UPDATE (OCT. 16): NYCFC will begin their Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs run at Citi Field, the club confirmed Wednesday. With Game 4 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros postponed from Wednesday to Thursday, there's no chance of the series wrapping up in time for Yankee Stadium to prepare for NYCFC hosting a playoff game on Wednesday, October 23.
NYCFC will play the winner of Toronto FC vs. D.C. United (7 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes in US; TSN, TVAS in Canada).
Oct. 8: The New York Yankees completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins on Monday to advance to the American League Championship Series and move New York City FC a step closer to having to open the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs away from Yankee Stadium. If the ALCS series goes to six or seven games then NYCFC will play its first game of the playoffs at Citi Field.
Oct. 1: New York City FC have announced their postseason plan, equipped with detailed information should NYCFC's Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoff matches conflict with the New York Yankees' postseason games.
The two teams share Yankee Stadium and both are competing in their respective playoffs. Should the Yankees reach the American League Championship Series and play six or seven games, NYCFC will play their first playoff game at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. Should the Yankees reach the World Series and NYCFC the Eastern Conference Championship, NYCFC will play that match at Citi Field as well.
NYCFC have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs while the Yankees are set to begin their postseason play on Friday in the American League Divisional Series against the Minnesota Twins.
“We’re extremely proud of the team’s achievement this season and finishing top of the Eastern Conference will provide us with a great platform as we enter our fourth consecutive playoff campaign," sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a statement. "Should Yankee Stadium be unavailable, we feel extremely comfortable playing our games at Citi Field which has proven to be an excellent alternative venue for the Club. We played a pivotal Decision Day game there in 2017 with our fans providing the same electric atmosphere we’re used to at Yankee Stadium and know they will do the same come playoff time.”
The Cityzens' first playoff game will be played either October 23 or 24. If the Yankees are eliminated by then, NYCFC will play their playoff matches at Yankee Stadium as normal.
“This season has been incredible and we are excited to kick off our playoff campaign," NYCFC CEO Brad Sims said. "We’re also happy for our partners at the New York Yankees for having a fantastic season, and while we recognize their success could relocate our playoff games and is not ideal for our fans, we’re extremely confident that Citi Field would provide us with the home field advantage needed. On behalf of myself and the entire Club I want to thank our fans for their incredible loyalty, passion and support throughout the season.”
