Though some people couldn’t care less about sports, it’s impossible to deny the hype surrounding major sporting events. Super Bowl Sunday and the World Series are examples of times when people come together to celebrate their favored teams. And New York is home to some of the world’s most iconic and historic stadiums that bring fans together.
A few stadiums in New York State are Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Citi Field, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Barclays Center. These stadiums have hosted some of the most unforgettable moments in sports and musical history.
This article will explore 21 stadiums in New York State, so you know where to go for sporting events or concerts. Keep reading for more information.
1. Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium is a famous baseball stadium in the Bronx, New York City, and is the home base of the evergreen New York Yankees. The stadium opened in 2009 and replaced the original Yankee Stadium, which was demolished in 2010.
The ballpark is located on an approximately 11.6-acre site, costing roughly $2.3 billion to construct. According to MLB, the facility seats 46,537 people and features many amenities, including 56 luxury suites and 4,300 club seats. This makes it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built.
Yankee Stadium is a historic landmark in the hearts of all its fans and is considered one of the finest baseball stadiums in the world.
2. Citi Field
Situated in the heart of Queens, Citi Field is home to the New York Mets. The stadium opened in 2009, replacing the iconic Shea Stadium as the team’s home base. Citi Field was designed by Populous and built with both fans and players in mind.
The seating capacity is close to 42,000, and the field features natural grass, a rarity in modern stadiums. In addition, the stadium has a retractable roof, which protects fans from inclement weather. Citi Field also boasts an extensive concessions program with countless food options. From hot dogs to sushi, there’s something for everyone here.
Additionally, Citi Field hosts various other events, such as concerts and conventions. With its central location and state-of-the-art facilities, Citi Field is one of New York’s premier event venues.
3. Richmond County Bank Ballpark
Richmond County Bank Ballpark, also known as Staten Island Yankees Stadium, is a minor league baseball stadium in Staten Island, New York. It is the home of the Staten Island Yankees, who are part of the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League.
The stadium has a capacity of 7,171 people and features a natural grass field. Richmond County Bank Ballpark is also equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, making it an excellent venue for concerts and other events.
In addition to being a great place to watch a baseball game, Richmond County Bank Ballpark offers stunning views of the New York City skyline. So, whether you’re a baseball fan or not, Richmond County Bank Ballpark is worth a visit.
4. Arthur Ashe Stadium
Situated in the heart of Queens, Arthur Ashe Stadium is one of the world’s most famous tennis stadiums. The stadium hosts the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is also the largest tennis stadium in the world, with a capacity of 23,771 people. Besides being a top-notch tennis venue, Arthur Ashe Stadium has hosted numerous other events, such as concerts and conventions.
With its central location and cutting-edge facilities, Arthur Ashe Stadium is one of New York’s premier stadiums.
5. Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, also known simply as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in New York City. It is home to the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Madison Square Garden is the oldest and most famous arena in the NBA and one of the busiest in the world. It is the site of many sporting events, including boxing, ice hockey, and basketball.
The Garden also serves as a major concert venue and has hosted some of the most famous artists in the world, such as:
- Michael Jackson
- U2
- Celine Dion
- Justin Bieber
These names are just a few of the noteworthy artists who performed at Madison Square Garden.
Although most people know Madison Square Garden as a great place to watch a game or concert, it is also a popular tourist destination. The arena is in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by countless restaurants, hotels, and shops, and even hosts venue tours!
6. Barclays Center
Barclays Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Brooklyn, New York. It is home to the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The arena also serves as a major concert venue and is the site of many sporting events, including boxing, ice hockey, and basketball. Barclays Center is one of the newest arenas in the NBA and NHL and is quickly becoming one of the most famous arenas in the world.
Additionally, the stadium is not only a great place to see live entertainment, but it’s also become a hotspot for tourists. The arena is in the middle of Brooklyn, giving visitors plenty of options for places to eat, hotels, and things to do.
