The people who know me best are aware that there are few things I enjoy more than watching pro sports. Now, when that’s paired with a relaxing—or exhilarating—Amtrak excursion, I say, “Yes, please!” Luckily, there are plenty of pro sports and Amtrak options up and down the Empire State and neighboring Canada. So, where to begin?
New York City
I mean, where else would we begin a discussion of pro sports in New York State than in the world’s most important city and the undisputed center of the universe, New York City? Arriving at the beautiful New York Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, you’re steps away from Madison Square Garden, home to the NBA’s New York Knicks (they’re good again!), the WNBA’s New York Liberty and the NHL’s New York Rangers. From Moynihan, you can also catch connections to the Bronx for a baseball game featuring the New York Yankees or a soccer match featuring the New York City FC or to Queens for both the MLB’s New York Mets and the adjacent US Open Tennis Championships (Carlos Alcaraz! Coco Gauff!). And lest we forget, the connection to the Meadowlands in New Jersey for both local NFL franchises, the New York Giants and New York Jets, as well as soccer’s New York Red Bulls in Harrison, NJ.
Buffalo
Whether you land at the Buffalo-Exchange Street station located downtown or Buffalo-Depew station some ten miles east of the city, the goal is to get to the Queen City to watch either hockey’s Buffalo Sabres take on the NHL or, of course, brave the elements outdoors to witness one of the premier teams in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills, try again to achieve that elusive Super Bowl victory (this is their year, I just know it!). In either sport or venue, Amtrak makes it fun to cheer for Buffalo.
Toronto
Arriving by Amtrak to Toronto’s Union Station in the heart of Canada’s most populous city is a thrill in and of itself, but when that journey is for the express purpose of enjoying pro sports, then, by golly, a genuine experience awaits. You’ll have the option to see hockey’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays and MLS’ Toronto FC. Good thing Amtrak takes you to all of the action.
MONTRÉAL
When you make it all the way to Montréal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station) to conclude your Amtrak journey, it just makes sense to include a visit to witness one of the National Hockey League’s OG teams, the fabled Montréal Canadiens, at Bell Centre. If soccer is more your speed, then venture out to Saputo Stadium for a riveting match featuring the hometown CF Montréal. Magnifique!