Sky Blue Soccer Team Moving To Red Bull Arena In 2020

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team officially has a new home: Red Bull Arena.

On Monday, the New York Red Bulls and the Sky Blue FC announced they’ve reached an agreement for Sky Blue to play all its 2020 home matches at the 25,000-seat arena, which is located in Harrison.

Sky Blue previously played home matches at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, which can hold about 5,000 fans.

The move to Red Bull Arena comes after the team hosted two home games in Harrison last season. Interest in tickets surged following the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team’s thrilling victory in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

• See related article: World Cup Champs Return To USA, Get Cheers At Newark Airport

One of those games featured a highly anticipated match up between Sky Blue captain Carli Lloyd, a Delran native, who took the field against her World Cup teammate, Megan Rapinoe.

• See related article: Women's World Cup Teammates To Face Off At Red Bull Arena In NJ

In addition to Lloyd, Sky Blue’s roster includes Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, Costa Rican midfielder Raquel “Rocky” Rodriguez and Cameroon defender Estelle Johnson.

“After our players and fans experienced Red Bull Arena in 2019, we knew it was the perfect venue to host Sky Blue and showcase this incredible league,” Sky Blue General Manager Alyse LaHue said.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Red Bulls organization for all their efforts in reaching this agreement, and will always remain thankful to Rutgers for their commitment to Sky Blue throughout the years,” LaHue added.

“Having NWSL matches here in Harrison is great for soccer fans in the New York metro area,” Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre said. “We look forward to providing Sky Blue fans, players, and staff a world-class experience every time they enter Red Bull Arena.”

The move to Hudson County will mean more than just extra seats for Sky Blue fans.

In August, Gary Noll – a die-hard sports fanatic who grew up in a deaf household – was on hand at the arena to help the team celebrate an all-time attendance record. But while many attendees at the game were watching the field, Noll was watching the closed caption displays, an initiative started at Red Bull Arena last year.

"It gave me and other fans better fan experience and supported accessibility and inclusiveness for all sports fans," Noll told Patch.

• See related article: Deaf Sports Fan In NJ Offers 'Bravo' For Captions At Red Bull Arena

According to Sky Blue owner representative Tammy Murphy, the move to Red Bull Arena will also mean the team’s growing fan base can get to the game easier due to better public transit options.

In addition, the players will have access to the “top-notch facilities they deserve,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Red Bulls to expand support for professional women’s soccer,” Murphy said. “Last season demonstrated that we are ready to take our players and fans to the next level.”

Sky Blue season ticket holders will receive information regarding ticket renewals, seat locations, and additional changes. Single game and group ticket packages will go on sale at a later date and can be purchased online at https://skybluefc.com/tickets/ or by calling 1-888-SBFC-TIX.

Watch a video of the team filmed at Yurcak Field last year.

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