The New York sports scene is arguably unmatched in North America. With a plethora of teams spread out among a variety of professional and amateur sports, being a sports fan in the state of New York comes with added benefits.
On top of being the home to several sports teams, the city has deep cultural roots and is one of the most historic cities in the world.
Two of the hottest sports teams in New York right now are in the MLB, with the Mets and Yankees fighting for playoff spots. The Mets currently hold the top spot in the NL East (as of June 10) and the Yankees are in a tight battle in the AL East, sitting 2.5 games back of the Wild Card.
While the Mets and Yankees are known for their historic ambiance at their respective stadiums, there are a ton of things to do away from Citi Field and Yankee Stadium that makes it so much better to be a fan of either team. The Mets and Yankees are two of the hottest tickets in town, but there are a wide variety of attractions that goes hand-in-hand with both New York teams.
What makes New York so special is its ease of access to venues. Visiting Madison Square Garden might be a challenge for drivers, but the city has a historic subway system that is also backed by a formidable train system. If you’re a fan of either the Yankees or Mets and would like to visit something historic, visiting MSG is a must. The Garden has hosted a number of sporting events, as well as theatrical and other entertainment events.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat before the game, New York serves some of the finest cuisines in the world. Whether it’s dinner before the game or an after-hours bite, both Yankee Stadium and Citi Field are well surrounded by various food establishments.
From street food vendors outside Yankee Stadium to the local favorite Stan’s Sports Bar, the Yankees are flourishing in food and beverage options. Near Citi Field, you can go to favorites like Shaking Crab, Mojo Restaurant, and Los Amigos Chimichurry.
Both the Yankees and Mets are projected to make the playoffs this season. For a city that is already buzzing, the benefits of another World Series run for either team would be astronomical.
The bookies love both New York teams. As of June 10th, the Mets are currently listed at +900 to win the World Series according to Betway Sports. Only the Dodgers, White Sox, and Padres own better odds than the Mets currently.
For the pinstripes, they aren’t far behind. The Yankees are listed at +1200 to win the World Series, which is the third-best odds of all American League teams.
The Yankees own the most World Series victories in Major League history but last won in 2009. As for the Mets, the last time they were crowned World Series champion was in 2015.
With the electricity in the air on any given night, the environment surrounding a potential Mets/Yankees playoff game would be exhilarating. Of course, the remaining month June and the rest of summer baseball need to be played, but for now, the Mets are on the fast track to the playoffs. The Yankees will need to up the ante, but if there is enough time for the Yankees to right the ship after a rocky start to June.
From the famous one-dollar slice to the Empire State Building, New York has many attractions that keep both tourists and locals buzzing. Mix in the insane sports atmosphere and the city is always rearing for the next run.
Both Citi Field and Yankee Stadium have several attractions in the surrounding area that improves the overall experience for baseball fans. The passionate crowd, local eats and love of entertainment give everyone a chance to enjoy something before and after a hopeful hometown win.
There is something for everyone in this beautiful city, which makes attending a baseball game in this environment even better. While the Mets and Yankees are two enjoyable attractions, the city and team provide several attractions to help improve the experience and make it one you’ll never forget.
Hopefully by October, we’ll see both the Yankees and Mets in the playoffs. There is also the potential of a rematch from the 2000 World Series.
Either way, New York’s baseball scene is thriving and the city isn’t too bad either.