Did you know that America’s oldest sports team comes from New York State? Back in 1100 AD, Iroquois people played lacrosse. This rich sporting tradition still exists across the state today, especially in the Finger Lakes area.
Whether you’re an Upstate New York local or are visiting the area, there are many ways to get involved in sports in Finger Lakes, including as a spectator and even placing bets.
Baseball at Falcon Park
Falcon Park is home to the collegiate summer baseball team, the Auburn Doubledays. Named for the team’s mascot, Abner Doubleday, the team’s historic stadium was built in 1926 but has since been rebuilt and is officially known as the Leo Pinckney Field at Falcon Park. In all, the venue can hold up to 2,800 people and includes a snack bar and team store.
The Doubleday’s summer baseball season starts on June 3rd 2023, as the team plays Newark. Following this, there are home games several nights each week against teams like Geneva, Utica, and Ottowa. The season culminates on July 30th with games against both Newark and Geneva.
Although sports betting is legal in New York, placing bets on collegiate games is not. This is because it’s believed that there’s a greater risk of college players taking payments to sabotage a game. Of course, this isn’t the case in all states, as some allow betting on college games. Every area has a different legislation (source:bestsportsbettingflorida.com).
Ice Hockey at the Blue Cross Arena
Located in Rochester, the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial is a multi-purpose arena that hosts various events, from sports to concerts and family shows.
The arena has a seating capacity of over 10,000, and spectators can enjoy various food options from several different concession stands.
Home to both the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League and the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League, the venue has also played host to several notable WWE and UFC events.
On May 17th, Rochester Americans face the top-seeded Toronto Marlies for the third time as part of the North Division Finals. The odds are in favor of a win for the home team, who took the series opener. Depending on the outcome of the May 17th game, a fourth game will take place at the arena on the 19th.
Dirt Track Racing at Weedsport Speedway
Weedsport Speedway is a dirt race track situated at Weedsport’s Cayuga County Fairgrounds. The clay oval track is high-banked and includes Stock Cars, Sportsman Modifieds, and Big Block Modifieds.
Events you can look forward to include:
- Heroes Remembered 100 on May 28th,
- Hall of Fame 100 on July 16th,
- Empire State Challenge on July 29th-30th,
- and the Cavalcade Cup Weekend on September 9th-10th.
No bets are available for these events, just the thrill of the race, which is worth it anyway.
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