City Hall: New York is blue

The sky-blue banner on the portico of historic New York City Hall that reads “COME ON NEW YORK,” is the latest example of civic support for New York City FC, the only MLS team to play in the five boroughs: New York City is blue.

The official Twitter account of the City of New York posted a picture of the redecorated City Hall in advance of Saturday’s 2021 MLS Cup Final, which features NYCFC and the Portland Timbers. If NYCFC wins it will be the first nation a title for New York City since 2012, when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

New York’s City Hall was completed in 1812, which makes the building 39 years older than the city of Portland.

City Council member Joe Borelli of Staten Island added his support, and posted a selfie in front of the banner.

Representative Ritchie Torres, whose congressional district includes Yankee Stadium and most of the South Bronx, made a friendly wager with Representative Earl Blumenauer, whose district includes downtown Portland and Providence Park. Proving that clichés are based in truth, if NYCFC wins Blumenauer will send a gift basket of artisanal food–“craft cider, beer, wine, and chocolate.” Torres bet Bronx Brewery beer and fresh pasta from Arthur Avenue if Portland gets the title.

We hope that Torres and his staff enjoy the gift basket—Portland’s small-batch food scene lives up to its delicious reputation.

Blumenauer and Torres are allies in Washington DC, two of the most progressive members of Congress. When it comes to the political map, both Portland and New York City are blue.

UPDATE: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler are betting a case of beer on the game.