part of a new 23-acre neighborhood at Willetts Point, Queens, which will feature 2,500 affordable housing units, a new 650 student public school, a brand new hotel, and over 150,000 square feet of public open space. Etihad park is scheduled to open ahead of the 2027 MLS regular season.
Source: Etihad Airways