7. Olympic Ski Jump Complex
The Olympic Ski Jump Complex is a ski jumping facility in Lake Placid, New York. It is also the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
The complex consists of three ski jumps:
- The 295 feet jump (90 meters)
- The 394 feet jump (120 meters)
- The combined jump
The Olympic Ski Jump Complex is a year-round training and competition site that draws in tourists for winter and summer activities. The complex is open to the public and offers breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains.
The Olympic Ski Jump Complex provides daily tours of the 394 feet (120-meter) jump’s observation deck from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which include transportation via chairlift and glass elevator.
During the winter, guests can experience snow tubing and ski jumping demonstrations while enjoying beautiful views of the Adirondack Mountains. In summer, clinics for wheeled luge and extreme tubing are available.
8. The MVP Arena
Formerly known as The Times Union Center, the MVP Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Albany, New York. It is the home of the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Siena Saints men’s basketball team.
The MVP Arena is one of the busiest arenas in the United States and is known for its exceptional acoustics. It has a seating capacity of 17,500 people for basketball games and concerts. The arena is located in downtown Albany, making it easy for visitors to find restaurants, hotels, and shops.
In addition, it is also home to the Albany Empire of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL. Events are hosted year-round, including hockey games, basketball games, motocross, and WWE.
9. JMA Wireless Dome
The JMA Wireless Dome, formally called The Carrier Dome, is a stadium roofed with a dome on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York. It is home to the Syracuse Orange football team, the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team, and the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL).
JMA Wireless Dome is the largest domed stadium in the Northeastern United States and the largest cable-supported dome worldwide. Additionally, it is the fifth-largest domed stadium in the United States and has a capacity of 49,057 people. The stadium also recently acquired air conditioning to make events more bearable in inclement weather.
JMA Wireless Dome is open year-round and hosts various events, including football games, basketball games, concerts, and commencement ceremonies. Plus, it is the site of the annual New York State High School Football Championships.
10. NBT Bank Stadium
NBT Bank Stadium is a minor league baseball stadium in Syracuse, New York. The Syracuse Mets, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, play their home games here. The stadium opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 11,117 people.
NBT Bank Stadium is named after NBT Bancorp, a regional bank based in Syracuse. It is located on the north side of downtown Syracuse, near Interstate 81.
The stadium has hosted several minor league baseball teams over the years, as well as concerts and other events.
In 2019, it was announced that the stadium would undergo a $26 million renovation, which was completed at the start of the 2020 season. The renovation includes a new concessions area, additional seating, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
11. Bobsled and Luge Complex
The Bobsled and Luge Complex is a world-class training facility for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton in Lake Placid, New York.
The complex was built for the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. It has been used for training and competition by athletes worldwide. The complex features a track that is 1.537 km (0.95 miles) long with 16 curves.
The Bobsled and Luge Complex is open to the public for sightseeing, sledding, and luge demonstrations. The complex also offers training courses for those interested in learning how to bobsleigh or luge.
12. Herb Brooks Arena
Herb Brooks Arena is an ice hockey arena in Lake Placid, New York. The stadium is named after Herb Brooks, the head coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. It is the home of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, which has free entrance.
The Herb Brooks Arena is open year-round and hosts various events, including hockey games, figure skating competitions, and concerts. The arena was built in 1980 for the Winter Olympics and has a capacity of 7,700 people. Furthermore, Herb Brooks also hosts the Lake Placid Ironman competition.
13. Batavia Downs
In operation for over 75 years, Batavia Downs is a historic horse racing track located in Genesee County, New York.
As the only live horse racing facility in Western New York, Batavia Downs is a unique and exciting place to experience the thrill of horse racing. The track opened its doors in 1940. It has since become a popular destination for horse racing fans from all over the region.
In addition to live horse racing, the track also features simulcast wagering, dining options, and a casino. A trip to Batavia Downs is perfect for anyone, whether you’re a diehard fan of the sport or just getting introduced to it.
