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The new Etihad Park stadium gives NYCFC a competitive edge in their ongoing rivalry with the New York Red Bulls.Queens Today
New York City FC’s new 25,000-seat Etihad Park stadium is a game-changer for the club, according to former New York Red Bulls star Bradley Wright-Phillips. The England international believes the permanent home will give NYCFC an ‘upper hand’ over their crosstown rivals, ending the ‘little brother’ narrative and signaling the club’s ambition to attract top talent.
Why it matters
The opening of Etihad Park marks a major milestone for NYCFC, providing the club with a true home stadium after years of playing in temporary venues. This gives them a competitive advantage over the Red Bulls, who have long pointed to their own stadium as a point of superiority. The new stadium also positions NYCFC to better attract top global talent, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The details
NYCFC recently completed the final structural piece of its $780 million Etihad Park stadium project in Queens. The soccer-specific venue will provide the club with a permanent home, ending their previous nomadic existence. Red Bulls legend Bradley Wright-Phillips, who scored prolifically against NYCFC in the early years of the rivalry, believes the new stadium gives the club an ‘upper hand’ over his former team. Wright-Phillips notes that the stadium signals NYCFC’s ambition and legitimacy, putting an end to the ‘little brother’ narrative.
NYCFC recently completed the final structural piece of its Etihad Park stadium project.The $780 million stadium is scheduled to open ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in part by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The players
Bradley Wright-Phillips
A former New York Red Bulls star who is now an MLS analyst. He is one of the most prolific scorers in league history, winning three Supporters’ Shields with the Red Bulls.
New York City FC
The MLS expansion team that is building a new $780 million, 25,000-seat stadium called Etihad Park in Queens, New York.
New York Red Bulls
The MLS founding club that has long pointed to their own stadium as a mark of superiority over their crosstown rivals, NYCFC.
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What they’re saying
“’A new stadium gives NYCFC a bit of an upper hand on the NY Red Bulls. There’s always been some back and forth between both teams; one team has won the shield, but the other has countered by winning the cup.’”
— Bradley Wright-Phillips, Former New York Red Bulls Star
“’The only criticism you could give NYCFC was that they didn’t have their own stadium. But now that they’ve been granted that, you can’t hold anything against them! They’ve got a brand new stadium in New York, they’ve won the MLS Cup, so things are looking good for them.’”
— Bradley Wright-Phillips, Former New York Red Bulls Star
What’s next
The new Etihad Park stadium is scheduled to open ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be a major test for NYCFC to showcase their facility and attract top global talent to the league.
The takeaway
NYCFC’s new Etihad Park stadium represents a major milestone for the club, providing them with a true home and signaling their ambition to compete at the highest levels of MLS. This gives them a competitive edge over their crosstown rivals, the New York Red Bulls, and positions the club to better attract star players as the league continues to grow globally.