The Major League Soccer (MLS) team New York City FC has announced they have selected Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s live events, venues and brands, as the Official Food and Beverage (F&B) Operating Partner of Etihad Park.
‘newyorkcityfc.com’ stated that in this role Legends Global will assist in bringing the club’s culinary vision to life at Etihad Park managing concessions, premium suites and clubs and catering.
The New York City Football Club (often referred to as NYCFC) is an American professional soccer club based in New York City (US). The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference.
The Etihad Park is the new, 25,000-seat, fully electric soccer-specific stadium being built for New York City FC (NYCFC) in the Willets Point neighborhood of Queens (US) with an expected opening for the 2027 MLS season. It is part of a larger development with housing, retail and a school making it a landmark “cathedral of soccer” for NYC.
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues and brands. They deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services including feasibility and consulting, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content and booking. Through their white-label approach they keep their partners front and center while leveraging the power of their global network: Over 450 venues, 20,000 events and 165 million guests annually.
‘newyorkcityfc.com’ further stated that the food and beverage (F&B) fan experience will play a defining role in creating the spirit and energy of the club’s future home – the Etihad Park – which is currently under construction. The club is committed to embracing and celebrating the culture of New York City and the Etihad Park will reflect that by showcasing exceptional local restaurants and celebrity chefs across all food and beverage offerings throughout the stadium. From concessions featuring locally sourced food available in the general concourse to live cooking stations in premium hospitality areas, every attendee at Etihad Park will enjoy a world-class New York City-inspired dining experience.
Pointed out Brad Sims, New York City FC head honcho, “Food is an essential part of New York City’s identity that reflects its diversity and creativity and we are committed to bringing that spirit to life within Etihad Park. With Legends Global’s operational expertise and our commitment to showcasing the local chefs and the restaurants we’re ensuring that the taste and spirit of New York City are authentically represented in every corner of Etihad Park. We’re looking forward to making some exciting announcements about the incredible chefs and restaurants we’ll be working with over the next 12 months.”
The design of Etihad Park’s North, South and East Stands will each feature three fixed food stands, two portable grills and two beverage markets. Five fully stocked bars and two tap bars featuring New York brews on draft will also be located throughout the concourse. Additionally, the Supporters Porch will feature unique offerings and New York City staples for the Etihad Park attendees.
Food and beverage will also be a key highlight of the premium hospitality spaces located in the West stand at Etihad Park. Each space will feature its own dedicated kitchen ensuring the guests enjoy freshly prepared premium foods throughout their visit. All food and beverages will be included for guests in these areas who will also have access to the full range of main concourse dining and drink options available across Etihad Park.
The Etihad Park will further champion New York City’s iconic gastronomy with the Five Boroughs Food Hall located in the City Square. This area will have small business vendors representing cuisines found throughout each borough of New York City. Each vendor will bring a unique offering solidifying the whole of City Square as a main hospitality attraction of Etihad Park.
Local businesses seeking to become City Square vendors must be licensed and insured food service operators in New York City. Following selection the vendors will enter a one-year licensing agreement with the Etihad Park to operate at City Square.
Maintained Tom Funk, Legends Global President of Hospitality, “Partnering with New York City FC we’re committed to delivering a best-in-class hospitality experience for the local fans and the guests traveling from around the world to visit Etihad Park. 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.”
Etihad Park is New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium and the future home of New York City FC. The new stadium is 100 percent privately financed, will seat 25,000 people and be the first fully electric outdoor sports stadium in the country.
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