NYPD and FDNY to face off in football game in Brooklyn

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For the first time in nearly a decade, the Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) and New York City Police Department (NYPD) will play the traditional FDNY vs. NYPD Fun City Football Bowl at Brooklyn’s MCU Park.

Borough President Eric Adams was joined by NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro, Vice President of the Brooklyn Cyclones Steve Cohen, seven-time Pro Bowl member and New York Jets center Nick Mangold, and participants in the game at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Tuesday, April 5 to make the announcement.

“This is an exciting event. It allows two important agencies to come together with fun family activities in Coney Island,” said Adams about the game, now in its 44th year. “We want people to make a full day of it, to come out. Emergency vehicles will be there to allow our young people to really interact with our professionals and see what they do everyday.”

Adams, a former NYPD captain, joked about being partial to one of the teams. “Everyone knows I’m an NYPD guy. I root for both teams on the field of emergencies, but on game day, I’m hoping the NYPD will beat the FDNY. We need to bring the crown home,” he said.

Bratton was also happy that the event will be played in Brooklyn. “MCU Park in Coney Island is the perfect venue to host what will undoubtedly be a spirited display of sportsmanship in the name of excellent charities,” he said. “We want as many people in the stands as possible rooting for these two teams.”

A portion of the price of each ticket will benefit both teams’ charities, the Widows and Children’s Fund on behalf of the NYPD and the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation.

“We are looking forward for the game. I’ll be rooting for the FDNY. [Police Commissioner Bratton] will be rooting for the NYPD, and that’s okay because we’re raising money for charity and doing the right thing,” said Nigro. “We’re very excited about the game being back in Brooklyn where it belongs. It’s a great field to play on. I look forward to this friendly rivalry.”

“It’s just a great way to start the summer season in America’s playground in Coney Island,” added Cohen, who said the price of admission will include plenty of activities and bang for your buck. “It’s not just about a football game. We’re going to make this a great event for everybody who attends the game. The tickets are just $20, and with that ticket you’re going to get a box seat ticket valued at $15 for a Brooklyn Cyclone game in July.”

Mangold, who will serve as honorary co-captain for the NYPD, is excited for the opportunity. “It’s quite humbling to be involved in two great organizations in New York City,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a great, friendly game that shows team work.”

“As an inner-city kid myself, it means so much  to have the game back in Brooklyn,” said NYPD Sergeant Kai Bowen. “I’m proud to play in this game. You get to play the game together and represent your department in a positive way, and we are ambassadors for the NYPD and that’s very important.”

The 2016 NYPD vs. FDNY Fun City Bowl will take place on May 22 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.brooklyncyclones.com.