Spectator Sports in NYC

No one takes sports quite as seriously as New Yorkers. Seven professional sports teams dominate the sports scene, including two football, baseball and ice hockey teams. Being a fan here involves unfeigned loyalty: Just ask Yankees and Mets fans what happens when they share a baseball stadium, or how Dodgers fans felt when their team moved to Los Angeles.

New Yorkers are especially passionate about the national pastime. The New York Yankees, who produced such legendary “Bronx Bombers” as Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. This American League club won the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. The season runs from April to October; phone (718) 293-4300.

The Mets, New York City's National League team, stole the World Series from the Boston Red Sox in 1986. They play at Shea Stadium in Queens. The season runs from April to October; phone (718) 507-6387 or (718) 507-8499.

The majors have several Minor League baseball counterparts. The Staten Island Yankees kick off the season in June at Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. For ticket information phone (718) 720-9265. The Mets-affiliated Brooklyn Cyclones play at Keyspan Stadium on Surf Avenue in Coney Island; phone (718) 449-8497. EAB Park in Central Islip is where the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks swing into action; phone (888) 332-5600.

When the New York Knicks hit the court at Madison Square Garden, fans are assured of an exciting game. The season runs from November to June; phone (212) 465-5867 for Knicks information, or (212) 465-6741 for the Garden.

New York loves its college hoopsters, too. The beloved St. John's University Red Storm occasionally play at Madison Square Garden; phone (718) 990-6211 for ticket information. The Long Island University Blackbirds and St. Francis College Terriers both hoop it up in Brooklyn; phone (718) 488-1030 for the Blackbirds and (718) 489-5490 for the Terriers. The Fordham University Rams, (718) 817-4300, play in the Bronx, while the Wagner College Seahawks take to the court at Frederik Sutter Gymnasium in Staten Island; phone (718) 420-4039.

From September to December, Super Bowl III winners the New York Jets and two-time NFL champions the New York Giants scramble on the gridiron in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., at the Meadowlands complex; phone (201) 935-8222 (Giants) or (516) 560-8200 (Jets). Tickets are scarce, so unless you know someone with a season pass, your plans may be sidelined.

After a 54-year dry spell the New York Rangers brought home the coveted Stanley Cup in 1994 to the cheers of die-hard fans at Madison Square Garden; phone (212) 465-6741. The New York Islanders, Stanley Cup winners 1980-83, play out of Nassau Coliseum on Long Island. The season runs from November to April; phone (800) 882-4753.

If you enjoy the ponies, try Aqueduct Race Track in Queens, (718) 641-4700; Belmont Park Race Track on Long Island, (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000; and the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., (201) 935-3900. Harness racing can be seen at Yonkers Raceway in Yonkers; phone (914) 968-4200.

Note: Policies on admitting children to pari-mutuel facilities vary. Phone for specific information.