|
New York is one of the most avid sports cities in America. TV stations cover most regular-season games and all postseason games in the big four American team sports - baseball, football, basketball and ice hockey . Some tickets can be hard to find, some impossible and most don't come that cheap. Bars - specifically sports bars - are a good alternative to actually being there.
Many participatory activities in the city are free or affordable. You can swim either at the local pools or the borough beaches, usually for a small fee; jog , still one of the city's main obsessions; or have your fill of spaces to bike or rollerblade.
Tickets for most events can be booked through Ticketmaster (tel 212/307-7171), though it's cheaper - and of course riskier for popular events - to try to pick up tickets on the night of the event. You can also get advance tickets direct from the stadium box office.
Baseball
From April to October, New York Yankees and the New York Mets play 162 games (81 home games each; playoffs run through Oct), giving you plenty of excuses to head out for a sunny day at the ballpark, not to mention the fact that...
read more >>
Basketball
The National Basketball Association's regular season begins in November and runs through the end of April. The two professional teams in the New York area are the New York Knicks , who play at Madison Square Garden, and the New Jersey...
read more >>
Bicycling
There are 100 miles of cycle paths in New York; those in Central Park, Riverside Park and the East River Promenade are among the nicest. Transportation Alternatives (115 W 30th St tel 212/629-8080, www.transalt.org ), while...
read more >>
Bowling
Bowlmor Lanes 110 University Place (between 12th and 13th sts) tel 212/255-8188. Long-established and large bowling alley with a bar and shop. Open Mon & Fri 10am-4am, Tues & Wed 10am-1am, Thurs 10am-2am, Sat 11am-4am, Sun...
read more >>
Football
The National Football League (NFL) season stretches from September until the Super Bowl, typically played on the fourth Sunday in January. Although tickets are sold out for both local teams, the Giants and Jets , well in...
read more >>
Gyms, pools and baths
You can join one of several newly renovated city recreation centers for $25 per year (ages 18-54) or $10 (kids 13-17 and seniors). All have gym facilities and most have an indoor and/or outdoor pool. Call tel 212/447-2020 or look in the...
read more >>
Horse racing
Aqueduct , in Howard Beach, Queens, has thoroughbred racing from October to May. To get there by subway, take the #A train to the Aqueduct station. Belmont , in Elmont, Long Island, is home to the Belmont Stakes (June), one of the three...
read more >>
Ice hockey
The two New York National Hockey League teams are the Rangers , who play at Madison Square Garden, and the Islanders , whose venue is the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The New Jersey Devils play at the Continental...
read more >>
Ice-skating
In winter, the freezing weather makes for good ice skating . In milder weather, roller skating is popular, on the paths in Central Park and specifically near the northwest corner of the Sheep Meadow, in Riverside Park and in many smaller open...
read more >>
In-line skating
You'll see commuters to freestylists on in-line skates - also known as rollerblades - in New York. For the best place, go to the skate circle near Naumberg Bandshell in Central Park at 72nd Street. World-class bladers maneuver...
read more >>
Jogging
Jogging is still very much the number one fitness pursuit in the city. A favorite circuit in the park is 1.57 miles around the reservoir; just make sure you jog in a counterclockwise direction. For company, contact the New York Road Runners Club, 9...
read more >>
Pool
Along with bars and nightclubs, a good option for an evening in Manhattan is to play pool , not in dingy halls but in gleaming bars where yuppies mix with the regulars. The Billiard Club 220 W 19th St (between 7th and 8th...
read more >>
Soccer
The New York/New Jersey Metrostars , who play at Giants Stadium, are the metropolitan area's Major League Soccer representatives; tickets are typically available and range $15-30. The season takes place from May until September.
read more >>
Tennis
The US Open Championships , held each September at the National Tennis Center, in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, in Queens, is the top US tennis event of the year. Tickets go on sale the first week or two of June at the Tennis Center's box...
read more >>
Chelsea Piers
The Chelsea Piers complex, entered at W 23rd St and the Hudson River covers six blocks (tel 212/336-6666), and is comprised of four completely renovated piers, on which all manner of activity takes place. The Sports Center at Pier 60...
read more >>
Central Park
Central Park is an obvious focus for recreation. from croquet and chess to soccer and swimming. Joggers, in-line skaters, walkers and cyclists have the roads to themselves on weekdays 10am-3pm & 7-10pm and all day on weekends. In addition,...
read more >>
| 
