New York City is known for its world-class sports teams and events. From the Yankees and Mets in Major League Baseball to the Knicks and Nets in the NBA, New York is home to some of the most beloved teams in the US. With many teams in various leagues throughout the city, it can be difficult to decide which events to attend. To help make that decision a bit easier, here is a guide to some of the most popular sporting events in New York City.
NFL: New York Giants
The New York Giants are one of the most iconic and storied NFL teams. The Giants were originally founded in 1925 and were members of the National Football League (NFL) until the team moved to San Francisco in 1958. In 1971, the team relocated back to the Big Apple and has been playing their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, since 2010. The Giants are most famous for their long history of success—the team has won four Super Bowls, 10 NFL Eastern Division titles, and 16 NFL League Championships.
NBA: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are one of the most successful teams in NBA history. Founded in 1946, the Knicks have won two NBA championships, eight conference titles, and six division titles. The Knicks are based at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which is located in the heart of Manhattan. This iconic location houses some of the most passionate basketball fans in the world, who are always eager to cheer on their team.
MLB: New York Yankees
No other MLB team has had the success of the New York Yankees. The Yankees are the most successful team in MLB history, with 27 World Series titles and 40 American League pennants. Based in the Bronx borough of New York City, the Yankees play their home games at the historic Yankee Stadium. From day games in the summer to rainouts and late-night doubleheaders, the Yankees are a fixture of the summertime in New York.
NHL: New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are the city’s oldest hockey team. Founded in 1926, the Rangers have won four Stanley Cups and have placed in the playoffs more times than any other NHL team. The Rangers play their home games at Madison Square Garden, which means you can enjoy top-notch hockey action in the heart of Manhattan.
Major Events in New York City
New York City truly is a sports hub, hosting multiple major sporting events throughout the year. Here are a few of the biggest events to look out for:
• U.S. Open Tennis: Held annually in the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, the U.S. Open is one of the world’s greatest tennis tournaments.
• Belmont Stakes: The Belmont Stakes is a major thoroughbred horse race held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The race attracts some of the best horses in the world and is the third leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
• New York City Marathon: Despite its name, this marathon occurs in all five of the city’s boroughs. The race is one of the largest and most popular running events in the world and attracts competitors from around the globe.
• Empire State Building Run-Up: This incredible event, held in midtown Manhattan, features competitive runners from across the globe as they race up the 1,576 steps of the Empire State Building.
• NYC Half Marathon: The NYC Half Marathon takes runners from the city’s iconic Central Park to the streets of Manhattan and back. This competitive event attracts runners from all over the world.
• Preakness Stakes: The second leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, the Preakness Stakes is a major race held at Pimlico in Baltimore, Maryland.
• Barclays Center Classic: This annual collegiate basketball tournament pits four of the country’s greatest men’s and women’s teams against one another at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
• New York City Football Club: The first professional soccer team in the city, the New York City Football Club was founded in 2013. The team plays their home games at Yankee Stadium.
• Brooklyn Basketball Classic: As one of the nation’s longest-running high school basketball tournaments, the Brooklyn Basketball Classic brings together some of the greatest high school players in the country.
• Tony Awards: The annual Tony Awards celebrate the best of Broadway theater. The event is held at the Radio City Music Hall and tickets can be hard to come by.
• Army-Navy Game: The annual football game between the United States Military Academy (Army) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) is held on Saturday after Thanksgiving. The game is held alternately at the two schools each year.
Tips for Attending Sporting Events in New York City
• Buy tickets early: Popular sporting events can sell out quickly, so it’s important to buy tickets ahead of time to get the best seats.
• Dress appropriately: Many venues have dress requirements for sporting events, so be sure to check the policy for the event you are attending.
• Check the weather: The weather in New York can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the forecast before heading to the event.
• Have a plan: Public transport options can become congested during sporting events, so it’s important to plan your route ahead of time.
• Be prepared for crowds: Large crowds are common at sporting events in New York City. Make sure to bring your patience and good cheer with you to the event.
• Consider parking: As public transport can be busy, it’s a good idea to look into parking options near the venue before heading out.
New York City is an incredible place to watch sports and experience amazing events. From the Yankees to the Rangers, the city offers a wide variety of teams and events that are perfect for taking in a great game. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which events to attend. Fortunately, this guide offers an overview of some of the top sporting events in New York City, as well as some tips for making the most of your time at the venue. So, go ahead and enjoy the games!
