New York City may be a melting pot of people with diverse backgrounds and varying opinions, but there’s one thing that New Yorkers can always agree on — their city has the best sports teams in the world. New York City has long been known for its rich sports culture and history. Its fans are passionate, its stadiums have become iconic monuments and its athletes are some of the most famous players in the world.
From professional games at world-famous arenas to immersive activities that allow you to experience the city in new and exciting ways, there are endless things to do in NYC for sports lovers. Planning a trip based on some of the major sporting events in New York? These are just a few ideas to consider for your itinerary:
1. Cheer On Your Favorite New York Professional Sports Teams
There are sports fans — and then there are New York City sports fans. This city has long been known for its passionate, die-hard fan base. The people who live here are known to have strict allegiances to their favorite teams, and they aren’t above getting into arguments about which team is more successful or legendary.
If you want to live like a local during your time in New York City, then you simply have to attend a professional sporting event in NYC. The major sporting events in New York will vary based on the time of year that you are visiting, but in general, you may be able to catch a baseball game in the summer or a hockey game in the winter.
These are some of the New York sport events that you may be able to attend during your New York City trip:
Catch a New York Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium
Considered by and large to be one of the most famous sports franchises in the history of modern sports, the New York Yankees are a truly iconic baseball team. If you want to get the full New York City experience during the summer, then you should definitely consider getting tickets to see a game at Yankee Stadium.
Many games do sell out, so you might want to get your tickets in advance. The grandstand seats will be your most budget-friendly option, and you will find that it’s easy to use public transportation to get there.
Yankee Stadium is a New York City attraction in its own right, but you may find that some of the exhibits there are a little crowded on game day. Consider visiting the stadium earlier in the day to soak up the history of this legendary ball diamond.
Root for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden
The New York Knicks have a loyal and devoted following in New York City, which can make tickets to their home games at Madison Square Garden difficult to come by. Your best bet is to purchase tickets as early as possible. It’s worth noting that New York Knicks tickets are the most in-demand tickets in the NBA, which means that resellers can mark up the prices quite high. Be wary of purchasing tickets from people claiming to be season ticket holders on social media or even people attempting to sell tickets on the street. If you are purchasing tickets from another seller, always be sure to do so on a trusted reselling website.
Once you get to the game, you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere at one of the most famous arenas in the world. Madison Square Garden has an electric atmosphere, and in addition to cheering on this fan-favorite team, you may even enjoy a few celebrity sightings!
Enjoy a New York Islanders Game at UBS Arena
Like all of the other professional sports teams in New York, the New York Islanders NHL team is well-loved and has a dedicated fan base in the city and throughout the surrounding area. Tickets tend to sell out early, especially for rivalry games against teams like the New York Rangers, so you should consider buying tickets as soon as you know the dates of your trip.
The type of tickets that you purchase for Islanders games can have a significant impact on your viewing experience. Families with young children may want to consider upper-level sections, which may not have as many raucous fans around, while those who want to be in on the action should invest in glass-side seats in sections 101-124.
Support the New York City Football Club at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium may be most famous for being the home to the New York Yankees MLB team, but it also hosts the New York City Football Club for its matches. The New York City FC is the only Major League Soccer team in the city, and since it first began competing in 2015, it has quickly built up a dedicated following of fans who love to come out to Yankee Stadium, cheer on their team and be part of something truly special in the city. Single-match tickets are available, and the season stretches from March until September, making this an awesome option for sports fans during nearly any time of year.
Attend the 2026 World Cup Final in New York
The 2026 World Cup will stretch across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the tournament culminating with the 2026 World Cup Final in New York. The world’s luckiest fans will be able to gather at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, when the final match will be played in the largest-ever World Cup Tournament.
If you want to be one of those fans experiencing that once-in-a-lifetime sporting event in New York City, then now is the time to book your 2026 World Cup Package. At Roadtrips, we offer customizable packages that allow you to make the most out of your World Cup experience. When you book through us, you will enjoy the high-touch service that Roadtrips has become famous for, allowing you to relax and enjoy the anticipation while we take care of the details and build you a bespoke itinerary.
Enjoy a Club World Cup Match Live in New York in 2025
While the World Cup Final won’t take place until 2026, you can begin prepping for the excitement by attending a Club World Cup match in New York in 2025. The Club World Cup tournament will culminate at MetLife Stadium on July 13, when one of the 32 competing teams will be crowned the champion.
