NYCFC’s New Stadium to Showcase City’s Diverse Food Scene with Legends Partnership
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New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is elevating the fan experience at its forthcoming Etihad Park, partnering with global experiences company Legends to deliver a culinary program deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant food culture. The expanded collaboration, announced this week, will see Legends manage all food and beverage operations at the $780 million stadium, slated to open in 2027.
A Culinary Celebration at Etihad Park
The partnership extends a pre-existing relationship between NYCFC and Legends, which began in May 2024 with Legends handling premium seating sales. Now, Legends will oversee concessions, premium suites, clubs, and catering throughout Etihad Park, with a strong emphasis on highlighting local flavors.
“Partnering with New York City FC, we’re committed to delivering a best-in-class hospitality experience for local fans and guests traveling from around the world to visit Etihad Park,” stated a senior official at Legends. “Our goal is to create a culinary experience that celebrates the city’s incredible food culture – from favorite local restaurants to hidden gems from across the five boroughs. Every matchday and every event will offer fans and guests something new to discover and share together.”
Five Boroughs Food Hall & Local Brews
Central to the stadium’s food strategy is the Five Boroughs Food Hall, designed to represent the diverse cuisines found throughout New York City. The hall will feature small business vendors, offering a taste of each borough’s unique culinary identity.
Beyond the food hall, fans can expect locally sourced food options on the general concourse and live cooking stations in premium hospitality areas. Beverage options will also lean local, with five bars and two tap bars dedicated to showcasing New York-brewed beers.
A Landmark Project for NYC & MLS
Etihad Park, currently under construction in Willets Point, Queens, will be the first purpose-built soccer stadium in New York City. The 25,000-seat venue is being entirely privately funded and received approval from the New York City Council in 2024. Notably, it will also be the first fully electric outdoor stadium in the United States.
The stadium is just one component of a larger development plan for the area, which includes 2,500 new housing units, a 650-seat public school, a new hotel, and public open space. This comprehensive project aims to revitalize the Willets Point neighborhood and create a dynamic destination for sports, entertainment, and community life.
Legends’ involvement extends beyond food and beverage, having provided NYCFC with strategic consulting, market analysis, and sales team development. This holistic approach underscores the franchise’s commitment to creating a world-class experience for fans and solidifies its position as a leading force in Major League Soccer.
