Gotham FC and NYCFC missed out on an opportunity with their Orlando games
Both New York City FC and NJ/NY Gotham FC will be in the same home by 2028. The Bats will become residents of the new Etihad Stadium following their time at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The teams have an opportunity to create a full partnership when that happens, and they could do so beforehand.
In fact, NYCFC and Gotham FC missed out on an opportunity for the weekend of October 24 and 25. Both will be on the road in Florida, specifically in Orlando. The Bronx side will play against Orlando City SC on Saturday night, while the NJ/NY side will face the Orlando Pride on Sunday afternoon. So, why did the teams not plan anything where they could combine forces?
NYCFC and Gotham FC should have combined forces
In other words, the teams could have done multiple things. To start, they could have advertised watch parties for both teams to happen at a similar location. NYCFC and Gotham could have shared a dual event on social media as a way to support one another. In addition, perhaps there could have been an incentive for fans to go to both events to win prizes.
Moreover, once they announced the stadium partnership, they could have planned something special for the games in Orlando. If there were any fans going to the game, then they could have encouraged them to make it a weekend and attend both matches.
More than likely, since the fixtures are in Florida, not too many NYCFC and Gotham fans will be there. However, perhaps some planned a vacation around either or both of the teams' schedules. Orlando is known as the theme park capital of the world, and many tourists who go to the city and area tend to go to places like Disney World and Universal.
There are also things to do in the area, from outdoor activities, attractions outside of the theme parks, and more. Hence, NYCFC and Gotham fans could have spent a few days or more in one of the theme parks, maybe head over to something different like the Central Florida Zoo or Kennedy Space Center, eat out in Orlando, and head to Inter.co Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
If the clubs combined their efforts for the weekend, then they could have created meetups for any fans in Orlando during that time and encouraged them to get tickets for both matches. Perhaps they could have made a deal with the Orlando teams to create a package for the visitors.
Of course, it must be said that such a trip would be expensive, especially in 2026. However, it is possible that fans made the plans early on, and some will be down there.
Gotham FC and NYCFC missed out on this opportunity to combine forces for the first time and begin their partnership. They could still do something local, but even then, the games are less than a week away.
