There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
Soccer has been played in New York since the first immigrants reached Ellis Island. For generations, the sport was tied to ethnic groups and teams. Now, the area is home to four men's professional teams, a gorgeous soccer-specific stadium in Red Bull Arena and a fan base that is still tied to their heritage while also supporting the USMNT and Major League Soccer.
WHERE TO PLAY
There's a bevy of places to play on both sides of the Hudson River, ranging from a sprawling rural setting to the middle of bustling Manhattan. There's The Courts in Harrison, a short walk to Red Bull Arena, where Tab Ramos honed his skills as a boy. Do you prefer your soccer with a view? How about Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Soccer Field at Chelsea Park, where Steve Nash and even some MLSsoccer.com staffers have been known to kick a ball around from time to time? In Queens, there's Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which always has games buzzing on numerous fields.
LOCAL CUISINE
There is no shortage of food options, and opinions on the subject, in the New York area. Here are three can't-miss spots in New York/New Jersey:
- Casa Vasca: It's hard not to find a quality spot in the Ironbound section of Newark, N.J., but Casa Vasca, a tiny corner restaurant just off busy Ferry Street, could be the best. What does Casa Vasca do well? Huge portions of traditional Basque dishes at very reasonable prices. Oh, and if you're pre-gaming before a Red Bulls game, the sangria is excellent.
- Grimaldi's: Where can you get New York's best pizza? That question is a never-ending debate, but always at or near the top of any list is Grimaldi's in Brooklyn. Outside is a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, inside is thin-crust perfection cooked inside a coal oven. No credit cards and no single slices.
- Peter Luger Steak House: Stay in Brooklyn, if you will, and enjoy a mouth-watering steak in an old-school German beer hall setting. The thick-cut bacon is a perfect appetizer. Bring a friend and have the porterhouse for two. If you somehow still have room for dessert, the Apple Strudel with homemade “schlag” is delicious.
- Honorable mentions: Katz's Delicatessen, Sushi Nakazawa, Tamarind Tribeca
SOCCER BARS
There is no shortage of soccer-specific pubs in New York City. The original is Nevada Smiths, which exclusively has the beautiful game on its 14 plasma screens and huge projection screen on two levels.
Located directly across the street from the Empire State Building, the Football Factory at Legends Bar is home to more than 30 supporters' clubs from around the world and has a bus trip scheduled for the Red Bulls vs. D.C. United match on March 22.
And then there's Jack Dempsey's in midtown, where the New York City chapter of the American Outlaws meets, chants, cheers, and yes, drinks.
WHERE TO VISIT
- Times Square: The hustle, the bustle, the lights, the tourists and Broadway shows. Yes, Times Square has it all and then some.
- The Metropolitan Oval: Soccer enthusiasts will love this unique soccer cathedral in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Maspeth, Queens. Watch games from the top of the hill behind one of the goals and enjoy a spectacular view of the city skyline.
- Central Park: Escape and slow down from the din of Manhattan at one of the world's most famous parks. There's a zoo, numerous soccer fields and Strawberry Fields for Beatles fans.
- Honorable mentions: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art
MATCHDAY
The two stadiums provide vastly different matchday experiences. Red Bull Arena is one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the county. Because of its roof, sound echoes and there's always a lot of noise – and constant singing from the Empire Supporters Club. There is no such thing as a bad seat and the Red Bull at concession stands is cheaper than bottled water.
While the specific game-day experience at NYCFC games is to be determined, Yankee Stadium has already hosted numerous soccer friendlies. The façade is breathtaking, the centerfield video board is enormous and there is no shortage of first-class amenities.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- Neither venue is really tailgate-friendly because there is no large parking lot at either site. Both stadiums have smaller parking facilities and each of these privately owned garages have their own rules about open fires and tailgating.
- Mass transit is recommended. Red Bull Arena is an extremely short walk from the Harrison PATH station, while Yankee Stadium has numerous train, bus and Metro-North options.
- Explore local pregame spots. Have a beverage or two with friends and fellow soccer fans at Billy's Sports Bar by Yankee Stadium, the official pregame spot for Third Rail supporters, while the Empire Supporters Club is still searching for its regular spot in Newark's Ironbound after the closing of El Pastor.
