Book your complete Sports package with total peace of mind. We have extensive ticket availability for all events featured. With discounted airfares, and keenly negotiated hotel rates,
Fanfare Events will take care of all your sports travel needs.
US Open Evolves Into Grand Slam Spectacular. The US Open bears little resemblance to the tournament started 127 years ago. It has evolved from an exclusive men's singles and doubles tournament in 1881 to a two-week sports and entertainment extravaganza held in Flushing, N.Y. More than 700,000 fans enter the gates annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Each year in August and September, the very best in world tennis gather together for the final major of the tennis tournament calendar, the illustrious US Open. Over the years the venue and court surfaces have changed. The competition was originally contested on grass, then on clay, and finally on the current surface, DecoTurf - an acrylic hard court surface.
Today's US Open is hosted by the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre situated in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. The venue boasts the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadia, and offers the very latest in comfort and technology.
The US Open tennis has been dominated by Americans. Legends of the game including Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have all left Flushing Meadows victorious on more than one occasion.
The Star Spangled Banner of the USA features prominently in the record books, and with the exception of Australia's Margaret Court Smith in the 1960s and 70s, and current defending champion, Roger Federer, all records of the US Open are held by Americans.
Federer US Open In recent years, current world number one, Roger Federer has claimed the US Open men's singles title as his own. He has won five back-to-back US Open crowns, and in the process dispatched Lleyton Hewitt, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and lastly, Novak Djokovic.
Over the past seven years the women's singles event has seen a diverse selection of winners including both the Williams' sisters - Serena being the 2008 winner, Russians, Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova and Belgians, Kim Clijsters and the 2007 champion, former world number one, Justine Henin whose surprising retirement from professional tennis in May 2008 has left the winning women's singles title wide open.
NEW YORK NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL TO MANHATTAN
Liberty International Airport is located 16 miles or 26 kms south-west of New York City. Yellow taxis into Manhattan should cost between $45-50, bridge and tunnel tolls ($4-6) and tips, generally 15% are extra. A monorail service links all of Newark’s air terminals to the Newark Airport train station for connections into NYC’s Penn Station. A one-way ticket is currently $14.00, children $11.00, journey time is approximately 30 minutes. The Olympia Express bus service links the airport with Port Authority, Grand Central and Penn stations, every 20 minutes, journey time 30-40 minutes longer at rush hour. Tickets $13.00, kids under 12 travel free of charge.
NEW YORK JFK TO MANHATTAN
JFK Airport is located 12 miles or 20 kms south-east of New York City. Yellow taxis into Manhattan have a flat rate of $45.00. Bridge and tunnel tolls ($4-6) and tips, generally 15% are extra. For subway services into Manhattan take the AirTrain from JFK to Howard Beach Subway Station where you can board the “A” train; stops are then made throughout Manhattan. AirTrain fare is $5.00 and the subway $2.00. New York Airport Express Service bus links the airport with Grand Central, Port Authority and Penn Station, fare $15.00, round trip $27.00 Children under 12 travel free of charge.
NEW YORK AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
MTA New York City Transit is one of the most extensive and complex public transportation systems in the world. With 24-hour-a-day bus and subway service throughout the five boroughs, the MTA system moves more than six million people a day from here to there for $2.00. The New York City subway system is one of the most efficient people transports in the entire world. The hot and dingy subway system of the 1970's has been completely renovated into a safe, convenient and comfortable mode of transportation between nearly all areas of New York City. Over 4.3 million people ride the subway system every day; over 1 billion people go through the turnstiles per year! While minor theft and homelessness still abound, the subway is a much better place than was predicted back in the financially troubled days of the city. The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) operates the world's largest fleet of buses -- 4,373 public buses -- serving over 666 million people per year. The bus system services routes not served by the subway system such as crosstown (East-West) routes and outlying areas. In general, buses stop every 2 blocks making them agonizingly slow, but for those who have the time to spend it can also double as a scenic tour of the city.
Downtown to Giants Stadium From Port Authority’s 41st Street Bus Terminal in Manhattan, there is a load and go bus service for games at the Meadowlands Sports Complex / Izod Center. The journey time is 20 minutes and the service begins 2 hours prior to each game. Return journeys commence at the conclusion of the event and the last bus will depart to New York City 30 minutes after the event has concluded.
Downtown to Madison Square Gardens Madison Square Garden is located on 7th avenue between 31st and 33rd streets in the heart of Manhattan. Dependant upon where you are staying the venue will probably be within walking distance or take the subway to 34th street/Penn station.
Downtown to Citi Field The Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station or Woodside stops right at Citi Field with easy connections to the rest of Long Island and New Jersey Transit. The #7 Subway conveniently serves Grand Central's Metro North Trains from Westchester and Connecticut, as well as service from Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Downtown to the Yankee Stadium Yankee stadium is located at 161st street and River Avenue in the Bronx. The stadium is conveniently reached by several subway lines and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes less than 25 minutes. A new station will serve the stadium on game days.
