Wonder who scheduled this? When I first heard that the Jets were playing the last game at Giants Stadium, I was shocked. Now, it turns out to be a brilliant decision. While the Giants played a meaningless last homegame in which they lost by 30 points, the Jets one meant something. Win, and your in. Lose, and its over. Jets playing for a shot to head to Cincinnati to play the Bengals. While the big game didn't live up to its billing - the Jets won 37-0 - the excitement of the stadium made the trip worth it.
I arrived via the Port Authority in New York City and, once stepping out to the Meadowlands three hours before kickoff, instantly felt the cold of a windchill making the temperature 0 degrees. This didn't stop the tailgating, however. With the cold weather I was shocked to see all the busses, RV's and cars lined up with fire pits a blazing. All over Jets fans were screaming "J-E-T-S Jets,Jets,Jets!" and Bengals fans trying to respond with "WhoDey? WhoDey? WhoDey Think Gona Beat Dem Bengals?" It was a battle of teams chanting against eachother, drinking and eating to keep warm, and nostalgia filling the air hearing about the memories at Giants Stadium. Halftime was filled with old Jets like Vinny Testaverde and Wayne Chrebet making appearances.
While I found tickets on Craigslist for 75 in the upper deck, I wasnt there for long. After the 1st quarter, my friend who was in the second section at the 50 yard-line informed me that he had two extra seats near him and I ended up sitting at the 50 yard line in amazing seats.
At the end of the 3rd quarter, and a Jets blowout, I left the stadium with an enjoyable experience. I walked and hopped on the bus back to Port Authority. From there I walked over to Penn Station and hopped on a midnight bus back to Boston. Though tired the next day at work from a long day of travel (especially after a whole New Years Weekend in New York) I appreciate my chance to be at the Meadowlands, to see history and add another memory to those that I currently have.
On the first Sunday in November, New York hosts some of the toughest runners in America. In the words of Robert Tuchman "The city that never sleeps, hosts runners that never stop." The New York City Marathon takes place from Staten Island at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx and ending in Central Park.
The NYC Marathon is considered one of the worlds great road races and premiere events. the ING New York City Marathon attracts over 100,000 applicants. For some, the stakes are high (this years winner took home $200,000). While others run for a cause or purely for pride. The opportunity to race through Central Park with friends and family watching is more valuable than the six figure purse for many. Two million people cheer on the runners from the city streets while over 300 watch from home.
This high profile, historical event is free to the public. Just get to one of the five burroughs that the competitors race in and bring a sign to cheer them on. The best place to watch is right off the 59th Street Bridge on the island of Manhattan When the first runners are spotted, the party begins. The celebration takes place at the bars on 1st avenue all the way to 96th street. This is wehre to be if you are looking for the party atmosphere and not really supporting a specific runner.
This years 40th annual race was won Derartu Tulu of Ethopoia with a time of 2:28:52 and Meb Keflezighi of the United States of America with a time of 2:09:15. It was the first victory for a U.S. man since 1982.
Some of you may be wondering: what else can I do while taking the trip of the week? What are the cities hottest spots when it comes to food, drink and entertainment.
Here's a glimpse into what the Big Apple has to offer this week:
Have you heard the recent news surrounding the architectural wonder that is the highline. Located on the West Side, this former elevated train track runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues. The area was once used to keep freight trains off the streets of Manhattan, but now holds one of the prettiest parks in the city, complete with the original tracks!
While there, check out the Chelsea Market. This place gives Faneuil Hall a run for its money. Filled with a plethora of vendors and stores, you're sure to find something delicious to heal those hunger prangs at the right price.
Walk over to Grand Central Station and find your way up to the campbell apartment. This jazz era bar brings old world charm and elegance back to the station.
Just beware: proper attire is required.
If casual is more your style, have no fear, there's something for everyone in the city that doesn't sleep.
Hop on down to the village, you're sure to find some great, casual meals.
We suggest Las Ramblas for Tapas. 170 W 4th St.
Finally, don't limit yourself to Manhattan while visiting the Big Apple, remember that Brooklyn is booming with culture, views and of course, food. If you have time, take a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge to see one of the city's best views!
