The roar of 42,175 fans welcomed Gotham FC as they took to the pitch on Citi Field Wednesday evening.
It is difficult to find the words to describe the electricity thrumming through the crowd that night, the largest showing for a women's sporting event in New York City.
To witness so many fans come out and support women's soccer at a time where women's sports are experiencing a historic boom in viewership was something special. While this was the first record-breaking night for Gotham, it's entirely possible it won't be the last.
Just a few hundred feet away from Citi Field lies the nearly-completed Etihad Park, the first soccer-specific stadium built in New York City. Originally built as the new home base for New York City FC, the stadium is now confirmed to welcome Gotham FC home beginning in 2028.
The move is a significant step in the Bats' embrace of its New York ties. From the team's third kit, which features the Statue of Liberty in colors of the New York City flag, to the team no longer using the "NJ/NY" in its name, the move has been a long time coming.
"From day one, our ambition has been bigger than championships," Gotham’s co-owner, Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, said in a statement. "We are building one of the world's most iconic clubs and helping define the future of women’s sports. Our move to Etihad Park reflects that ambition."
Although the move has garnered significant support, there's a real worry that it may isolate fans from New Jersey who were for years supporting the team at Sports Illustrated Stadium or at Yurcak Field. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman doesn't share that concern.
"To have a team competing in New York City proper I think puts us on a map in a very different way, in a meaningfully different way than we otherwise would be," she told reporters on Wednesday evening. "We're excited that Gotham's fans in New Jersey can still travel here. It's accessible to everyone and most importantly accessible via public transportation."
In order to get a better sense of how fans feel about the move, New York Soccer Journal spoke with Gotham supporters commuting to Citi Field from all over the northeast to learn more.
Brianna Concepcion from Elizabeth, New Jersey
"The stadium being in Newark was really convenient for me, but I think that bringing in crowds from New York is just so much easier. There's so many people here tonight, so I think the move was worth it."
Donovan Jackson from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
"I think it's a great move. There was nothing technically wrong with the other location, but I do feel like this one is a bit more accessible to New Yorkers who already pay for MTA. Also, a number of Gotham's workers are based in New York City, so it's easier for them to get to work."
Kat Maldonado from the Bronx
"[I am] very excited because hello women empowerment. We need more women's sports in New York City, so [I am] very excited."
Shelby Blaker from Hartford County, Maryland
"The commute is wildly long. I had to go through Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New York trying to commute here to get here on time. It was trickier and toll-wise a lot more expensive. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I will say I was a big fan of the Red Bull Arena just because I was familiar with it and it was a lot closer of a commute. However, my opinion is still open for [Etihad Park] since this is my first time being here."
Danielle Baxter from the Upper West Side, Manhattan
"I love it. I think its a great move, and I'm really excited to see them play there and to be supporting them."
Sammy Ramirez Jr. from Connecticut
"I think its great because New York City needs more soccer, especially women's soccer. It's great to have this experience."
Eric Catalano from the Upper West Side, Manhattan
"It being in Queens is the same exact distance from us. We're right in the middle. The PATH train has given us some real adventures the past season, and sometimes you just can't."
Savannah Leigh from Staten Island
"I'm excited for them to be here for women's representation in New York City. Happy to see them here, happy to support them today."
Rachael Heyden from the Upper West Side, Manhattan
"I think its good because we can take the Long Island Railroad, which isn't as messed up as the PATH train."
