There is no place quite like New York City, and there is nothing quite like a New York sports nut. Boasting storied venues like Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium, we can’t think of a place we’d rather live or a group of teams we’d rather support. In New York, the worst enemy is a fan of the other New York team, providing a "friendly" rivalry for the ages. (eg Jets vs. Giants, Mets vs. Yankees) 

From staples like baseball and football to new ventures like arena football and MLS soccer, there’s plenty of action to take in. 

America’s pastime hasn’t been this exciting in the city for a long time. Boasting both the Yankees and Mets, we have the potential to watch them square off in the World Series. Interleague play has added another chapter to their rivalry, which is great fun to experience.

The New York Mets have a pretty darn good team this year. Piazza, Ordonez, Olerud and the gang are in the hunt for the pennant and should enjoy a spot in the postseason. Playing out of Shea Stadium in Flushing, Queens, which is a very family-oriented ballpark, the Mets are a team on the prowl. Catch the excitement by calling (718)507-TIXX.

Battling out of venerable Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, The New York Yankees have become a perennial powerhouse. Under the guidance of Joe Torre, they stand poised to take their division for the third straight year and should do very well in the playoffs. The defending World Champions are a visual treat, and can be experienced close-up at (718) 293-6000.

The hardwood court of Madison Square Garden is the home of two very successful basketball teams, the New York Knicks and their WNBA counterparts, the New York Liberty. The Knicks are very optimistic, having traveled deep into the playoffs over the past few seasons. The Liberty, making their playoff debut this year, are also looking to bring yet another sports championship to the city. Many celebrities are always in attendance, from Spike Lee to Woody Allen. To join them as the excitement hits a fever pitch, call (212) 465-JUMP for Knicks tickets or (212) 564-WNBA for Liberty information.

Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the home of the National Football League’s New York Giants and New York Jets. As the season gets underway, both have big-league aspirations to ride their momentum all the way to the Super Bowl. The Giants have made a few tweaks in the off season and look to be a force in the NFC East. Last year, they spoiled Denver’s dream of an undefeated season, and look to capitalize again this campaign. The Bill Parcells-led Jets went all the way to the AFC Championship Game last year, and with no key losses look to surpass last year’s effort. It should be an exciting season for New York football, so don’t miss a second of it. For Giants tickets, call (201) 935-8222, and for Jets information, dial (201) 935-3900

Also operating out of Madison Square Garden, the New York Rangers look to have an explosive season. Key acquisitions Theo Fleury and Valeri Kamenski add to the potent force of Petr Nedved and others to fuel the John Muckler-coached Rangers toward another Stanley Cup bid. To catch the fever, call (212) 307-NYRS.

Giants Stadium is also host to the NY/NJ MetroStars of Major League Soccer. While this year’s season was a bit of a disappointment, the fast and furious off-season trading should provide ample opportunity to restore this team to playoff caliber. The league is growing every year; perhaps it’s time to find out why. For ticket information, call the MetroStars at (201) 583-7055.

One of the Four Grand Slams of Tennis, the U.S. Open, is played annually at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens. Don’t miss your chance to see the men and women of tennis in action. For more information, call (718) 760-6200.