Game On, New York City! Celebrating The City's 400th Year Legacy With Sports And History
(Press Release)
—New York City’s five boroughs will play home to new and returning sports, and vibrant historical offerings as it readies to host America250 celebrations and the FIFA World Cup 2026TM Matches and Final—
New York City — New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is highlighting special programming for travelers across sports and history this year and beyond.
This comes as the City looks forward to a historic 2026, with major events including America250 celebrations and eight FIFA World Cup games, including the final, on the world’s largest stage.
“New York City is ready to once again host some of the world’s largest sporting and cultural events, while welcoming dozens of milestone anniversaries and new, exciting cultural exhibitions, programs and performances through 2026,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Fred Dixon.
Here are the historical exhibits and sports events that you should not miss:
The Castello Plan: Life in New Amsterdam
Ongoing until July 14, 2024
170 Central Park West, Manhattan New York, 10024
In 2025, New York City celebrates its 400th anniversary since the founding of the New Amsterdam colony in 1625, a significant moment in North America’s history. Starting with the Dutch settlement in 1624, which evolved into New Amsterdam, the colony expanded into a bustling community of 9,000 individuals before being taken over by the British in 1664. Ahead of the anniversary, the New-York Historical Society is presenting The Castello Plan: Life in New Amsterdam, on view through July 14, 2024. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the colony’s everyday life, Dutch ideas of tolerance, and the troubling legacies of slavery and Native American dispossession.
Stone Wall National Monument Visitor Center
Opens June 2024
West Village, Manhattan
New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ movement. The Stonewall Inn, site of the historic 1969 riots, stands as a symbol of resilience and is soon to be complemented by a dedicated visitor center opening in June 2024. On the Upper West Side, the forthcoming American LGBTQ+ Museumat the New-York Historical Society, set to open its doors in 2026, will be the nation’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. Other cultural sites include the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, which celebrates LGBTQ+ identity through exhibitions and programs that showcase the ever-evolving queer experience, as well as the Alice Austen House Museum, which features the pioneering photographer’s work and has been a National Site of LGBTQ+ History since 2017.
Hamilton’s 10th Year Anniversary
Opens 2025
226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
The groundbreaking Broadway sensation, Hamilton, created by MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient Lin-Manuel Miranda, celebrates its 10th anniversary at Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2025. The show, which follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he creates a legacy that would shape the course of New York City as well as the nation, boasts various accolades including 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Seamlessly blending hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the musical continues to captivate audiences, offering a fresh perspective on American history.
America’s 250th Anniversary
America celebrates its semi quincentennial in 2026, with celebrations and pop-up events of America250 taking place throughout the east coast. Recognizing New York City’s historical significance as the nation’s first capital and as a beacon of innovation and influence, the effort aims to honor the City’s rich legacy and promising evolution.
From pivotal events like the first US Congress and the Stonewall Uprising to cultural milestones such as the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx, NYC’s role in shaping groundbreaking practices and cultural movements remains unparalleled. As the milestone is observed, the City will be home to yet-to-be-announced special programming, showcasing its role as a symbol of diversity, culture and strength.
Sail4th 250
July 4, 2026
New York City Harbor
In honor of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, New York Harbor will set the stage for Sail4th 250, the largest fleet of tall ships and gray hull ships ever assembled. Echoing past landmark celebrations like the bicentennial in 1976 and the Statue of Liberty centennial in 1986, international fleets will gather in the heart of the nation’s first capital for a weeklong event. This occasion will serve as a symbol of unity among sailors worldwide, reflecting the enduring values of freedom, hope and opportunity within the United States.
New York City boasts two of every men’s professional sports franchises in the greater metropolitan area, alongside women’s professional basketball, soccer and ice hockey leagues. These teams include New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, New York City FC, and New York Red Bulls for the men’s leagues, as well as New York Liberty, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and PWHL New York.