Downtown to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Subway, take the Flushing bound #7 train from Times Square-42nd Street, 5th Avenue-Byrant Park or Grand Central-42nd Street to the Willets Point-Shea Stadium station. The tennis centre is then just a three minute walk away.
TOURIST OFFICES New York City’s official visitor information centre is located at 810 7th avenue between 52nd and 53rd streets. Open 0830-1800 Monday-Friday and 0830-1700 Saturday and Sunday.
EMERGENCY SERVICES Police/Ambulance/Fire 911
BRITISH CONSULATE 845 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022 Tel: (212) 745 0200
BANKING HOURS Monday-Friday 0830-1500
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Empire State Building 350, 5th Ave at 34th Street. The observatory deck located on the 102nd floor is open 10.00 am to midnight with the last elevator going to the top at 11.15 pm
Metropolitan Museum Of Art 1000 5th Ave at 82nd Street. Closed Mondays. Open 9.30 am-5.30 pm (9pm Friday and Saturday).
Ellis Island Immigration Museum America’s famous immigration gateway from 1892-1954. Ferry departs Battery Park daily. Ferry free, Museum free.
Bronx Zoo The largest US Metropolitan Zoo. Beautiful landscapes for more than 4,000 animals.
Central Park This 843 acre oasis offers both residents and visitors a refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Madison Square Gardens All Access Tours: Allows fans to get an insiders view of the inner workings of the world’s most famous arena. The one hour tour includes access to locker rooms, a backstage tour and the possibility of watching players practice or casts in rehearsal. Tours operate every day, approximately every half-hour from 11am -3pm. Tickets are priced at $18.50 for adults, $15.00 for seniors and $12.00 for children. Daily tickets can be purchased at the MSG Tour Shop
Statue of Liberty For the many immigrants that flocked from Europe to New York, the Statue of Liberty was the first image they saw of the USA. The statue was a gift from the French government for the 100th birthday of America's Independence.
Liberty Helicopter Tours During this 5-7 minute flight you will fly past the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Ellis and Governors Island, as you return you will view South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge. Flights depart from downtown Manhattan heliport at Pier 6 and the East River.
South Street Seaport 12-14 Fulton St, between Water and South Sts. Along the bumpy cobblestone streets you will find restaurants and shops galore, but this also a historic district and a living museum. Tour the boatbuilding shop or take a tour of the 4 masted 347 foot cargo vessel Peking.
Childrens Museum Of Manhattan Tisch Building, 212 W.83rd St. Five floors of unique interactive exhibitions and engaging daily programmes for family fun. Ages 1 month-12 years. Closed Mon, Tue (open Tues Jul-Aug)
BARS
The Red Lion, 151 Bleeker Street. In the Greenwich Village District, serves Guinness, Stella, Strongbow, Boddingtons, Budweiser and Corona. Live music 7 nights a week together with coverage of the Premiership.
Fiddlesticks Pub and Grill, 56, Greenwich Ave. 743, 8th Ave, 80 beers from 30 countries.
Scruffy Duffys, 743, 8th Ave (46th-47th). On tap Guinness, Newcastle Brown, Budweiser, Heineken and Harp. Good selection of bar snacks and sandwiches.
Pig 'n' Whistle, 165, W.47th St (6th-7th Aves), claims to be Broadways best known Irish Pub. The Premier Irish Pub in NYC. Come for the lively after work scene. Popular late night destination. The kitchen is open until 2am. Live Music every weekend, check website for listing. Serving lunch, dinner and tapas seven days. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, served with a complimentary drink. Stout NYC, 133, W. 33rd St (6th-7th Aves), open daily until 4.00 am. Beers served include Guinness, Bass, Amstel, Boddingtons and Londons Pride.
Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant, 42, Central Park (59th St between 5th and 6th Aves). Sports restaurant/bar, hearty American cuisine, sports art gallery, memorabilia museum, ten TV monitors. Mickey Mantle's Restaurant and Sports Bar has established itself as a New York Institution, one of the city's most popular restaurants and private party locations. M Since opening in 1988, Since opening in 1988, Mickey Mantle's is the site of several live sports radio programs that are broadcasted weekly, a new Fox Sports Boxing show, monthly memorabilia authentication by James Spence III (JSA), sports and entertainment memorabilia auctions and viewings provided by Gotta Have It! Collectibles Heartland Brewery Union Square, 35, Union Square West (16th-17th Sts). American brew-pub, beer tastings, brewery tours.
ESPN Zone, 1472, Broadway (42nd St). Sports themed dining and entertainment, features American grill food, interactive attractions and 200 TV screens.
Chelsea Brewing Company, Pier 59(18th St and West Side Hwy). Excellent American cuisine and award-winning micro-brews.
