5 reasons to watch a baseball game in New York!

In New York, you’ll want to see the landmarks, museums, parks, and all the top attractions and activities. But don’t miss the chance to experience one of America’s favorite sports while you’re here: baseball! Here are five reasons to catch a game:

To discover one of America’s most popular sports

• Along with basketball and American football, baseball ranks among the most popular sports in the United States. New York is a baseball city, home to two major teams: the prestigious New York Yankees (recognizable by their interlocking N and Y logo, seen on caps worldwide) and the New York Mets.
• The rules may seem confusing at first, but you’ll pick them up as the game unfolds. The basic idea: each player takes a turn hitting a ball as far as possible with a bat. Once the ball is pitched, the batter must run around a square formed by four white bases on the ground before the opposing team retrieves the ball. Don’t hesitate to ask your neighbors in the stands for help—New Yorkers love explaining their favorite game.

To experience the warm atmosphere of a game

• Even if sports aren’t your thing, a baseball game is a full entertainment experience. The action happens both on the field and in the stands: the national anthem before the game starts, the team mascot entertaining the crowd, wild games and contests between innings—including the “kiss cam,” which puts couples on the big screen and invites them to kiss.
• A baseball game is above all a celebration of community. The atmosphere is friendly and fun, nothing like the tension you might find at European football matches.

To explore less-visited neighborhoods

• During your time in New York, you’ll likely spend time in the main neighborhoods: the Financial District, Midtown, Greenwich Village, and the East Village. Catching a baseball game gives you a chance to discover two neighborhoods most visitors miss: the Bronx, home to Yankee Stadium (the New York Yankees’ home), and Queens, home to Citi Field (the New York Mets’ home).
• At either stadium, climb to the highest point for unique views of New York. Citi Field offers particularly stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

To eat a hot dog like a New Yorker

• A baseball game typically lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on how quickly play moves. Unlike European football matches, you’ll notice fans constantly getting up and moving around the stadium throughout the game—some heading for sodas, others for burgers.
• Follow the lead of the locals and plan to eat during the game. My favorite stadium snack: a hot dog! Stadium prices aren’t cheap, but it’s part of the experience and the evening. 🙂

To watch world-class baseball

• Both of New York’s teams rank among America’s best. If you’re going to see baseball just once in your life to understand the sport, do it in New York! You might find yourself hooked—I always try to catch a game when the season is in full swing.
• To book tickets, visit the team websites: here’s the page for New York Yankees tickets and the page for New York Mets tickets. Why not catch both? 🙂