Friday – Minnesota Twins @ New York Yankees 6:07pm
Saturday – South Florida @ Syracuse 12:00pm
Sunday – Oakland Raiders @ New York Giants 1:00pm
Monday – Anaheim Ducks @ New York Rangers 5:00pm
Its playoff baseball time. This means my trip of the week heads to New York to see the odds on favorite New York Yankees host the fighting Minnesota Twins in ALDS. After seeing that, you can take the drive to Syracuse to see the Orange take on Big East rival West Virginia. If that’s not enough, the New York Giants host the struggling Raiders. To end the trip, take Columbus Day off on Monday and check out the Anaheim Ducks take on the New York Rangers to end the awesome sports weekend.
Friday – Minnesota Twins @ New York Yankees 6:07pm
What a better way to start your weekend than playoff baseball! Get out to Yankee stadium early and check out the scenery around the stadium. Start by going to Stan’s Sports bar, the most popular by the stadium. This bar gets crowded but everyone is friendly (if you aren’t wearing the opposing teams stuff) and get a few beers before it becomes uncomfortable. After that, head to the Yankee Tavern, family owned since 1923 to grab a few beers and a bite of food. Yankee Tavern is known as the best food by the stadium and its probably a little bit cheaper than an 8 buck beer and 5 buck hot dog. Be sure to get into the Stadium early as you’ll want to see it. Monument park is free to walk up to half hour before the game and its more than worth seeing all their history. Whether you like the Yankees or not, its pretty amazing to witness all their history before they try to make more! Get to your seats by the top of the 1st and listen to the players roll call. In the right field bleachers, the fans take turns chanting players names until they are acknowledged, every player participates (some more excited than others) and it is a famous tradition. After that, enjoy the game! It’s playoff baseball in Yankee Stadium! Not quite sure what could be better!
If your willing to drive 4 hours, and would rather do that then spend a day in the city, head up to Syracuse, NY and check out Paulus and the rest of the Orange Big East Rival West Virginia. Game is at noon so there is probably not too much time to do more than get there for game time. If you do get out of the hotel before 8am and to the Carrier Dome, hit up the tailgates and grab a few brews before entering the stadium. Hopefully Paulus will step up and make it an enjoyable experience. After the game, stop at Harry's Bar - Of the city’s hundreds and hundreds of bars, Harry's Bar fits right in the middle of the bell curve – a place to hit with your buddies on the way to your ultimate destination. Not the ideal spot for fabulous, drunken debauchery, but it’s a good as place as any to pre-drink. Make sure someone stays sober, you are going to want to get home and ready for the next day.
Wake up early on Sunday and head over to Giants Stadium to watch the undefeated Giants take on the struggling Oakland Raiders. Check out this aging stadium in the Giants last season before they move to brand new Meadowland’s Stadium. Its been an exciting season for the Gmen so far and don’t risk our chance to see the possible Super Bowl champion. Enjoy the awesome tailgate and maybe the best team in the NFL take the field. There is plenty of parking on the premise but get there early to enjoy it with the best fans.
Whether he was a good guy or a bad, some people get Monday, October 12th off for Columbus day, might as well enjoy the holiday as well! Take the day to enjoy all the city has to explore. Go to the top of the EmpireStateBuilding and view the whole city, or take a stroll through Central Park before it gets too cold to enjoy. If you need to do some shopping, walk down 5th Avenue and check out all the stores or get a little culture into you when in New York. go to the MetropolitanMuseum (the "Met"), the Museum of Modern Art or the Museum of Natural History.
You don’t have too much time, however, as the New York Rangers host the Anaheim Ducks in a 5:00 battle in the world famous MadisonSquareGarden. If you can get in early, check out the Play By Play Sports Bar and Restaurant located inside MadisonSquareGarden. While you're enjoying the fun atmosphere of the Play By Play, take a jump shot from "downtown", play air-hockey or video games. Watch all the fast action on our 11 High-Definition televisions and 14 other TVs! The Play By Play is your place to get close to the action before, during or after the game! If inside MSG isn’t for you, just walk around, there are literally hundreds of bars around the arena and you can easily find one to fit your fancy. And post game… find that bar again, because the 3-1 Jets are on Monday Night Football
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