Gotham FC’s Big Night at Citi Field: The Queens Classic Explained for Beginners

What Is Happening and When?

Imagine your favorite superhero team throwing a huge party—but with soccer! Here’s the scoop:

• Who: Gotham FC (the reigning champions of the NWSL—that’s the top women’s soccer league in the U.S.) is playing the Washington Spirit.
• What: It’s a rematch of the 2025 NWSL Championship, called The Queens Classic.
• Where: Citi Field (the baseball home of the New York Mets) in New York.
• When: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET (evening, under the lights).
• Watch on TV: ESPN will show it to the whole country.

Important Point: More than 40,000 fans have already grabbed tickets! This is the first women’s pro sports event ever at Citi Field, and they want to break the NYC attendance record for a women’s sporting event.

A Full Day of Fun Before the Game

You don’t just show up for the match—there’s a giant party all afternoon!

Footy Fest (The Big Pre-Game Festival)

• Time: 2:30–7:30 p.m.
• Host: Sam Mewis (a World Cup winner and former U.S. star player).
• Sponsored by: CarMax.

World Cup Watch Party

• Time: Starts at 3 p.m.
• Gotham FC hosts a watch party for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal.
• With: U.S. Soccer and the local World Cup host committee.
• Sponsored by: Dove.

Live Podcast Recording

• Time: 6–6:45 p.m.
• Show: Welcome to the Party (presented by Yoggies).
• Hosts: Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach (U.S. soccer legends).
• Guest: Lucy Bronze (a famous Chelsea defender).

Cool Free Stuff and Traditions

• Bobblehead gift: The first 7,500 fans get a Rose Lavelle bobblehead (she’s the reigning NWSL MVP) with her dog Wilma Jean. Courtesy of CarMax.
• Torch Lighting Ceremony: Gotham’s signature pre-match tradition. Joined by:
  • Sam Mewis
  • Julie Foudy & Abby Wambach
  • Sue Bird (4-time WNBA champ, 5-time Olympic gold medalist)
  • Donovan Mitchell (NBA All-Star and NY native)
  • Finale by Gloria Steinem (famous journalist and activist).

Game Time and Performances

• National anthem: By sibling band Infinity Song (they also perform at halftime).
• Pregame spotlights include:
  • Lendistry Small Business of the Match
  • Aligne Fan Fit of the Match
  • Trivia by Flamingo
  • CarMax Kids coin toss
  • Match ball delivery by Elevate Play (Bank of America)

After the Match

1. Fans vote for CarMax Player of the Match on Gotham FC’s social media.
2. As you leave, Dove and Khloud give free snacks (like Khloud Protein Popcorn).

Other Gameday Activations

Footy Fest Details

Located by Citi Field’s Seaver and Stengel Entrances. Fun stuff:

• Live music from DJ Been Blackin’ and DJ Ria
• NWSL Summer of Soccer bus
• Beer Garden (21+ only)
• Bank of America Fan Band giveaway
• Dove’s Bead Bar, Confidence Wall, sign-making
• Gruns nutrition sampling with mascot Barry
• Panini Create Your Own Trading Cards
• RWJBarnabas Health Mini Pitch
• TYLENOL® Zone with Precision Kick and One Touch
• More sampling from Lendistry, Yoggies, Travel + Leisure, etc.

The Queens Collective

• What: Networking event for women leaders and rising voices.
• Time: 5:30–7 p.m.
• RSVP: https://www.gothamfc.com/events/the-queens-collective

Summary

Gotham FC plays the Washington Spirit at Citi Field on July 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Over 40k fans are coming to break a record. Starting at 2:30 p.m., enjoy Footy Fest, a World Cup watch party, live shows, free bobbleheads, a torch ceremony with legends, and post-game goodies. It’s a full-day celebration of women’s sports!

FAQ

Q: What is the NWSL?
A: It’s the National Women’s Soccer League—the top professional soccer league for women in the U.S. Gotham FC is its reigning champion.

Q: Do I need to arrive early?
A: Yes! Footy Fest opens at 2:30 p.m. and the first 7,500 fans get a free bobblehead, so early birds win.

Q: Can I watch if I’m not at the stadium?
A: Absolutely—ESPN broadcasts the match nationally at 8 p.m. ET.

Q: Is Footy Fest for kids?
A: Mostly yes! There’s music, mascots, and games. Just note the Beer Garden is for adults 21+.

Q: How do I join The Queens Collective?
A: Visit the RSVP link above to reserve a spot for the 5:30–7 p.m. women’s networking event.