New Kids on the Block to headline Boston Legacy FC’s first home match at Gillette Stadium

Boston’s favorite boy band is coming home — and this time, it’s for halftime.

Boston Legacy FC announced that New Kids on the Block will perform during the club’s inaugural home opener on March 14, when the team faces NJ/NY Gotham FC at Gillette Stadium. The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC.

The multi‑platinum group, originally from Dorchester, will take the stage for a medley of their biggest hits, including classics like “Hangin’ Tough,” “Step By Step,” and “You Got It (The Right Stuff).” The show will celebrate both the city’s music legacy and the launch of Boston Legacy FC’s first National Women’s Soccer League season.

“Welcoming NKOTB to Gillette Stadium for our home opener is just the beginning of what will be an unforgettable inaugural season,” said Jennifer van Dijk, Boston Legacy FC’s team president, in a statement.

According to the club, more than 20,000 tickets have already been sold. That puts the match on track to draw one of the largest crowds in NWSL history, establishing an early milestone for the franchise and the city’s growing passion for professional women’s soccer.

The halftime performance adds a nostalgic twist to an already big day for New England sports. For many Boston fans, New Kids on the Block represent more than pop nostalgia — they embody the city’s personality: loyal, high‑energy, and proud of its roots. Seeing them share the field with a brand‑new local club connects generations of Boston pride, from the ‘80s music boom to today’s expanding women’s sports scene.

This marks one of several entertainment‑driven efforts by Boston Legacy FC to boost visibility in its debut season. The team joins the league at a moment of major growth, with record ticket sales and increasing national TV coverage.

For anyone planning to attend, tickets for the home opener at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough remain available through the club’s official website. Fans can also expect family‑friendly festivities outside the stadium and a few surprises during the event.

If the combination of Boston soccer and Boston pop legends is any indication, March 14 is shaping up to be one of those “you‑had‑to‑be‑there” moments for the city.