New York has hosted numerous major sporting events throughout its history. From the US Open Tennis Championships to the FIFA World Cup Final, sports fans are in for a treat. Mark your calendars!
The FIFA World Cup
July 9, 2026 (Finals)
FIFA has chosen New York City alongside co-host partner, New Jersey, as the host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026TM Final, where MetLife Stadium will become New York New Jersey Stadium for the world’s largest game. The final, which will take place on July 19, 2026, is one of eight matches that New York New Jersey will host, in what promises to be the largest World Cup tournaments ever. The lineup will also include group stage matches on June 13, 16, 22, 25 and 26; a round of 32 game on June 30; a round of 16 match on July 5, and the Final on July 19. Whether at the stadium watching the match live or attending one of the various World Cup events that will take place citywide, visitors are guaranteed an unforgettable tournament experience.
FIFA Club World Cup (Mundialde Clubes FIFA)
2025
In 2025, New York New Jersey will host the newly expanded version of the FIFA Club World Cup (Mundial de Clubes FIFA), featuring 32 professional teams. The tournament, which is now set to occur every four years, will feature New York New Jersey as one of the host cities for the inaugural tournament in its new format. The match schedule is to be announced.
CONMEBOL Copa America 2024
2024
The CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 marks a unique edition featuring 10 CONMEBOL teams and six CONCACAF guest teams. Boasting 10 cumulative FIFA World Cup titles across the teams and featuring the world’s top soccer talent, the tournament promises excitement across the 32 matches this summer. Among the highlights, MetLife Stadium will host pivotal encounters, including the Chile vs Argentina match on June 25, 2024 and the Uruguay vs Bolivia match on June 27, 2024, alongside one of the three semifinal matches on July 9, 2024.
New York City’s Baseball Scene
Baseball is a fan favorite activity for both visitors and residents. Beyond the New York Yankees and New York Mets, New York City is also home to two Minor League Baseball franchises: the Staten Island FerryHawks and the Brooklyn Cyclones. Named after the iconic Staten Island Ferry and inspired by the local cooper’s hawks that grace the island, the FerryHawks proudly represent the borough as its professional baseball team in the Atlantic League. With unmatched views of the New York City skyline as a backdrop, a FerryHawks game promises entertainment for visitors of all ages. In Brooklyn, the Cyclones command attention at Maimonides Park in Coney Island, paying tribute to its namesake, the cherished roller coaster landmark. Both teams have kicked off their 2024 season, with games running through September 2024.
Sail Away to the New York Grand Prix
June 22-23, 2024
Governors Island, Manhattan, NY 10004
The New York Sail Grand Prix returns to New York City June 22–23, 2024. As the 12th stop on its global circuit, the event promises thrilling international sailing competition against the iconic Manhattan skyline. Spectators can witness the U.S. SailGP Team and nine other nations face off on identical 50-foot flying catamarans, reaching speeds over 60 miles per hour. Alongside the racing action, spectators can enjoy food, drinks, live music and more on Governors Island for an unforgettable summer weekend.
US Open Tennis Championships
August 26–September 8, 2024
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, 11368
Dating back to 1881, the US Open Tennis Championships is the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, cementing its role as the largest annual ticketed sporting event in the world. Since 1978, the tournament has found its home at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens’ Flushing Meadows Corona Park, serving as a magnet for the best tennis talent worldwide such as reigning champions Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Diede de Groot and Alfie Hewett. The tournament will return to Queens from August 26–September 8, 2024.
TCS New York City Marathon
November 3, 2024
The TCS New York City Marathon takes runners through all five boroughs of New York City, kicking off in Staten Island, followed by Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, ending in Manhattan’s Central Park. As the largest marathon globally, it saw over 50,000 participants cross the finish line in 2023, with more than 128,000 applicants the same year. Returning on November 3, 2024, the TCS New York City Marathon is one of the top long-distance races in the United States and part of the World Marathon Majors series.