Absorb the Excitement of an NFL Game While Cheering on the New York Giants or the New York Jets
The National Football League season stretches from the end of summer until the early winter months, giving you plenty of opportunity to catch the New York Giants or the New York Jets in action during your trip to New York City. Both NFL teams have the luxury of calling MetLife Stadium home, giving both fan bases the opportunity to enjoy the electric atmosphere on game day! When it comes time for the game, remember that MetLife Stadium is an open-air stadium, so you will want to dress for the elements.
Experience the 2025 US Open Tennis in New York
For two weeks this summer, New York City will be transformed into the tennis capital of the world, as the US Open Tennis Tournament begins. The 2025 US Open Tennis will take place from August 25 to September 7 at the National Tennis Center in New York. If you are a tennis fan, then you will not want to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy all of the grunts as well as the glory.
Now is the best time to book your 2025 US Open Tennis package, as tickets are going fast and the best accommodations are quickly being scooped up. At Roadtrips, we will work to build you a custom itinerary that includes the most convenient and luxurious accommodations in the city. Whether you plan to attend early in the tournament to see as many players as possible, or you want to be there for that thrilling final match, we can create a personalized itinerary that accommodates your unique needs and preferences.
Attend the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York
Taking place every 2 years, the Ryder Cup is one of the most anticipated PGA golf tournaments. During this multi-day tournament, the best golfers from Europe and the United States compete for the cup. The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from September 25 through September 29 at Bethpage Black, Long Island, New York.
The 2025 Ryder Cup packages are on sale now, giving you the opportunity to secure hotels and comprehensive travel services for this incredible sporting event. Considered to be one of the most prestigious golf events, there is sure to be a high level of demand. Booking your tour package now allows you to secure your preferred experience.
Take Your Bet on the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
Following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes is the final race of the Triple Crown, making it one of the most elite and exclusive horse racing events to attend. For years, the Belmont Stakes was held at Belmont Park, which is not far from New York City. In 2025, however, the race will take place from June 4 through June 8 at Saratoga Race Course in Elmont, New York, which is about 45 minutes outside the New York City limits. Considered to be one of the most prestigious sporting events in New York City, the Belmont Stakes is the perfect place to see and be seen. Don your most eccentric hat and get ready to place your bets — you are in for an unforgettable experience at Saratoga Race Course.
Cheer On Your Favorite Four-Legged Star at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Perhaps one of the most unique New York sport events is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which is largely hailed as the most exclusive dog show competition in the country. The event takes place each year in February, and recently returned to its roots at Madison Square Garden in 2025.
The 2026 event is sure to be one for the record books, as it will be the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. You have the opportunity to attend the competition and cheer on your favorite dog breed as the most beautiful and athletic show dogs grace the ring each evening at Madison Square Garden. While it may not be quite the same as cheering on the Knicks, you are sure to find this to be an exciting and interesting competition — and it certainly has the most adorable athletes.
2. Visit Iconic Sports Venues
One way to experience the top sports attractions in New York City is to buy tickets to a professional sporting event. Another way, however, is to enjoy a tour of some of the most iconic sports venues in the city. Many of the most legendary sports venues in New York City offer behind-the-scenes tours and feature historic exhibits, allowing you to soak up the sports culture that has long permeated the city’s atmosphere.
Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of “The World’s Most Famous Arena”
The Madison Square Garden Tour Experience is a 60-minute walking tour that takes you behind-the-scenes and gives you a glimpse into daily life at “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” During this guided tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy:
- A walk through the legendary locker rooms that welcome Knicks and Rangers players for each game.
- A tour of the backstage areas of the arena.
- An opportunity to visit a luxury suite, perhaps that was once enjoyed by the high-profile guests who frequent the events at the arena on a regular basis.
- An overview of the history of Madison Square Garden and information about the most memorable sporting events and concerts that have taken place there.
Madison Square Garden is a hotbed of activity throughout the entire year, and no two tours are alike. You never know when a surprise addition might be included in the experience!
Enjoy a Historic Tour at the Legendary Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium is perhaps the most famous MLB stadium, and it is home to one of the most legendary sports franchises. While there is nothing quite like attending a game at Yankee Stadium, you won’t want to miss out on the chance to tour this iconic New York City destination. There are both public tours and private tours available, allowing you to select the excursion that is right for your itinerary. The public tours are particularly popular, and include a tour of the stadium as well as a visit to Monument Park. Public tours last for about 60 minutes. If you are tying your tour in with a game, you can schedule a pregame tour that allows you exclusive access and gives you a chance to see batting practice before the game.
