Gotham to play NWSL semi at 5K seat venue due to shoddy field
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Gotham FC will relocate their NWSL semifinal match against Kansas City Current to Icahn Stadium in New York City due to poor field conditions at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
- Icahn Stadium, a 5,000-seat venue with a grass field on Randall's Island, previously hosted Gotham FC when SI Stadium was unavailable during the 2026 men's World Cup preparations.
- Attempts to resod the field at SI Stadium failed after discussions involving Gotham FC, NWSL, and New York Red Bulls, who control the stadium, leading to the decision to prioritize player safety and performance.
- The Washington Spirit will play their semifinal at Audi Field on Saturday after rescheduling a college football game, a change not originally planned but which resolved venue conflicts for the semifinals.
- Gotham FC was fined $10,000 by the NWSL for the poor pitch quality at SI Stadium during the regular season, and both players and coaches criticized the field as unfit for professional play.
