New York City FC at Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New York, is home to a Major League Soccer team it can be proud of. New York City FC has the shared heritage and ownership of Manchester City -- whose City Football Group controls 80 percent of the franchise -- and the New York Yankees, who own the remaining 20 percent.
NYCFC play at Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009 and is the third iteration of the venerable stadium. The first Yankee Stadium was built in 1923 and rebuilt in the mid '70s. Yankee Stadium seats 28,743 for most MLS games and can seat up to 47,309 for playoff games and other important matches. The official supporters group, The Third Rail, occupies Sections 236 and 237 of Yankee Stadium and was founded immediately after the establishment of the franchise.
New York City FC History
New York City FC first began play in 2015, after the 20th MLS franchise was awarded in 2013. NYCFC already has a strong connection with the New York Red Bulls, and their rivalry already has a name: the Hudson River Derby.
After finding their footing during their inaugural season, New York City FC reeled off three playoff appearances in a row, making the Eastern Conference semi-finals in 2016, 2017, and 2018. While NYCFC lost in these games to Toronto FC, the Columbus Crew, and the Chicago Fire, respectively, they have laid the groundwork for future postseason success.
The New York City FC roster was quickly built around such international stars as David Villa and Frank Lampard, giving the team credibility and a solid reputation from the very beginning. From that foundation came a consistency which allowed NYCFC to make three playoff appearances in their first four years.
David Villa, who prior to joining New York City FC helped lead Spain to the 2010 FIFA World Cup title, had an immediate and lasting impact on the club. He led the team in scoring in each of his four seasons and won the 2016 MLS Most Valuable Player Award before leaving to play in Japan for Vissel Kobe after the 2018 MLS season.
