Summer's Biggest Fans

It's a great time of year for Queens sports fans. Will the Mets make up for last year's upset? Will Roger Federer win his fifth straight crown at the U.S. Open? Head to the stands and grab onto the banister, it's going to be an exciting summer.

Meet The Mets

N.Y. Mets Baseball
Shea Stadium
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
(718) 507-TIXX
www.nymets.com

For locals who have been living in a vacuum since the 2008 season began in March, there is an exciting baseball team here in the borough that is one of the best in the league.

The New York Mets, whose new stadium will be completed in 2009, are a team worth seeing-and you have only one more season to do so in Shea Stadium. Their last games in Shea are sure to bring out the competitive side of even the most passive spectator, as the Mets play both division rivals and distant opponents from the left coast.

Out-of-towners often delight at picking on Shea Stadium as the worst venue in the league, because the known fact that hitters can't easily drive the ball over the high walls, and the wind shifts often pop fly balls from right to left field. But Queens locals know that Shea is a beloved Borough landmark, one that will surely be missed.

Shea is indeed a Queens classic - the underdog of venues much like the team it hosts - yet it is also the home of champions, and may get one more banner to hang before the lights go out next year.

So get out to the stadium, see the best Mets team in several years, enjoy the Queens favorites at the park (like sandwiches from Mama's and ice cream from Carvel) and cheer on the team to repeat as NL East champions from Shea while you still can. Stars Shine.

U.S. Open

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
www.usopen.org
Aug. 25-Sept. 7

Tennis fans flood the gates of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

As soon as the last week of August rolls around it's time to break out the visors and sunscreen, for the qualifying tournament of the 2008 U.S. Open is about to begin.

The U.S. Open has been drawing in Queens tennis fans for decades, but it hasn't always been the two-week extravaganza it is today. From a single men's tournament held as an entertainment diversion for high society at the turn of the 20th century, the Open has turned into a sporting event hosting five major championships.

There's more to the Open then just the tennis though. From the exciting array of ethnic cuisine to the stars on hand, the excitement doesn't just stop at the court. Kids also get into the action during Arthur Ashe Kids Day, on Aug. 23, a prelude to the start of the Open.

Minor League Fun

Brooklyn Cyclones
Keyspan Park, 1904 Surf Ave. Brooklyn, NY
(718) 449-8497
www.brooklyncyclones.com

Shea Stadium is not the only place in New York City where Queens residents and Mets fans can find professional baseball. The Brooklyn Cyclones are a Single A team affiliated with the Amazins' that can crack homeruns with the best of them. Since their inauguration in 2001, the Cyclones already have a championship title under their belts (from their opening season) and are out for more this year.

As an affiliate of the Mets, the Cyclones have helped many legendary ball players that have donned the blue and orange remain close to the organization. Howard Johnson, Tim Teufel and Mookie Wilson have all served as team manager at one point. In 2005, the Cyclones led the New York-Penn League in attendance, averaging 7,939 fans per night. They also held last year's All-Star Game in Keyspan Park.

The Cyclones are back on the diamond for the 2008 season. For tickets, call (718) 507-TIXX.

Dodging Dragons

Dragon Boat Races
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
(718) 767-1776
www.hkdbf-ny.org
Aug. 2 & 3

A Chinese sporting tradition.

One of the oldest Chinese traditions in history, Dragon Boat racing is a test of strength and endurance on the waters of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Boats in the shape of dragons with a horde of men and women rowing until their arms hurt compete to reach the finish line first.

Dragon boats are 40 feet long, weigh more than 2,000 pounds and are built in the likeness of the scaly, fire-breathing beast of folklore. Most boats, made of either teakwood or fiberglass, are manned by 16 to 18 rowers. Paddlers row in sync to the rhythm keeping of a drummer, who sits on the ship with the racers. The narrow boats make quite a spectacle under the bright summer sun. More than 100 teams will compete for $60,000 in prizes.

In Chinese legend, the regatta commemorates the death of Qu Yuan, a minister in the kingdom of Chu who is said to have committed suicide by drowning himself in a river. When the country came under the rule of a tyrant, the honorable Qu Yuan clasped a large stone and leaped into the Mi Lo River. The dragon boat races symbolize the frantic attempts by fishermen to rescue Qu Yuan.

Race Track At Belmont Park

2150 Hempstead Turnpike
Elmont NY
(516) 488-6000
www.nyra.com
April 30 - July 20

In nearby Nassau, there is a place where those craving a rush of adrenaline and a rowdy crowd can find their summertime fix. Originally opened in the early 1900's as the site of aerial tournaments and shows, Belmont has since become famous for its beautiful race track-a site that draws massive crowds each year to see horses with their jockey's sprint to the finish line.

Those over 18 who want to throw some risk into the mix can place bets on their favorite horses. However, more frugal spenders can enjoy the races as well. Grandstand admission is only $2, and children under 12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

As is tradition, the park recommends that elegant attire be worn to the races; business casual dress is also acceptable. Gates open at 11 a.m. so take the drive to Nassau for an exhilarating experience in the sunshine.