Boston Legacy FC Kicks Off Historic Home Opener with New Kids on the Block Halftime Show

Record-breaking crowd expected at Gillette Stadium as Boston's new NWSL team hosts NJ/NY Gotham FC on March 14.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Boston Legacy Football Club is set to host a momentous home opener on March 14, featuring a special halftime show by Boston-born New Kids on the Block at Gillette Stadium. The event will showcase the boy band's energetic performance during the team's first match against NJ/NY Gotham FC, with more than 20,000 tickets already sold - one of the largest crowds in NWSL history.

Why it matters

This occasion marks a significant milestone both for the team and Boston's sports and entertainment scenes, underscoring the connection between Boston's rich cultural heritage and the emergence of a new chapter in the city's sports legacy. The halftime performance by NKOTB is expected to boost local enthusiasm for Legacy FC and the NWSL, contributing to the city's evolving sports identity.

The details

Boston Legacy FC President Jennifer van Dijk expressed enthusiasm about the historic home opener and the band's involvement, stating that "Welcoming NKOTB to Gillette Stadium for our home opener is just the beginning of what will be an unforgettable inaugural season." For the members of New Kids on the Block, this halftime performance marks a heartfelt return to their hometown stage, with Donnie Wahlberg conveying the band's strong connection to Boston.

  • Boston Legacy FC's home opener is scheduled for March 14, 2026.
  • The match against NJ/NY Gotham FC will kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET and be broadcast live on ABC.

The players

Boston Legacy FC

Boston's new National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team, set to make their historic home debut on March 14, 2026.

New Kids on the Block

An award-winning and multi-platinum boy band originating from Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, who will perform a halftime show at the Legacy FC home opener.

Jennifer van Dijk

President of Boston Legacy FC, who expressed enthusiasm about the historic home opener and the band's involvement.

Donnie Wahlberg

A member of New Kids on the Block, who conveyed the band's strong connection to Boston and excitement to be part of this new chapter in Boston sports history.

NJ/NY Gotham FC

The opposing team that will face Boston Legacy FC in their home opener on March 14, 2026.

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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.”

— Jennifer van Dijk, President of Boston Legacy FC

“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.”

— Donnie Wahlberg

What’s next

Tickets for the Boston Legacy FC home opener on March 14, 2026 are expected to sell out quickly, so fans are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as possible.

The takeaway

Boston Legacy FC's historic home opener, featuring a halftime show by the iconic New Kids on the Block, symbolizes the city's vibrant community spirit and ongoing growth in women's professional soccer. This event will likely boost local enthusiasm for the team and the NWSL, contributing to Boston's evolving sports identity.