Nevada Smith’s, 74, 3rd Avenue (11th-12th Sts). Where football is religion, particularly Manchester United. One giant screen and dozens of others around the room. All other sports shown when not interfering with football.
RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
LOCAL CUISINE Agave, 140, 7th Avenue south. Located in historic Greenwich village. Celebrates the cuisine of Mexico and the American south-west.
America, 9 E. 18th street (5th Ave). Creative regional specialities in portions as large and varied as this establishments name-America.
Angelo and Maxie’s Steakhouse, 233 Park Ave South (19th St). Fun, festive steakhouse boasts oversized steaks, chops and seafood.
Broadway Joes Steakhouse. 315 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) Broadway Joes Steakhouse offers scrumptious food and gracious service that is second to none. Our tantalizing varieties of foods have met with rave reviews from our international visitors as well as from our New York clientele who have been dining with us for years! Favorite dishes at Broadway Joes Steakhouse are our New York Cut Prime Sirloin Steak, Prime Ribs of Beef, Grilled Salmon Filet, Pasta Primavera Marinara, our Signature Caesar Salad, and, of course, New York Cheesecake!
Hard Rock Café, 221 W.57th St (7th Ave), world-famous chain, great food, memorabilia and merchandise.
Istana Restaurant and bar, New York Palace, 455, Madison Ave(51st St), contemporary American popular midtown restaurant.
Manhattan Chilli Co., 1500 Broadway (43rd St), specialises in chilli, fajitas and margaritas.
Quiznos Sub, 304, W.34th St(8th-9th Aves), serves upscale sub-sandwiches and salads, a fresh tasty alternative to fast food.
The Sazerac House, 533, Hudson St(Charles St), a taste of New Orleans cooking in an 1826 landmark New York setting.
Rosie O’Grady’s, 800 7th Ave (52nd St), a landmark steak and seafood restaurant.
SEAFOOD Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., 1501 Broadway (44th St), Quality seafood in a casual family atmosphere, based on the film Forrest Gump.
City Crab & Seafood Co., 235 Park Ave South (19th St), American regional seafood ranges from seasonal favourites like Florida stone crab to Delmarva cuisine.
ITALIAN Café Boon Gusto, 1009 2nd Ave (53rd-54th Sts), Located steps from midtown hotels, featuring affordable selection of fine wines, pasta, chicken and fresh fish.
Carmines, 220 W.44th St (7th-8th Aves), southern Italian cuisine served in abundant portions for sharing.
Little Caesar’s, 40 W.14th St(5th-6th Aves), all natural pizzas made fresh, breads, wings, salads, open late.
MEXICAN Chevy’s Fresh Mex, 259, W.42nd St (8th Ave), delicious fresh-Mex in Times Square Theatre District.
Mary Ann’s Chula Vista, 1503 2nd Avenue (78th St), Lively Mexican bar. Good, fun food in energetic atmosphere.
CHINESE Chin Chin, 216, E.49th St (2nd-3rd Aves), reasonably priced fine Chinese food from different regions, served in tranquil modern surroundings.
Pacifica, Holiday lnn Downtown, 138, Lafayette St. Hong Kong style cuisine, a unique dining experience for those in search of the unexplored.
JAPANESE Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, 47 W.56th St (5th-6th Aves), Features hibachi-cooked shrimp, chicken, lobster and steak prepared at the table.
INDIAN Bombay Palace, 30, W.52nd Street, Authentic delicious Indian cuisine, elegant décor.
Dawat, 210 E.58th St (2nd-3rd Aves), Cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey is the driving force behind this prestigious, popular Indian haute cuisine.
VEGETARIAN Candle 79, 154 E.79th St (3rd-Lexington Aves), delicious organic vegan cuisine, elegant restaurant near Central Park and museums. Gobo, 401, 6th Ave (Waverly Pl-8th St), Soothing yet upbeat ambience in Greenwich Village, serves spectacular vegetarian world cuisine.
SPANISH El Quijote Restaurant, 226 W.23rd St (7th-8th Aves), a favourite since 1926. Two pound steaks, Maine lobsters, four varieties of paella.
GREEK Molyvos Restaurant, 871, 7th Ave (55th-56th Sts), authentic cuisine at one of NY’s premier Greek restaurants.
BRAZILIAN Churrascaria Plataforma, 221 West Broadway (White-Franklin Sts), authentic all you can eat prix-fixe Brazilian rotisserie Steakhouse.
WITH A VIEW Foley’s Restaurant and Bar, Renaissance New York Hotel, Times Square. The views of Times Square are breathtaking at this elegant glass enclosed seafood restaurant.
Waters Edge Restaurant, 44th Drive at East River, Long Island City, magnificent Manhattan views, and complimentary water shuttle from Manhattan (closed Sundays)
STAYING IN TOUCH - INTERNET CAFES
Cybercafe, 250 W.49th St (Broadway-8th Ave), New York’s original internet café offers high speed access and printing.
