NYCFC to play remaining home games at Yankee Stadium

Don’t say we didn’t tell you so!

Earlier this morning, New York City FC announced that they would no longer be ground sharing with the New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey and that they would be returning to Yankee Stadium in the South Bronx for the remainder of their home games in 2020.

NYCFC’s return to Yankee Stadium comes on the heels of the New York Yankees no longer needing their stadium for the remainder of 2020 due to the MLB Postseason being played in a collection of bubbles.

Because of the sudden change of venues, NYCFC rescheduled their October 6 game against D.C. United to October 7 at 7:00 PM. The club’s October 11 game against the New England Revolution has also been changed from a night game to a late afternoon start at 4:30 PM.

On the club’s return to their normal home in NYC, coach Ronny Deila expressed optimism. “I think it’s an advantage,” the Norwegian manager said in the presser on Friday. “The players have played there many seasons, many of them. So they know the stadium inside [and] out. And that’s our home for now, and it’s we’re back in Yankee Stadium.”

When asked about his tactical approach in Yankee Stadium, Ronny said, “I haven’t been there, so I don’t know. So... in my mind, it’s just a smaller pitch. But we have to do the same things we’re doing in the Red Bull Arena or away. And if that doesn’t work, then we of course have to improve and try to do things better. But to change things — I think we never change, just improve.”

October 7’s game against DCU will be the first time NYCFC have played in Yankee Stadium in 2020. The club was only days away from their home opener against FC Dallas on March 14 when when the league announced on March 12 that the season would be temporarily suspended due to growing concerns regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. City had played two MLS games on the road to that point, with their CONCACAF Champions League games being hosted at Red Bull Arena due to Yankee Stadium not being up to CONCACAF standards.

The club’s return to Yankee Stadium has been met with both acclaim and criticism from supporters, with the more critical fans showing concern regarding how Deila’s game plan will work in Yankee Stadium’s notoriously unique dimensions and sightlines.

Regardless of anything, NYCFC return to the Bronx on Wednesday.