NYC FC Expected To Draw More Than 40,000 For Home Debut

NYC FC's home debut tonight at Yankee Stadium against the Revolution is expected to draw a crowd "greater than 40,000." It will be "close to a sellout" at a building "that is clearly not built for soccer." The seats "will be too far from the field, which will be too narrow for much wing play from attacking midfielders" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/15). Many of the attendees "will be there out of curiosity." But after today, the curiosity around NYC FC "quickly will wane and the product on the field will be what draws fans" (N.Y. POST, 3/15). In an attempt to "make the stadium feel like a home during this lengthy stay, NYC FC has sought to personalize it wherever possible" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/14). 

Meanwhile, club sponsor Etihad Airways today runs a quarter-page ad in the N.Y. Times with the copy, "Proud to sponsor your new arrivals" (THE DAILY). SI.com's Brian Straus on his Twitter feed posted a picture of fans queuing up outside the ballpark.