Visit Barclays Center and Discover the Modern Home of the Brooklyn Nets
Home to the Brooklyn Nets, the Barclays Center is a treasured sports facility and premier concert venue. If you are visiting New York City, you can stop by Barclays Center and view the exterior for free. While this venue does not offer tours like Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden, it is a worthwhile visit. If you want to get inside, you will need to have a ticket for an event.
Tour the Iconic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Home to the US Open Tennis tournament, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center welcomes members of the public for tours for 11 months out of the year. Due to the nature of the US Open, the facility cannot accommodate tour requests during the tournament itself.
During your guided, 60-minute tour, you will enjoy an onsite visit to the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand and field courts. A complimentary US Open souvenir is included with the price of your tour. Due to ongoing construction, the tour does not go to Ashe Stadium, though you will have the chance to take a photo of the exterior of the famed stadium.
3. Engage in Interactive Sports Experiences
Of all the sports things to do in New York, perhaps the interactive sports experiences are the most exciting and inviting. These attractions and activities allow you to be part of the action, and to experience the spirit of sports for yourself during your time in the Big Apple.
These are a few of the immersive and interactive sports experiences that you can include during your trip to NYC:
Get Active at the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
Located within the Hudson River Park and situated on piers 59, 60 and 61, the Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex is a premier sports entertainment center. It brings together locals and tourists who want to stay active and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the city. Some of the activities that you can enjoy at this complex include:
- Golfing
- Rock Climbing
- Ice Skating
- Bowling
- Field Sports
This sports complex has been developed on some of the most historic piers in the city. At one time, these same piers welcomed the White Star and Cunard lines, adding a sense of elegance and history to the atmosphere of this facility. The complex itself was developed for New York City residents and those living in the surrounding area, but it’s a favorite among visitors who want to live like locals during their time in the city.
Get the Equipment You Need to Enjoy a Day at Central Park
Spanning more than 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life. The endless green space, enchanting public art, biking trails, walking paths and canopy of trees make it one of the most restorative places in the city.
No visit to New York City would be complete without a stop in Central Park, but many visitors do not realize that you can actually rent sports equipment and athletic gear in order to more fully enjoy this urban green space. From bike rentals to row boat rentals, you can get everything you need for your tour of Central Park.
Attend the New York City Marathon
Taking place every year in November, the New York City Marathon is famously known as the world’s largest marathon. Whether you want to attend the event to cheer on these incredible athletes or you want to run the 5-borough marathon yourself, you will find that this is one of the best sporting events in New York City.
Attendees will want to book their hotel rooms in advance and study the race route so that they can secure a prime viewing location. Runners, on the other hand, will need to do a little bit more leg work in order to register for the race. There are several ways that you can register to run in the New York City Marathon, including:
- The lottery — The city opens up its marathon lottery in early January each year, and hopeful runners can submit their applications. This is the most popular way to try to get a spot, but you really do have to get lucky. Only about 3 percent of lottery applicants are invited to run in the race.
- Performance qualifications — There are limited spots available for runners who qualify based on previous performance times.
- Charity qualifications — There are numerous organizations that can provide runners with a bib if they are willing to raise money for their organizations.
- The 9+1 program — Available exclusively to local residents, the 9+1 program provides runners with a spot in the marathon if they run nine local races and volunteer at one more.
4. Explore Sports History and Museums
Throughout New York City and the surrounding area, there are several museums that allow you to learn more about the history of sports — not only in New York but across the country and around the world. From cultural exhibits to sport-specific museums, there are a wide range of opportunities in New York City to explore the history of sports.
Learn About Native American Sports at the National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a Smithsonian Museum with two locations, one in New York City and another in Washington, D.C. In the New York City location, which is housed in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Manhattan, there are rotating exhibits, some of which cover the impact of sports on American Indian culture. For example, from 2009 to 2010, the museum hosted an exhibit called Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America, which explored the sport of skateboarding and its popularity on Indian reservations. The museum exhibit showcased how skateboarding grew from a creative and active sport that was popular among youth into a true movement that appealed to American Indian populations, inspiring the creation of skate parks and skateboarding competitions.
