New York City is full of unique attractions and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. While it is filled with world-class museums, many of the world’s best restaurants and Broadway, it also has its share of can’t miss sporting events.
If you love sports, here are four reasons to visit the Big Apple.
The Belmont Stakes
The third race of the Triple Crown is held every year at Belmont Park, in Elmont, NY. Elmont is about 20 miles east of Manhattan off Interstate 495. Some of the most famous horses in the sport have raced on the one-and-a-half-mile dirt track, including:
● War Admiral
● Secretariat
● Seattle Slew
● Affirmed
2018 marks the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, which takes place on Saturday, June 9th. However, to mark the anniversary, there will be a festival from June 7th – 9th.Find out about buying tickets on their website.
US Open Tennis
Each year, the United States Open Tennis Championships are the last Grand Slam event of the season. It is held at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows in Flushing, NY. Flushing is in Queens and the stadium is about 24 miles from Manhattan.
The match begins on August 27, 2018, and it runs through September 9th. If you plan on going to the tournament, you should buy your tickets as soon possible when they go on sale. It is a popular event in NYC and tickets sell quickly.
NYC Marathon
Whether you want to participate as a runner, work as a volunteer, or just watch from the sidelines, going to the New York City Marathon can be a fun event. With 50,000 racers and about 12,000 volunteers, it is one of the largest events held on the city’s streets.
There are multiple locations from which to watch the race for free or you can purchase tickets to watch from the grandstand. The race is run in November every year and, in 2018, it takes place on Sunday, November 4, 2018.
However, there are other events during the week leading up to the race, so you may want to get to the city early to enjoy them. Consider getting a Sightseeing Pass, which provides entry into over 90 attractions, tours, the Statue of Liberty, and thehop on_hop off bus tour in Manhattan.
Westminster Dog Show
Of course, not every sporting event requires physical exertion from human participants. Sometimes events go to the dogs, like the Westminster Dog Show.
This event has gained in popularity since it started being broadcast on television, but there is more to see than just the dogs being shown.
Several events take place in the city, including a dog agility competition, an obedience championship, and the judging to find the dog that will be named ‘Best in Show.’ You can also get tickets to the AKC Meet the Breeds event. The events take place February 10 – 12 in 2019.
To find out more about the events and buy tickets, go to the Westminster Kennel Club’s website.
There are sporting events that take place throughout the year in NY because they have professional basketball, football, soccer, and baseball teams as well. However, if you want to attend a unique event and enjoy the accompanying festivities, go to one of these four annual events.