Back-to-Back Games @Sports Illustrated Stadium Sat.3/22 & Sun. 3/23/25

Sports fans and residents should prepare for a busy weekend in the Town of Harrison as the newly renamed Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena) hosts back-to-back professional soccer matches on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, 2025.

The New York Red Bulls will take the pitch first on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Toronto FC in what is expected to be a high-energy Major League Soccer (MLS) clash. Fireworks will go off at the Red Bulls game so watch out.

The following day, Gotham FC will host the Orlando Pride in a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) matchup kicking off at 5:00 p.m.

Fireworks will be going off at the Red Bulls game so watch out for that.

Early Start Surprises Residents

Last weekend, a rare early start time for a Red Bulls match took many residents by surprise, disrupting normal Saturday routines. Locals expressed frustration about increased traffic, parking issues, and noise levels that started earlier in the day than usual.

“I just wish they’d let us know when the games start earlier than expected,” said one South Fifth Street resident. “We plan our weekends around these games, but not when fans start gathering before noon.”

It is expected that there will be heavier-than-normal pedestrian and vehicle traffic during game weekends, particularly during doubleheaders like this one.

Red Bulls Looking to Gain Momentum

The New York Red Bulls, one of the original MLS franchises since the league’s inception in 1996 (formerly known as the MetroStars), are looking to bounce back from a sluggish start to the season. With new head coach Sandro Schwarz at the helm, the team has adopted a more aggressive pressing style, staying true to its high-energy identity.

Gotham FC Aims to Shine on Sunday

Sunday’s game will feature NJ/NY Gotham FC, one of the NWSL’s rising powerhouses, as they take on a formidable Orlando Pride squad. Gotham FC is coming off an impressive playoff run last season and is anchored by key players like World Cup champion Midge Purce.

The club has worked hard to rebrand itself in recent years, transitioning from its former Sky Blue FC identity and investing in upgraded facilities, training resources, and community engagement. Gotham FC’s matches have grown in popularity, drawing a diverse and passionate fan base from across the tri-state area.

Sports Illustrated Stadium: A New Era in Naming

In late 2024, Sports Illustrated acquired the naming rights to the historic Harrison venue, replacing the iconic “Red Bull Arena” moniker with the new Sports Illustrated Stadium title. The deal, valued at approximately $45 million over ten years, is part of a larger branding strategy to integrate Sports Illustrated into live sports and entertainment experiences.

While the name change has drawn interest and excitement, it has also stirred debate.

“Everyone still calls it ‘Red Bull Arena,’” said one fan. “It’ll take time to adjust, but I get that it's a business move.”

Stadium or Arena?

Another ongoing debate surrounds the very name of the venue: Should it be called a stadium or an arena?

Despite the official name being “Sports Illustrated Stadium,” many argue that the venue’s use for non-sporting events—like a planned concert makes “Sports Illustrated Arena” a more fitting title.

Regardless of the naming nuances, one thing is clear: this weekend will be a big one for sports fans—and a busy one for Harrison.

Traffic & Travel Tips

Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan for potential road closures and parking delays. Public transportation via PATH and NJ Transit is strongly recommended. Fans are also advised to arrive early, as both games are expected to draw large crowds.

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