New York City FC today announced the launch of the application process for Paze City Square at Etihad Park, inviting local food businesses from across New York City to apply to be food stalls at the Five Boroughs Food Hall, a rotating collection of ten small businesses representing cuisines from across the city. The program is designed to provide local independent restaurants and food entrepreneurs with an opportunity to integrate their brands into New York City’s newest sports and entertainment destination, while elevating visibility, promoting their offerings, and supporting their growth.
Ten local businesses will ultimately be selected as the inaugural participants in the Five Boroughs Food Hall, bringing their signature dishes and brands to fans attending matches and events at New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium.
Applications are now open and will remain available until 11:59 p.m. ET on July 1, 2026. Local businesses interested in applying to become a Paze City Square food stall can submit their application at newyorkcityfc.com/pazecitysquare.
New York City FC encourages independent restaurants, neighborhood favorites, and emerging food concepts from across the five boroughs to apply. Following the review process, the ten selected food stalls will be announced before the end of 2026.
“New York City is one of the greatest food cities in the world, and we’ve always said that Etihad Park should authentically reflect the culture and creativity of our city,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “Paze City Square and the Five Boroughs Food Hall will allow us to showcase incredible local businesses from across the five boroughs and bring their unique flavors directly to our fans. We’re excited to open this application process and look forward to discovering the talented food stalls who will help make Etihad Park a truly New York experience.”
Located just inside Etihad Park past the iconic Cube entrance, Paze City Square will serve as a vibrant gathering space where ticketed fans can explore the Five Boroughs Food Hall on matchdays. On non-event days, the space may open to the public via garage doors that connect directly to the surrounding neighborhood.
Food stalls will be selected through an open application process and evaluated by the Paze City Square Selection Committee, which includes renowned chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson along with Legends Global Senior Vice President of Culinary Gretchen Beaumarchais and New York City FC Vice President of Marketing Lauren Scrima.
Selected food stalls will participate through a one-year licensing agreement, allowing the Club to feature their recipes and menu items within Paze City Square. Legends Global, the Official Food and Beverage Operating Partner of Etihad Park, will manage Paze City Square operations and work closely with the businesses to develop the menus offered in the food hall. Businesses will be required to designate a Vendor Lead for every ticketed event that Paze City Square is operating. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact responsible for overseeing and supporting all operations at their stand throughout the duration of each event.
“Curating the inaugural ten local partners for the Five Boroughs Food Hall is central to our mission at Etihad Park. We are looking beyond traditional food service to find authentic voices and signature dishes that represent the heart of New York City,” said Legends Global President of Hospitality Tom Funk. “Alongside New York City FC, we are building an exceptional culinary destination that ensures a world-class experience for every visitor on matchdays and beyond.”
Etihad Park, the future home of New York City FC, is scheduled to open in 2027 and will become New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium. Designed as a year-round destination for sports, entertainment, and community programming, the stadium will anchor a broader redevelopment at Willets Point in Queens and create a dynamic new neighborhood for the city.
As part of that vision, Paze City Square will operate during New York City FC matches and major stadium events while also serving as a flexible community space on non-event days, hosting activities such as food festivals, markets, and other neighborhood programming.
For more information about Paze City Square and the food stall application process, visit newyorkcityfc.com/pazecitysquare.
