New York City FC announced on Tuesday that four of their 2020 regular-season home games are being relocated from their usual Yankee Stadium venue to Citi Field in Queens, citing the ability to schedule them on weekend dates rather than midweek and “minimize congestion throughout the season.”
The home of baseball’s New York Mets, Citi Field has hosted NYCFC due to scheduling conflicts before, most recently as the site of their sole match during the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, an upset loss at the hands of Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
“The match day experience will replicate Yankee Stadium with an exciting lineup of theme nights and special in-game elements to be announced in the near future,” stated the club in a press release. “In addition, Fan Fest activations, including block parties and pep rallies with live entertainment for all ages, will be held prior to all matches at Citi Field.”
Dubbed “the Citi Field Series,” the four matches will take place on Sunday, Apr. 26, Saturday, July 25, Saturday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 26.
“We are committed to delivering the best fan experience to our dedicated and passionate supporters and we have heard from them that midweek games are less convenient than weekend matchups,” NYCFC CEO Brad Sims said.
“Additionally, we believe that reducing the number of occasions where we play three games in eight days will be a great competitive benefit for our players. While Yankee Stadium remains our home, Citi Field has emerged as an incredible alternative venue for us and moving four dates from midweek to weekends is the best option for our fans and players alike.”
The full 2020 MLS schedule has not yet been released, though the Cityzens know they’ll open the 2020 campaign at Columbus Crew SC on March 1, then visit TFC at BMO Field a week later before welcoming FC Dallas to Yankee Stadium for their home opener on March 14.
