New York City FC announces Visit Tampa Bay as its official tourism partner
The partnership launches alongside the start of the club's 2026 preseason in Florida and aims to bring fans closer to the destination's experiences during the upcoming MLS season
New York City FC and Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay's Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced an agreement whereby the tourism entity becomes the club's Official Tourism Partner for the upcoming Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
The collaboration coincides with the start of New York City FC's 2026 preseason, which began this week in Tampa, offering fans a first look at the partnership as the team prepares for the new season on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Renowned for its blend of laid-back energy and vibrant character, Tampa Bay stands out for its diverse experiences, including outdoor activities, a culinary scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, and top-tier entertainment. In this context, the partnership with the New York club highlights concepts such as exploration, community, and the excitement surrounding the start of a new sports season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Visit Tampa Bay to the New York City FC family. Launching this partnership while our team is in Tampa for preseason makes this announcement even more special,” said Ara Sarajian, Vice President of Partnership Development for New York City FC, who also highlighted the destination’s dynamism and appeal to diverse audiences.
As part of the agreement, Visit Tampa Bay will have a presence on the club's digital platforms and at the stadium, with the goal of showcasing the experiences the region offers. The partnership will also include raffles and special promotions that will allow fans to win trips to Tampa Bay, as well as future activations focused on strengthening the connection with the team's supporters.
For his part, Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, stated that the collaboration will allow the destination to be positioned before MLS fans in New York, throughout the United States and internationally, highlighting the strategic value of partnering with one of the most relevant clubs in its main national market.
As part of this alliance, New York City FC is conducting its preseason training in Tampa, at the Waters Sportsplex, the training center of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, reinforcing the connection between the club, the destination and the start of a new sporting stage.