New York City for Sports Fans

Of all the places in the United States that has professional sports teams, New York City is one city that offers more than just pro sports events. Sports fans are not limited to basketball, baseball, hockey and football. There is the US Open (Tennis), the New York City Marathon, wrestling, horse racing and much more.

According to Harris Poll and ESPN, in 2014, 35 percent of fans call the NFL their favorite sport, followed by Major League Baseball, college football, auto racing, the NBA, the NHL and college basketball.

Here are 6 sports events for sports fans visiting New York City:

1. Football
The New York Giants and the New York Jets do not play in New York City. Both teams play at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ 13 miles from New York City.

MetLife Stadium is a 2.1 million square foot facility that seats 82,500 and almost 90,000 for non-football major events. It has over 200 suites on four levels and each suite holds 16-24 seats. This gigantic facility hosts 20 NFL games, which is twice as many as any other NFL Stadium.

The stadium also hosts international soccer matches, motor sports and college sporting events. If you are a Jets fan and hate anything that has to do with the Giants or vice versa, the stadium is able to transform the whole building into Jets Green to Giants Blue and back again.

Information: MetLife Stadium
NY Jets
NY Giants

2. Basketball
The New York Knickerbockers also known as the Knicks plays at the “Mecca of Basketball”, Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan. For over 60 years Knicks has been providing fans with unforgettable games in the World’s Most Famous Arena.

Information: Knicks

Madison Square Garden is easily accessible from anywhere in New York City and New Jersey. The Madison Square Garden is 1.72 miles from the The Plaza Hotel on 58th Street and 5th Avenue.

3. Hockey
The New York Rangers has been entertaining fans for 85 seasons. Like the Knicks, the team plays at the Madison Square Garden.

Information: NY Rangers

Visitors can get an All Access Tour of the Madison Square Garden daily from 10:30 am to 3 pm. The Go Behind the Scenes at the World’s Most Famous Arena will let you into the exclusive VIP areas, discover the Chase Bridges and get the inside scoop on all your favorite Knicks and Rangers’ players.

Information: Madison Square Garden All Access Tour

4. US Open (Tennis)
The US Open is a must-go event for every tennis fan. Located in Flushing Meadows Queens, the USTA Billy Jean King National Tennis Center is the largest public tennis facility in the world. This 42-acre site is open to the public seven days a week for 11 months.

The facility has 20 outdoor tennis courts, tennis pro shop and a 245,000 square feet indoor tennis facility.

Information: US Open

Ticket prices to the US Open can be pricey on select dates at Arthur Ashe Stadium especially for games like the Men’s semifinals, finals and Women’s final events.

If you are looking for more affordable ways to experience US Open try getting the Grounds Admission tickets. According to US Open’s website, there will be a limited number of Grounds Admission tickets sold on the day of the event. To avoid disappointment purchase the Grounds Admission tickets in advance.

Information: US Open FAQ

5. Baseball
Names like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra are synonymous to American baseball. All these Hall of Fame players were associated with the Yankees.

The New York Yankees is the most decorated professional baseball team in the United States. Every baseball sports fan must visit the Yankee Stadium.

Baseball fans can take the Classic Individual Tours or pre-game tour offered by Yankee Stadium.

Information: Yankee Stadium Tours

The METS is another professional baseball team in New York City. The METS Citi Field Stadium is located in Flushing Meadows Queens. Citi Fields Tour is available to fans at $13 per adult and $9 for children 12 and under and seniors.

Information: METS Citi Tour

6. The New York City Marathon
Every November the streets of New York come alive with marathoners from around the world. The TCS New York City Marathon was once just a race in Central Park. Today this 26.2 miles race across the city is the world’s biggest and most popular marathon

Information: TCS New York City Marathon

These are just six of the highlights of New York City sports events and places to visit. To read more about New York City here are four of our articles:

New York City Transportation Guide
10 Attractions in New York City for Kids
10 Under $10 Places to Eat in New York City
New York City Shopping Guide