One of my favorite classic summer activities is to go to a baseball game. I feel like even if you are not an avid sports fan, going to a baseball game is still fun and enjoyable. If you are not a fan of a specific team, or the sport in general, you can simply go for the food! Ball parks all over have really stepped up their food game, especially Citi Field, which is home of the New York Mets. Whether you are a Mets, Yankees, Long Island Ducks, or an out of New York team fan, there are numerous opportunities for you to enjoy a nice ball game anywhere across the states.
Locations
1. New York Mets: Citi Field is the new home of the New York Mets (who else remembers Shea Stadium?). Located in Queens, Citi Field is about a 45 minute drive from central Long Island. I have gone to numerous events at Citi Field, including baseball games, concerts, and The Color Run event. Honestly, driving to Citi Field can be a major pain, especially when leaving after an event. I highly recommend taking the train to the stadium, especially since the train drops you off directly outside! Bye-bye major traffic and having to pay for parking. While you will have to transfer at one point on the ride, I find it is definitely worth it. Simply take the train to the Mets-Willets Point station!
Ps: Make sure you visit the ultimate fan dog outside of Citi Field before every Mets home game! He is located right near the big Mets home run apple, wearing his own Mets jersey.
2. New York Yankees: While I am not a Yankees fan, I figured I would be unbiased and include the team in this post. Yankee Stadium is a little further than Citi Field, located about an hour from central LI. It is located in the Bronx, and while I have never been to this stadium, I have driven past it, and again, the traffic can be a pain. I suggest carpooling or finding out if this stadium offers alternative ways to make it to there.
3. Long Island Ducks: Located in Central Islip, the Long Island Ducks provide the closest baseball experience you can have if you are from the Island. Their stadium is called Bethpage Ballpark, and it is only about a 15 minute car ride from the towns centrally located. It is in an easy-on, easy-off location from the highway, which is great!
Why go to a Baseball Game?
Ever since I was little, I have been attending baseball games every summer. Whether it was the Long Island Ducks for a super cheap, close to the field, and super kid-friendly experience, or a Mets game, which was always really exciting since they were the "guys from TV," baseball has always provided a great experience for me. Every game I have gone to is always enjoyable, whether my team is winning or not. All baseball games, both major and minor league, have fun in-between inning games for people of all ages, t-shirt tosses, a classic 7th inning stretch, a "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" sing along, and great food. Baseball games are great for all ages, and are always a good time.
Tips for Game Day
* Take the train to Mets home games, and search for other ways to get to stadiums other than by car, if possible.
* Check if you are allowed to bring your own water bottle (I know Citi Field allows each person to bring in one sealed water bottle, and you are not permitted to bring any outside food or drink into Bethpage Ballpark).
* Take the freebies outside the stadium. Many stadiums have vendors and tents outside the main entrance prior to the game, and anything you receive from them is allowed to be brought into the ballpark. Food and drinks, especially at major league games, can be insanely expensive, so take advantage of freebies.
* Be on the lookout for special offers and promos. Major League Baseball tickets can be expensive, so be on the lookout for sales. Additionally, tickets tend to be cheaper on StubHub versus the team's website, so I highly recommend comparing prices first.
* Have fun! Whether your team wins or not, sit back, relax, and enjoy the game!
Many more posts to come(:
~Ashley
Ps...I am heading on my first-ever trip to Europe in less than two days! Therefore, I will not be posting for the next two weeks. I look forward to exploring Europe, as well as writing about my experiences when I return to the United States!
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