New MLS expansion-side NYCFC has made some recent announcements in preparation of their inaugural season. On Thursday, NYCFC announced a partnership with YES Network, and on Friday, they announced their first match will be played on March 8 and first home match will be March 15.
In a move that should not surprise their fans, NYCFC announced a multi-year agreement with YES Network to be the official television station for the team. Along with this, WFAN will be the official radio station. YES Network will air all home and away regular season matches, except those, which are nationally televised.
“It is only fitting that YES has become New York City FC’s television partner, given the New York Yankees’ investment in the club and New York City FC’s playing in the number one market in the country, at Yankee Stadium in particular,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the YES Network Tracy Dolgin.
Additionally, NYCFC games will be available for live stream on the FOX Sports Go app to fans whose operators have deals with YES (currently Cablevision and Times Warner).
On Friday, NYCFC announced that their first ever match will be played on the road against Orlando City Soccer Club on March 8, 2015. There has already been a fan rivalry with Orlando City, the second MLS expansion side set for a 2015 inaugural season, since Orlando City grew their team from USL Pro and NCYFC bought theirs for $100 million. With both teams set to face off to begin their inaugural season, the rivalry should continue to develop.
Claudio Reyna, New York City’s Sporting Director, said, “Our first competitive game will be the culmination of nearly two years’ hard work to get this Club ready for kick off. Now it is time to focus on what lies ahead and our first game will mark the true beginning for New York City FC.”
NYCFC also has a date for their first home game. On March 15, the new Yankee Stadium becomes the home stadium for a team not named the Yankees for a full season for the first time. Still looking for a place to build their own stadium, NYCFC are set to play their first few seasons in Yankee Stadium, playing their games around the Yankees’ schedule. NYCFC will play the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the New England Revolution. New York and the New England area are known for a heated sports rivalry, and this could be the next chapter.
“We’re looking forward to starting on the road and building up even more excitement as we head home for our first game in Yankee Stadium. We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have had across New York and we can’t wait to play in front of all of our fans for the first time. We know that they will create an unbelievable atmosphere in Yankee Stadium on March 15th,” said Head Coach Jason Kreis.
NYCFC’s full schedule will be released in January.
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