Stadium Discussion

[mgarbowski]

Sims told media at the groundbreaking that if the calendar were to change, they would likely push the opening back to the summer because they wouldn't want to open Etihad Park 3/4 through a season". Now that kind of straddles both sides as the calendar would be pushing back, but it wouldn't be that far into a season, would be it's own, even if it's a stub season, etc.

Am I correct in guessing that this statement was made on a hypothetical that the schedule flips in 2026? Because that's the only way I see for the 3/4 season remark to make sense.

So for argument's sake, lets say they end up exactly on schedule as planned (currently a bit ahead, have to imagine with large projects like this there will be some delay somewhere, etc.), would NYCFC want to open the stadium for the stub year with some "wrap-up work" (probably would be influenced by exactly what that means) to go? Or for the 2027 season opener in the new league calendar with a completely finished stadium?

This is the only argument I've seen that makes an intentionally delayed opening make sense. Even then, I'm not sure they won't open under "good enough" conditions even if it is in the mini-season. My guess is the KevinJRogers "Get open as soon as you can" rule will apply, but it's a guess.

 

[FootyLovin]

Because that's the only way I see for the 3/4 season remark to make sense.

When I read 3/4 I thought the only way that makes sense is if they made an elongated 2026 season that ran into spring 2027. But that's just crazy talk.

 

[LionNYC]

I want at least two* seasons still to play an MLS Cup at Yankee Stadium. F**k the haters.

 

[SoupInNYC]

Am I correct in guessing that this statement was made on a hypothetical that the schedule flips in 2026? Because that's the only way I see for the 3/4 season remark to make sense.

No, not exactly, but somewhat (in the spirit of your question I think).

They already knew it wasn't going to flip in 2026. Nothing was said at that moment in terms of how the schedule would flip when it did (nor was NYCFC's support of flipping it mentioned then), but when we then had media availability 2 months ago or whenever it was, Sims noted that one of the things still being worked through was how they would deal with the "stub year" and options included elongating the 2026 season (long WC break, winter break, etc.), doing a stub season as they are now, or just some kind of tournament.

So that noted, I think when that comment was made back in December, there was a possibility, that March of 2027 could be 3/4 through a season.

 

[ZYanksRule]

I want at least two* seasons still to play an MLS Cup at Yankee Stadium. F**k the haters.

Honestly it's been a dream of mine for us to host MLS Cup at Yankee Stadium. It would be hilarious to watch all the whining as we sold out a 50,000 seat stadium.

 

[KevinJRogers]

So for argument's sake, lets say they end up exactly on schedule as planned (currently a bit ahead, have to imagine with large projects like this there will be some delay somewhere, etc.), would NYCFC want to open the stadium for the stub year with some "wrap-up work" (probably would be influenced by exactly what that means) to go? Or for the 2027 season opener in the new league calendar with a completely finished stadium?

I would probably bet on the latter.

Totally reasonable conclusion. And as I've said, I'm sure it's just my restaurant business experience talking. I've been in more than a few openings. You do it as fast as you can even if you need to rent the knives and forks.

But if the organization has the cash to burn on a few more dates at the Stadium (or Citi Field, for that matter) even if they're not necessary, good on them. I just hope, if they're that flush, they're ready to spend on some names once the roster and salary rules open up.

 

[gbservis]

Totally reasonable conclusion. And as I've said, I'm sure it's just my restaurant business experience talking. I've been in more than a few openings. You do it as fast as you can even if you need to rent the knives and forks.

But if the organization has the cash to burn on a few more dates at the Stadium (or Citi Field, for that matter) even if they're not necessary, good on them. I just hope, if they're that flush, they're ready to spend on some names once the roster and salary rules open up.

It would be interesting to know what the operating costs will be for a game day at the new stadium and the projected concession revenue. Can't imagine the costs are anywhere near the $1M per game the team pays right now, but it would be interesting to know how much more per game the team plans to net.