On Sunday Oct. 23 at Yankee Stadium, right before the players of New York City Football Club take to the pitch against Columbus Crew, their virtual mirrors will have already played in an official tournament of their own. The club is hosting the NYCFC FIFA 17: Best in the City Challenge along with social gaming company Players' Lounge, featuring online qualifiers that culminate in an offline Round of 16 at Yankee Stadium.
This is the first time a North American soccer club has dipped its toes into competitive gaming, and it's not shy about embracing the venture. All participants must play as NYCFC in their matches, both online and offline. Finalists will win perks like tickets to Yankee Stadium's Delta 360 Suite right behind home plate and passes to a meet-and-greet session with the team. The champion will receive a customized NYCFC EA Xbox One.
Although it's too late to play in the first two online qualifiers on Oct. 15 and 16, registration is open until Sunday at 11:59PM for the week-long tournament on Oct. 17-21 and until Oct. 22 for the tournament that day. The competition is free to enter, although participants must be at least 18-years-old.