New Kids on the Block to Perform at Boston Legacy FC Inaugural Game

Pop icons will headline halftime show at Gillette Stadium for new women's soccer team's home opener.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Boston Legacy FC women's soccer team announced that pop group New Kids on the Block will perform the halftime show at their inaugural home game on March 14 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The performance will feature a medley of the band's hit songs and is part of the team's plans to celebrate the city of Boston and its loyal fanbase.

Why it matters

The appearance of the iconic Boston-based boy band at the inaugural home game of the new Boston Legacy FC women's soccer team is a high-profile event that will help drive interest and attendance for the team's first season in the National Women's Soccer League. It also highlights the team's efforts to connect with the city's passionate sports fans and music lovers.

The details

Boston Legacy FC, an expansion team in the NWSL, will host its first ever home opener on March 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. The team announced that New Kids on the Block will perform a medley of their hit songs like "Hangin' Tough," "Step by Step," and "You Got It (The Right Stuff)" during the halftime show, which the team says will be "quintessentially NKOTB and quintessentially Boston."

  • Boston Legacy FC will host its inaugural home game on March 14, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
  • New Kids on the Block will perform the halftime show at the March 14 game.

The players

Boston Legacy FC

An expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League that will play its inaugural season in 2026.

New Kids on the Block

A popular American boy band formed in Boston in the 1980s, known for hit songs like "Hangin' Tough" and "Step by Step."

Jennifer van Dijk

The president of Boston Legacy FC.

Donnie Wahlberg

A member of New Kids on the Block and a native of Boston.

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What they’re saying

“Welcoming NKOTB to Gillette Stadium for our home opener is just the beginning of what will be an unforgettable inaugural season. On March 14, we'll celebrate everything that makes Boston special — from professional sports and music to our public schools and fiercely loyal fans. By bringing together the Boston Legacy FC and NKOTB fan bases, we're creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment for our city. This is an event not to be missed.”

— Jennifer van Dijk, Team President, Boston Legacy FC (cbsnews.com)

“We'll never stop being Boston fans – we are loyal to the end. This halftime performance is part of a new and exciting chapter in Boston sports history and we are so happy to be a part of it. It's still the five of us doing what we love to do and we can't wait for our fans to join us, along with so many women's soccer fans from across New England, in celebration of Boston and Boston Legacy FC.”

— Donnie Wahlberg (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Ticket sales for the inaugural Boston Legacy FC game have already surpassed 20,000. The team plans to play its home games at White Stadium in Boston once renovations are complete, but will split its 15 home games between Gillette Stadium and Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island this season.

The takeaway

The appearance of the iconic Boston-based band New Kids on the Block at the inaugural home game of the new Boston Legacy FC women's soccer team is a high-profile event that will help drive interest and attendance for the team's first season. It also highlights the team's efforts to connect with the city's passionate sports fans and music lovers, creating a unique celebration of Boston culture.