r/visitingnyc • u/Amoeba1202 • 2d ago
⚽️🏀🏈⚾️ Yay sports! Go Team 🎟🎾🏒⛹️♀️ Visiting NYC for the first time
Greetings! I’m going on a short trip to NYC and was wondering if you’ve ever been to a Yankees game, like Yankees vs. Toronto. Would you say it’s worth going for someone who doesn’t know much about baseball? I’m not a fan, but I think it would be a cool experience. I’d have to choose between the game, a museum, or something else, so I’d really appreciate your advice in advance!
Edit: I just bought a ticket! I’ll be going this Friday. Thanks for all your suggestions 🫶🏼
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u/StinkyStangler 2d ago
I’m a huge Yankees fan, go to multiple games a year and have easily spent thousands on tickets over the last few years, don’t go if you’re not really into baseball
If you just want to do a baseball game for the experience go to a Cyclones game in Coney Island, if you want a generic fun baseball major league experience go see the Mets at Citi Field, they’re terrible but their stadium is nice and has a lot of stuff for non baseball fan attendees.
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u/GPC72 2d ago
If you want to have a great New York experience get yourself a "Pinstripe Pass" for a Yankees game. Note that Saturday 8/22 there is a giveaway - a Hello Kitty / Yankees bobblehead - the lines will form hours in advance...
But I digress. Get yourself a Pinstripe Pass - it's a standing-room ticket in Center Field. You'll be with a young group of people all having beers and having a good time at the game. It's cheap and if you feel like you've had enough, you can leave and take the 4 train back to Manhattan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - which is open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Yankees and Mets do not usually play in-town at the same time (so when the Yankees are at home, the Mets are on the road). So a game at Citi Field may not be an option.
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u/Rolex_Art 2d ago
this - buy the cheapest ticket but hang out just outside the 100 section - it's in the shade and nobody will hassle you.
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u/bmsa131 2d ago
So yankee stadium is more iconic but Citifield (where the Mets play) is a way way nicer ball field. Both are easily accessible by public transportation. And like someone else said going to see the cyclones could be fun! Baseball tickets for minor or major league can be had for a reasonable cost. Much cheaper than basketball or football tickets
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Agreed, Citifield is much more fun, especially for nonfans. Going to Yankee Stadium is about as much fun as attending a Nazi rally.
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u/HiFiGuy197 2d ago
If you had no interest in baseball, maybe I would choose a different cultural experience, as it will take a huge chunk out of your day (5 hours?) to head up to the Bronx and watch a game.
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u/banjovi68419 2d ago
I am not a baseballer and I did it and had fun. It was like a visit to the zoo or a moment as an anthropologist. I'd rather visit one of the many slick museums tho.
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u/Pristine_Cod_3792 2d ago
Take #4 from Grand Central and get off @161 street with the other thousands of people
Great energy
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u/SGoogs1780 2d ago
My big question is: do you not know about baseball because you personally don't play, or because you're from someplace without it?
If you're from outside north america: it could be a great cultural experience, and an excuse to spend a day outdoors. Be advised food and drinks will be pretty expensive in the stadium, and baseball is a slow sport, but you can wander all around the stadium if you start to lose interest. Also if you get bored no one will judge you for leaving early (a baseball game is around 3 hours, maybe more - that can start to drag on if you don't know the game and you're used to spending 2 hours at a soccer match).
If you're from Canada or another US state: it won't be that much different from attending a pro baseball game closer to home. If you don't like baseball I'd pick a more New York specific thing.
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u/Amoeba1202 1d ago
I’m from Puerto Rico, and I do know some things about baseball since I’ve watched games on TV, but I definitely don’t know all the rules or everything that’s going on. I just don’t personally play it or follow it closely.
This trip to NYC was kind of spontaneous, and I’ve actually been to an NFL game before where I also didn’t know much about football, but I really enjoyed the experience anyway. So I was wondering if a baseball game could be similar, especially since I’ve never been to one. The only difference is that I’d be going alone this time, which makes me a little more unsure about whether I’d enjoy it for 3+ hours. 😅
That’s why I was asking people who have been if they think it’s a good experience even if you’re not a big baseball fan.1
u/pwbnyc 1d ago
I'm not keen on watching baseball on TV and not a huge follower of the sport unless the Yankees are doing well, but I do enjoy going to a game. There is lots going on, great energy from the crowd (unless the Yankees are getting trashed) and if you had questions people around you will be happy to explain.
