November 9: Gotham FC sold 3,000 discounted tickets in 24 hours for Sunday’s NWSL playoff quarterfinals, including 1,000 in the first 10 minutes, through a promotion with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Tickets for the game against the Seattle Reign at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, which normally cost between $30 and $50, were offered to New York residents for $12. The city receives no share of the ticket revenue.
It’s not the first time the two have worked together. Mamdani helped Gotham sell 4,000 tickets for July’s ‘Queens Classic’ at Citi Field, which drew a crowd of 42,175. As part of its affordability agenda, it has also offered discounted or free tickets to the World Cup, the US Open, Broadway and other events.
Top-seeded Gotham averaged 10,943 fans in the regular season and had to sell out quickly after the start time was confirmed just a week ago.
“In this condensed timeline, we’re looking for creative ways to sell tickets at a pretty fast pace,” said Mark Zarthar, president of business operations. “So given his audience and his priorities, it’s a natural place to partner with him.”
The mayor’s reach is important. He has nearly 13 million followers on Instagram and nearly 3 million on X, and the promotion drove sales beyond the discounted seats.
“Given its reach, we’re also seeing an increase in ticket sales from non-New York City residents, or even New York City residents who can afford more premium seats,” Zarthar said. “They will be told about the game and its importance through the mayor, and then they will buy tickets at normal price so they can sit closer to the pitch.”
The focus on New York residents is also in line with the club’s long-term plans. Gotham is moving to Etihad Park in Queens in 2028, sharing the new stadium with NYCFC, and building a fan base in the city before then is a priority.
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