mls-en : MLS Fans React to Sponsor Name Change of NYCFC Stadium to "Park"
Icaro
In a move that has sparked mixed emotions among fans, New York City FC announced a change in the naming rights of their stadium from Sponsor Name Stadium to "Park," with Etihad remaining the main sponsor. The decision came as both a surprise and a point of contention, with some expressing nostalgia for the old name while others welcomed the change.
Among the social media comments, one fan expressed their fondness for the former Sponsor Name Stadium, affectionately calling it "Sponsor Stadium," highlighting the sentimental attachment fans develop with stadium names. Another fan humorously dubbed the stadium "Sears Tower," drawing on the previous naming iterations.
The shift in naming rights prompted a range of reactions, with fans reminiscing about past names like Naming Rights Stadium and expressing preference for the simplicity of "Park." However, some fans reminisced about prior names like "Seatgeek Stadium" with disdain and lamented the corporate nature of modern sports team ownership.
Despite the debate over the stadium's name, fans also reflected on broader issues within the MLS, discussing the impact of corporate ownership on teams and dreaming of a day when New York would have a non-corporate MLS team. The conversation extended beyond naming rights to touch on the significance of community engagement and local representation in sports franchises.
Amidst the discussions, humor also played a role, with fans proposing whimsical names like Keaton Park and Randall Park. Others playfully suggested monikers like "Quietihad Park" and "Pigeon Park," reflecting the creative and sometimes irreverent spirit of the fanbase.
As NYCFC moves forward with the new naming rights agreement, the debates around the stadium name reflect the deeper conversations about ownership, community engagement, and the evolving landscape of professional sports in the modern era. Whether fans will fully embrace "Park" as the new name remains to be seen, but the dialogue it has sparked showcases the passion and diversity of voices within the MLS fan community.