NYC’s much-anticipated first-ever soccer stadium officially has a name
The first-ever soccer stadium in NYC is one step closer to its 2027 debut, now officially boasting a name.
The state-of-the-art, $800 million arena in the Willets Point neighborhood of Queens near Citi Field is going to be called Etihad Park, after the United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways, a close partner of local soccer team New York City FC since its 2013 founding.
The airline’s name is also featured on the players’ jerseys.
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According to The Athletic, Etihad has secured a 20-year deal on the exclusive naming rights for the stadium.
“Our values as an airline align perfectly with New York City FC and their commitment to New York City,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, in an official statement. “Through promoting soccer in the local neighborhoods and providing spaces for everyone to play.”
Etihad also sponsors several other teams including Manchester City, Girona and Australia’s Melbourne City FC, according to The Athletic, and, if the name sounds familiar, that’s because there’s an Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, an 18,000 capacity indoor stadium that hosts sporting events and concerts.
The new arena is part of a multi-million dollar project that will include the construction of affordable housing units, a hotel, retail space and a school. One of the destination’s most anticipated new features is its entrance, a giant cube boasting 11,000 square feet of LED screens that will make entering the stadium feel like an immersive experience of its own.