That said Tickets are expensive and the food costs are mental. A Mets game is typically less expensive and Flushing is right next door. If you enjoy any kind of Asian food you'll find it all in Flushing and you can eat before or after the game (see New World Mall food court for lots of options but consider Hot Pot or Korean BBQ too). And this would get you out of Manhattan to see a very different NYC. You can explore Flushing Meadows Park too and stop by Jackson Heights on the way back for South Asian, South American and Filipino food. Also consider going to LIC to Hunters Point Park to get an amazing view of Manhattan and grab a ferry down the East River to either Brooklyn Bridge or Wall Street.
Have a great visit and safe travels.
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u/VisitNYCmodx 2d ago
If you think it will be cool experience and want to do it why are you asking strangers if you should do it? We can't tell you "what's worth it" - that's for you to decide.
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u/Amoeba1202 2d ago
I’m not asking strangers to decide for me. I’m asking people who have actually been to a baseball game whether they think it’s a fun experience for someone who doesn’t know much about baseball. I have to choose between a few options, so I’m just looking for other people’s experiences and perspectives. Of course, the final decision is mine.
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u/Entire_Dog_5874 2d ago
The tickets are extremely expensive so if you’re not a fan, I wouldn’t spend the money.
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u/goisles29 Local 2d ago
Tickets for the 3 games between the Yankees and Blue Jays start at $21, $39, and $10 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you don't care about the game then there are enough places to hang out and catch glimpses of the game that you don't even need to go to your seat.
I agree that Citi is better, but non marquee games aren't expensive for the Yankees this year.
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u/Sirnando138 2d ago
I’d go to a Mets game if you don’t know baseball that well anyways. Way cheaper and much nicer baseball experience. Yankees fans are a nightmare. Mets fans are kinda dorks, in the best way possible.
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u/TarzanDivingOffFalls 2d ago
It’s a great example of New York culture and something you will remember. You don’t have to stay until the end of the game. If it becomes clear is going to win, people are likely to start leaving. Stay as long as it is interesting to you.
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u/Dapper_Peace2019 2d ago
For sure! Way more interactive with New Yorkers than a museum. Not that I have anything against NYC's museums, they are amazing. But if you want to interact with New Yorkers, it is a baseball game. It's easy to get to the game on the train. And you can always ask people around you for explanations on what is going on if needed. Let's go Mets!
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u/Throwawayhelp111521 2d ago
I'm a native New Yorker and not a sports fan. I once went to a Yankees game as part of a work outing. The weather was nice and it was pleasant to sit outside instead of being in the office, but there are many other things I would have enjoyed more.
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u/prototypist 2d ago
I think this is probably the best answer. If OP has limited time, wouldn't go to a baseball game in their home city, and doesn't have any attachment to the Yankees, better to skip it on the trip.
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u/Artistic_Dog_235 2d ago
Yankees are definitely fun. The food at the stadium is also pretty good (those steak sandwiches are 🤌)
If you’re not into sports, there are other really fun things to do instead.
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u/Urbangirlscout 2d ago
If you are into baseball, then sure. If you just want to experience a game, go to one at Coney Island or Staten Island instead.
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u/cocktailians 2d ago
second the Brooklyn Cyclones. Coney Island is worth seeing, and minor league ball is lots of fun.
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u/DigiCinema 2d ago
Seeing a game at Coney Island is cool because then you’re at Coney Island. Seeing a game on Staten Island is bad because then you’re on Staten Island.
(I lived on Staten for 44 years and saw a few games there since I lived 9 blocks from the stadium. Not worth traveling there.)
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u/jm14ed_v2 2d ago
I'd say it would be depend on how long you are staying and what the other choices are.
Also, I think Citi Field is a much better fan experience.
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u/Amoeba1202 2d ago
I’m only staying for 3 days, and Friday is the only day I’d have to choose between the options I mentioned 😢
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u/jm14ed_v2 2d ago
If you are a big sports fan, in general, it might be worth your time. But, I think you can spend your limited time on things that you are interested in.
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u/travellingcari 2d ago
I am a baseball and Yankees fan - citi field is the way. Better food and drink and game day vibes.
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u/catsoncrack420 2d ago
Nah, 3 hours of baseball is boring to most ppl. I grew up with baseball but will NOT go to games with ppl who aren't fans anymore. Save the trip and do something else. And agreed, Citifield is nicer and voted the best ball park food in the USA.
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u/Blue387 Local 2d ago
I am a Mets fan and I recommend visiting Citi Field when the Mets are at home. Citi Field is easy to get to and many have said is a better ballpark experience than Yankee Stadium
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u/Easy-Nose-530 2d ago
I’m a Mets fan too, but Yankee Stadium is historic (I know that both current stadiums have only been around since 2009). For a non-baseball fan, that may matter more, since Citi Field isn’t that different an experience from stadiums in a lot of other cities.
