The Best Major Sports Stadiums in New York City area

Throughout the New York City area, there are many historic monuments that exist for us to remember what has happened in the city and the area's surrounding it.

This also is true with the many different sporting arena's that exist within the city limits and in the surrounding areas, as these stadiums are all unique and special to the New York sports fan.

Here is my list of what I believe are the best sporting venue's within the New York City area.

No. 7 Izod Center (Home of the New Jersey Nets)

The current home of the New Jersey Nets and the former home of the New Jersey Devils, the Izod Center has seen a lot in its time as an arena. Opened in 1981, this arena has been the host to four Stanley Cup finals and two NBA championships, during which the Devils won three championships while the Nets won none.

Currently, the Nets are waiting their move into Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn in the near future, which will end this arena's run as a major sporting arena in the New York area.

No. 6 Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Home of the New York Islanders)

The only home of the New York Islanders since their inception in 1973, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum has been the host of many great moments for the Islanders.

This also is true for the New York Nets in the 1970's as local hero Julius "Dr. J." Erving amazed the Nets fans who came to the Coliseum.

The Coliseum also was the host of the Islanders during their dynasty years from 1980-1983, as the Islanders won four straight Stanley Cups and a record 19 consecutive playoff series victories.

It currently is the focus of the Lighthouse Project, which is a plan by Islanders owner Charles Wang to fix the surrounding area to the coliseum, but it still is currently in its planning stages.

No. 5 Prudential Center (Home of the New Jersey Devils)

The home of the New Jersey Devils since 2007, the Prudential Center has become a great home for the Devils since their move from the Prudential Center in 2007, and it appears that they will soon achieve even more success in future years with the current squad that they have.

The Prudential Center has also been considered to be a future home to the Nets in case they don't move to Brooklyn, but that now seems very unlikely.

No. 4 Giants Stadium (Home of the New York Giants, New York Jets and New York Red Bulls)

The home of the Giants since 1976, the Jets since 1984, and the Red Bulls since 1996, Giants Stadium has been one of the most historic stadiums in NFL history, as it has hosted more games than any other stadium in history, and in MLS history, as the Red Bulls have used this stadium for the last 14 seasons.

This stadium also has been the host of the 1994 World Cup and has held mass for Pope John Paul II. Also, the Giants have won three Super Bowls in their tenure here, and the Jets and Red Bulls both have had several great season's while playing here.

2009 will also be the final year for this stadium, as the Giants and Jets will be moving to the new Meadowlands Stadium next season, while the Red Bulls will be moving across the parking lot to brand new Red Bull Park next season.

No. 3 New Yankee Stadium (Home of the New York Yankees)

The new home of the New York Yankees since the beginning of 2009, the New Yankee Stadium is not only the most expensive stadium in North American history at $1.5 billion, but a beautiful new home for the Yankees, as it replaced the original Yankee Stadium.

In its time, this ballpark has been known for giving up many home runs, as it is believed that a wind tunnel exists, pushing the balls out of the yard. This stadium has also become known for how expensive it is, as some of the $2,500 seats behind home plate remained empty for so long that Yankee management lowered the price to $1,250.

No. 2 Citi Field (Home of the New York Mets)

The new home of the New York Mets, Citi Field has become known as one of the nicest looking stadiums in baseball, and has become a great home for the Mets.

Unlike its fellow new counterpart the New Yankee Stadium, Citi Field is a pitchers paradise, as very few home runs are hit in this stadium with its giant walls and deep dimensions.

Also, the field is very quirky, as their is an overhang in right field, has many different caroms throughout the outfield, and has a giant 16-foot fence in left field.

No. 1 Madison Square Garden (Home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and New York Liberty)

The home of the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, Madison Square Garden is not only the best stadium currently in New York, but it also is the most historic. It was the home of the Knicks for their two World Championships, and the home of the Rangers when they broke their 54-year title drought in 1994.

Also, the World's Most Famous Arena also has hosted many special events such as concerts and is the host of the Big East Tournament every season. Because of all of this, Madison Square Garden is the best stadium for any New York team.