Spend a Day at the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Located in Canastota, New York, the International Boxing Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the sport of boxing and the athletes who made an impact on the sport. Each year, the organization inducts new members into the hall of fame. The event usually takes place in June, which is a popular time for avid boxing fans to visit. However, the hall of fame is open year-round, and welcomes visitors from Monday through Saturday to explore its exhibits and learn more about the sport.
Visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, New York, and has long been a favorite attraction of die-hard baseball fans around the country and even across the world. At the National Baseball Hall of Fame, you can visit the on-site museum, which has one-of-a-kind artifacts that bring the history of baseball to life. For example, you can see the iconic Aaron Judge home run jersey, the Jackie Robinson World Series cap and the Lou Gehrig final season shirt. In addition, you walk through the Hall of Fame in order to learn more about your favorite players and be part of baseball history yourself.
Attend Fanatics Fest
Fanatics Fest is the world’s largest arena for sports and collectibles, bringing together die-hard enthusiasts, renowned athletes and passionate collectors for an unparalleled celebration of all things sports, collectibles and pop culture. The 2025 Fanatics Fest will take place from June 20 through June 22 at the Javits Center in New York City, with some of the biggest names in sports expected to attend, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, the Undertaker, Cal Ripken Jr., Joe Montana and more. From browsing cards and other collectibles to getting autographs from your favorite sports stars and enjoying panel discussions, this is the must-experience event for any true sports fan.
5. Dine and Socialize at Renowned Sports Bars
Whether you have spent your day in New York City enjoying a game at historic Yankee Stadium or simply soaking up the sights and sounds of Central Park, you will find that dining at a famous sports bar in New York truly completes any sports-themed day in the city.
These are some of the most renowned sports bars in the city, allowing you to surround yourself with like-minded fans while experiencing some of the top cultural sports in New York City.
Secure Your Spot at Rocco’s Sports & Recreation
Sports culture in New York City is celebrated every single day at Rocco’s Sports & Recreation, which is a popular spot that often requires advanced reservations due to high demand. Often described as an upscale sports bar, this restaurant on W. Third Street in New York has a vintage vibe and a menu full of classic game-day eats. Regardless of when you are visiting New York, you will find the hottest sporting events on the TVs in this restaurant, bringing together fans from around the country in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Cheer On Your Favorite Team at Blondies Sports
In the heart of the Upper West Side, you will find famed sports bar Blondies Sports, which has long been a favorite among sports fans in New York City. Known for its lively atmosphere and game-day specials, Blondies is the perfect place to watch the game. Featuring an array of classic game-day delights, people often come for the atmosphere but end up staying for the beers, buffalo wings and artfully-designed sandwiches.
Join Up With Your Fellow Fans at Stan’s Sports Bar
Known as the Official Home Sports Bar of the New York Yankees, Stan’s Sports Bar is the best place to eat if you don’t have tickets to the game, but you want to soak up the vibrancy of the Yankees fandom during a game. Serving up die-hard fans since 1979, Stan’s Sports Bar has a simple menu with a few options that are perfect for enjoying with a cold beer while you watch the baseball game. Keep in mind that this is where the locals go on game days, so it’s bound to be busy. Arriving early is your best bet, but don’t be surprised if you have to wait a little while for a table.
6. Participate in Unique New York Sports Traditions
You don’t have to feel like an outsider when you visit New York City, and you may find that you can easily join in on the fun with the locals who are playing outside. Some unique sports traditions that take place all across New York City include:
- Streetball Games — Watch or join local basketball games at famous courts like Rucker Park.
- Handball Courts — Try your hand at this quintessential New York City sport found in many parks, such as the Seaside Courts in Coney Island.
- Running and biking — A favorite activity among locals who prioritize an active lifestyle in New York City, running and biking are particularly popular. You will find that Central Park is the best place for jogging and cycling in New York City.
Book Your Sports-Themed Trip to the Big Apple Today
No city in the world has a sports scene that is as diverse and vibrant as New York City. From classic sporting events like basketball games at Madison Square Gardens and baseball games at Yankee Stadium to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the 2026 World Cup Final, there are endless sports things to do in New York. Every sports enthusiast will feel right at home in the Big Apple, where everyone can find an athlete to root for and a team to call their own.
Now is the best time to book your trip to the 2026 World Cup Final. Learn more about how you can be a part of the most iconic moments in sports, and book your sports getaway to New York City today.