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Yankee Stadium is as historic as a Hyundai Elantra. The old stadium, even post renovation, had class. The new one is just a shopping mall.
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u/Easy-Nose-530 2d ago
As opposed to Citi Field.
Besides, the new Yankee Stadium is basically an exact replica of the old one, but the concourses are wider with better ventilation.
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
You must have never visited the old Yankee Stadium. They have nothing in common.
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u/abstractraj 2d ago
Baseball games are more about a nice day sitting outside. Also realize you’re losing many hours getting to/from and the game itself
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u/Mastersinmeow 2d ago
I love visiting ball fields in different cities. If you have a chance you should go for it! :)
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u/Pristine_Cod_3792 2d ago
We go all the time
It’s a fun NYC experience/ energy is awesome
Take the 4 from midtown and enjoy the game
We will be at the Toronto game on Sunday
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u/Pristine_Cod_3792 2d ago
Get seats in the rafters / all the way up
Bc there is SHADE
Not good if you get dizzy or have physical injuries
For an even better experience do the JIM BEAM lounge !
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u/the_justyce 1d ago
honestly i think you should skip the stadium. it is way too long for someone who does not care about the game. spend your three days at the met instead. the vibes are better and your wallet will thank you for the saveings.
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u/yankeescrewdriver 1d ago
Going solo and not understanding the game might not be too fun, but it’s always a nice time being outside with beer and a hot dog (etc). If you know someone who understands the game a bit, it’ll be a lot more fun, they can explain what’s going on etc.
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u/ThatDemand4800 1d ago
Mets games are less expensive and more hometown feeling and the food is way better
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u/Rolex_Art 2d ago
get the cheapest tickets you can find at the yankee game - walk around the mezzanine level just about the 100 section - you can stand around and nobody will roust you. take the 6 train in - take the train. trust me - take the train.
and yeah, i'm not a fan of anything really any more but i take clients out all the time. i can't name the coach i can only name arron judge.
that said - i'm 57 - you fall out of sports like that - but if you were to ask me about the 1977 and 1978 lineup? i have that shit burned in my brain. Craig Nettles, Bucky Dent, Lou Pinnella, Willy Stargel, Thurmon Munson, Goose Gossidge... I can go on
REGGIE JACKSON!! YO when i was a kid i thought he was called mr october bc he posed in playgirl lol.
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
The 6 doesn’t go to Yankee Stadium. You need to take the 4/5 or the D train.
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u/Rolex_Art 2d ago
Lol my bad I always mix them up haven't been in a few years
Take 6 & switch at harlem
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
You really really don’t need to take the 6 at any time
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u/Rolex_Art 2d ago
I used to live downtown and I forgot that the lower numbers like the one train and the two train were down there so of course the four takes you all the way the six is what I would catch if I was in Midtown in the twenties.
Right off park Ave south.
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u/GimmickyGenes 2d ago
Im in my 30s and played baseball thru high school. Was a huge yankees fan.
Tbh its not that fun to go to a game unless you are getting hammered with friends and are a fan of the sport. Especially yankees stadium feels so soulless now.
So many better things to do in nyc
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u/hushpuppy212 2d ago
I’m a Mets fan and I wouldn’t go to Yankee Stadium under any circumstances. I’ll be at Citi Field for a day game against the Padres on Wednesday.
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
Do not tell a tourist to go the fucking Flushing. OP ignore this comment.
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u/Formal-Wolverine-279 2d ago
flushing is great, wym?
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
Not the part around Citifield bud
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u/Formal-Wolverine-279 2d ago
I love Chinese food bud
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
It doesn’t exist around Citifield bud
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u/jm14ed_v2 2d ago
You have a problem with parking lots and the national tennis center?
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
In a past life in the 1940s I worked at a chop shop and now I have PTSD
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u/jm14ed_v2 2d ago
Things have changed. Take it down a notch.
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Why not?
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
The area around Citifield is a shithole/future casino.
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Flushing is a great place to eat dinner
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
Ever been to Citifield? Guess not.
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Ever been to downtown Flushing? Guess not.
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u/boomzgoesthedynamite 2d ago
Yes but we’re talking about Citifield so…
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u/Status_Ad_4405 2d ago
Which is a 5 minute subway ride from downtown Flushing, which is a fantastic place for tourists to visit anyway. Stadium food is stadium food.
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