On Wednesday, September 11, New York City FC will host the Club’s First Responders Night presented by Your Local Ford Stores when the team takes on Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium at 7 p.m.
Importantly, this is the first time NYCFC – the only professional soccer team to play within the five boroughs – will host a home game on the anniversary of September 11.
The Club has incorporated various moments into the match to bring together fans and players in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, including:
- NYCFC First Team jersey numbers will be changed to a United States flag pattern and NYCFC players will wear special 9/11 remembrance armbands
- Players from both NYCFC and Toronto FC will walk out onto the pitch in specially designed 9/11 warm up shirts that pay tribute to City agencies
- Prior to the match, the Club will hold a moment of silence
- More than 75 First Responders will display a field-size United States flag during the National Anthem; the Club will host these First Responders and their families in NYCFC suites to enjoy the match
- There will be a joint color guard consisting of the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority Police and Department of Sanitation
- The Tunnel of Honor, a tradition held at every home match, will be amplified during this match as FDNY and NYPD walk out side-by-side with the players to honor their service
- First Responders and their families will be recognized as Ford Hero of the Match, Honorary Captain and set off the traditional match starting smoke stacks
- NYPD and FDNY soccer teams who participated in the Club’s annual Local Ford Classic will receive on-field recognition; Your Local Ford Stores will follow with a donation to 9/11 related groups via NY’s Finest SC and the FF Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation
To start off the month, the NYCFC First Team paid tribute to victims, survivors, families and all those affected by the events of September 11, 2001 with a team visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in downtown Manhattan.