New York City FC has delayed the opening of its new Etihad Park stadium by half a season, pushing the debut to summer 2027. The 25,000-seat venue, originally scheduled to open for the 2027 MLS season, will now debut when the league transitions to a summer-to-spring calendar matching European leagues.

When construction began in December 2024 adjacent to the Mets' Citi Field, the club had targeted a 2027 opening. The delay means NYCFC will play most home games during the transition season at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, with each team playing a shortened 14-game regular season followed by playoffs. The club has bounced between multiple venues since its 2015 inception, including Red Bull Arena in Harrison and Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

The stadium will serve as a soccer venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. City Football Group, which owns NYCFC and England's Manchester City, is the controlling owner. The delay represents a setback for the club's long-standing quest for a permanent home, though the new timeline aligns with broader MLS scheduling changes.