NJ/NY Gotham FC is finally earning the “New York” part of their club name, and in a big way—they will host rivals Washington Spirit at Citi Field for the “Queens Classic” on July 15. The historic 41,800 capacity stadium will open the club up to a New York City-based market, and shine a spotlight on the burgeoning rivalry between the two clubs. The match will also take place days before the Men’s FIFA World Cup final is played in New Jersey, giving the two clubs extra attention on a global stage.
“This summer will be transformational for soccer in our region, and we’re really excited to put women’s sports and our world-class athletes at Gotham FC front and center when a global spotlight is on New York,” said Ryan Dillon, the Chief Business Officerat Gotham FC. “It will be a history-making summer of soccer, and this event ensures that we are a part of that.”
“The District vs. Empire rivalry belongs on a big stage, and Citi Field delivers,” said Kim Stone, the CEO of the Washington Spirit. “This is one of the most electric matchups in the NWSL, and our fans bring an intensity that demands to be seen. Playing in New York City just days before the World Cup final is a moment we’re not taking lightly. The NWSL is women’s soccer at its best, and New Yorkers know a big moment when they see one – this is it.”
Gotham isn’t the first team to host a big game at a baseball stadium—Bay FC hosted a 2025 match at Oriole Field and Chicago Stars played at Wrigley Field in 2024. Both matches broke attendance records at the time with 40,091 and 35,038 fans in attendance respectively. Denver Summit is set to break the attendance record again at their home opener at Mile High Stadium with over 5o,000 tickets sold.
Citi Field is home to the New York Mets, and is one of the homes of MLS club NYCFC. NYCFC is also building Etihad Park, the first soccer-specific stadium in New York City, next to Citi Field. The stadium is set to open in summer 2027.
Gotham FC have long struggled with attendance, partially due to their location in New Jersey, although numbers have improved in the past few years. The club had an average attendance of 8,892 in 2025, up 41.1% from 2023.
The matchup against the Spirit has the opportunity to be a particularly heated game. Gotham beat the Spirit in the NWSL Championship last year, while the Spirit knocked out Gotham in the semifinals in 2024. The two clubs are also competing in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup knockout round in May. Both are top teams that will be vying for the chance to win the Shield and Championship in 2026.
Both clubs made significant acquisitions over the offseason. Spirit resigned star Trinity Rodman and acquired young Paraguayan star Claudia Martínez, while trading away former rookie of the year Croix Bethune. Gotham FC signed Norwegian star Guro Reiten from Chelsea, and signed top rookies Jordynn Dudley, Andrea Kitahata, and Teagan Wy.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, March 25 for the highly anticipated July 15 match. The club also plans to earmark discounted and free tickets for community nonprofits and fans from underrepresented populations.
To kick off the collaboration between Gotham FC and the Mets, mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met will be Torch Bearers at Gotham FC’s 2026 NWSL Home Opener on Saturday, March 21.
