Gotham FC Relocates NWSL Semifinal to 5,000-Seat Icahn Stadium

Gotham FC will host their NWSL semifinal against the Kansas City Current at Icahn Stadium on Sunday, November 15, due to poor field conditions at their primary home.

Defending champions Gotham FC will host their NWSL semifinal match against the Kansas City Current at Icahn Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 15. The club relocated the fixture from Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, due to poor field conditions described as "atrocious" by players and coaches. Gotham advanced to the round after a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Seattle Reign FC, a match in which Gotham became the first NWSL team to win a playoff game without recording a single shot on target.

Icahn Stadium, located on Randall's Island in New York City, is a 5,000-seat venue featuring a grass field surrounded by a track. The decision to move follows a $10,000 fine issued by the NWSL to Gotham FC last week for the poor quality of the SI Stadium surface during their Nov. 1 regular-season finale. That field deterioration was attributed in part to a USA Rugby doubleheader held at the venue on Oct. 30.

Negotiations to resod the primary pitch involved executives from Gotham FC, the NWSL, and the New York Red Bulls, who serve as the primary tenants of SI Stadium. Gotham control owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett reportedly consulted NFL contacts regarding grass repair solutions, but the parties could not agree on a feasible remedy. The Red Bulls are currently scheduled to host a friendly against Mexico's Club America at SI Stadium on Saturday night.

In the other bracket, the No. 3 seed Washington Spirit will host their semifinal against Utah at Audi Field on Saturday at Noon ET. The Spirit secured the venue after working with D.C. United to reschedule an NCAA Division III football game previously slated for the same day. The NWSL Championship is scheduled to take place at Audi Field on Nov. 21.