New York City FC will play the remainder of their 2020 regular-season home matches, plus any potential Audi MLS Cup Playoffs games, at Yankee Stadium, the club announced Friday.
NYCFC have been playing home games at Red Bull Arena, home of their local rival New York Red Bulls, due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols that prevent other events in Major League Baseball stadiums during the baseball season.
The Yankees recently advanced to the American League Divisional Series, which will be played next week at Petco Parkin San Diego, Calif. That's opened an opportunity, which NYCFC is taking.
“I would like to thank the New York Red Bulls and their match-day staff for all their help and support over the last five weeks,” club CEO Brad Sims said in a statement. “While we are rivals on the pitch, we greatly appreciate their continued collaboration during these unprecedented circumstances and as we both work to grow soccer in this area.”
NYCFC has used the Bronx-based Yankee Stadium as their home ground since entering MLS in 2015, though head coach Ronny Deila is yet to lead a match there. While at Red Bull Arena, the same venue they used for a pair of Concacaf Champions League home matches earlier this year, NYCFC went 4-1 in home matches.
The remaining four regular-season home games are slated to be played without fans, Sims said.
“Our record at Yankee Stadium over the past four seasons is very strong and we are excited to be back,” Sims said. “Our goal and desire to win trophies has not altered; we have a talented team and are ready to compete for the 2020 MLS Cup.
“While it will certainty feel strange to be in Yankee Stadium without our incredible fans, we will continue to implement creative ideas to ensure fans feel part of the action and can continue showing support for the team.”
NYCFC are on the road Saturday when facing expansion side Inter Miami CF (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info). They’ll be home for games on the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 7 vs. D.C. United – 7 pm
- Sunday, October 11 vs. New England Revolution – 4:30 pm
- Saturday, October 24 vs. Montreal Impact – 7:30 pm
- Sunday, November 1 vs. Red Bulls – 7 pm
