New Yorkers have a lot of pride, there is no arguing that, especially when it comes to their beloved sports teams. New York City is the only city to have more than one team for each of the major sports franchises – baseball, football, hockey, basketball and most recently, soccer. Although there are always sports going on year round, there is something about springtime weather that gives you that extra push to get to a game. Tourist and locals alike flock to the stadiums around the metropolitan area to get a glimpse of these iconic New York teams.
Baseball
A fresh cut field, hot dogs, family time, spring air – its all part of baseball season. The New York Yankees and New York Mets both offer up about six games a week, so you are bound to be able to catch the Bronx Bombers or the Amazin’ Mets during your time here. The Mets play at Citi Field in Queens which can easily be reached by taking the 7 train from midtown Manhattan. At this very moment they are on a nine game winning streak, so hopefully by the time you see this, Matt Harvey and the rest of the Mets have kept that going.
The New York Yankees. It doesn’t get more iconic than that thanks to the legacy they have created. The Yankees play over in the Bronx, which too is easily accessible by the train. Tickets for the Yankees will run you a little more than a Mets game but, for a way around that the bleachers aren’t a bad spot and you have a chance at catch a home run ball!
Soccer
Soccer has been in New York for a while now with the New York Red Bulls who play in New Jersey, but this year the New York City FC had their inaugural season. Although these games run on a less frequent schedule than baseball, with two teams now, you have a good chance of catching at least one. Soccer is only recently becoming more of a mainstream interest in the United States and there are many star players from Europe now taking contracts with American teams which makes these games even more exciting to watch. You can catch the New York Red Bulls playing at Red Bull Arena while NYCFC plays in Yankee Stadium.
Hockey (Playoffs)
There is no doubt hockey is a winter sport, that is until the two New York teams both make it into the playoffs. The New York Rangers and New York Islanders both have made it to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So far, both teams are holding their own and if they both win their series, they will be playing each other in the next round. Last year, Henrik Lundqvist and the boys made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals where they were defeated by the LA Kings and this year they are back for retribution. Lets hope both teams make it to the next round, which means double the New York City area games and then you can draw your line in the sand with who you are rooting for.