14. KeyBank Center
The KeyBank Center, formerly known as the First Niagara Center, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Buffalo, New York. The stadium is located in downtown Buffalo, near the Erie Canal, and is owned by Erie County and operated by Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
The arena opened in 1996 and is home to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. It regularly hosts other events, such as concerts, conventions, and ice shows, and has a capacity of over 19,000 seats for hockey games.
Additionally, the arena is in the process of a $150 million renovation. The renovation includes replacing all seats, installing a new high-definition video board, and upgrades to concessions, lighting, and accessibility.
15. Sahlen Field
Sahlen Field is a baseball stadium located in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Bisons play their home games here, and it can accommodate over 16,000 people.
Sahlen Field is the most famous minor league baseball stadium in the country. It opened in 1988 and was initially known as Pilot Field. However, it was renamed in 2019 after the Sahlen Packing Company, a local company operating since 1869.
Over the years, the stadium has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2021. The 2021 renovations included improvements to the clubhouse, a new batting cage, and new outfield fencing.
16. Forest Hill Stadium
The Forest Hills Stadium is an excellent outdoor music venue. The acoustics are outstanding, and there are no obstructed views. The stadium holds 13,000 people, so it’s perfect for large concerts.
Some noteworthy artists who have performed at the Forest Hills Stadium include:
- Frank Sinatra
- Barbara Streisand
- The Rolling Stones
- Bob Dylan
The stadium is located in the borough of Queens, New York City, just a subway ride from Manhattan.
The Forest Hills Stadium is a must-visit for any music lover, and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
17. Mirabito Stadium
The Mirabito Stadium is a 6,012-person baseball stadium in Binghamton, New York. It is currently the home of the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets, known as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
The stadium opened in 1992 under its original name: NYSEG Stadium. However, it was renamed Mirabito Stadium in 2021. In past years, upgrades have been made for new seats and better sound systems within the stadium – as well as videoboards placed in both right and left field for fans’ enjoyment.
18. Dutchess Stadium
Dutchess Stadium is a baseball stadium located in Wappingers Falls, New York, with a capacity of close to 4500 people. The stadium is the home of the Hudson Valley Renegades. This minor league baseball team is affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
The stadium opened in 1994 and was initially known as Dutchess County Stadium. It also has a small-town feel and is a great place to take the family for a game.
19. Highmark Stadium
The Highmark Stadium is a football stadium in Orchard Park, New York, which opened in 1973 and has a capacity of over 70,000 people. It was formerly known as the Ralph Wilson Stadium and is home to the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).
Highmark Stadium was initially built as a multi-purpose facility, but it was converted to a football-only stadium in 1998. Having withstood the test of time, it remains one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL.
The most recent renovation was completed in 2014 and included the installation of new scoreboards, LED lighting, and improved sound systems.
20. Michie Stadium
Michie Stadium is a football stadium located in West Point, New York. It is home to the Army Black Knights of the United States Military Academy (USMA), was opened in 1924, and has a capacity of 38,000.
Michie Stadium is named after Dennis Michie, credited with introducing football to the USMA. The stadium was initially built as a multi-purpose facility, but it was converted to a football-only stadium in 1962.
There are plenty of concession stands and restrooms throughout the stadium, so you won’t have to miss any of the action. There are also several Army Black Knights souvenir shops located near the stadium.
21. Cooperstown Dreams Park
Cooperstown Dreams Park is a baseball facility located in Cooperstown, New York. The park is home to the Cooperstown All-Star Village, a youth baseball tournament that attracts teams worldwide.
The park includes 22 baseball fields, a training facility, and a village with a hotel, restaurants, and shops. Furthermore, it has a museum that celebrates the history of baseball.
Cooperstown Dreams Park is the perfect place for any baseball fan. Whether you want to watch a game or explore the museum, you will have a fantastic time.