A battle for the Big Apple
By: Isaiah Latif
Two forces collide at Citi Field when the Yankees take on the Mets in the first subway series of the 2026 MLB season. The series will take place between Friday, May 15th and Sunday, May 17th.
With the semester coming to an end, students are looking for ways to spend their upcoming summer break. The classic rivalry allows students to unwind after a tumultuous finals week, and a long spring semester.
“The subway series is just classic,” said CSI senior Austin Liu. “I’m going to the game on the 17th.”
Located in Queens on 41 Seaver Way, Citi Field will be crowded all weekend with students like Liu and fellow baseball enjoyers. With premium dining and a robust atmosphere, Citi Field has been ranked the best ballpark for food in the nation.
If you are planning on attending the game, it is advised to take public transportation, as construction of Citi Field’s new casino has rendered half of the stadium’s parking lot inaccessible. This parking lot situation has also affected tailgating, so if you don’t have a ticket to the game, tailgating is not advised.
There is also the new Seastreak Ferry, taking passengers from New Jersey and Staten Island directly to Citi Field via ferry. For $80 roundtrip, fans can avoid traffic and parking passes, while also getting access to the ferry’s open bar.
Student Joseph Cruz weighed in on the matchup, and it’s clear who he’s backing.
“Me and the boys are going to Jimmy Max to watch the beatdown,” said Cruz. “If the Yankees don’t sweep I’d be shocked.”
Located at 280 Watchogue Road, Jimmy Max is an Italian restaurant that has been a Westerleigh community staple for decades. With televisions and abundant seating, Jimmy Max will be a hotspot for baseball watchers.
Though restaurants like Jimmy Max have always been a hub for sports viewership, overall attendance and atmosphere has declined in recent years. This is largely due to the convenience and accessibility provided by streaming services and mobile apps.
All viewers can watch the games whenever, wherever. For CSI students, this means watch parties, gatherings at the house, or maybe just watching the game solo. You can stream the games on SNY, YES Network, and the MLB app.
“Most of the time I watch the streams online,” said computer science major Vince Leano. “CrackStreams is my go to.”
Though streaming has broken through as the primary means of viewership, that shouldn’t discourage anyone from going out. Almost every bar and restaurant will be showing the subway series, and CSI students everywhere will be able to catch the game.
Going into the matchup, it’s hard to think Queens’ beloved Metropolitans have much of a chance. With shortstop Francisco Lindor and center fielder Luis Robert Jr on the injured list, and a team record of 12-22, optimism is a rare commodity for the 2026 Mets.
The Yankees are in a much better spot. With a fully healthy lineup and a 23-11 record (2nd best in MLB), the Bronx Bombers are poised for a run at the World Series.
Despite the disparity between the teams, there is still a lot of hype for this matchup.
WIth tickets starting at $116, it’s abundantly clear that the subway series is still a highly coveted event, and draws a large crowd.
With the end of the semester coming up, the subway series is the first thing students are looking forward to after a long academic year of hard work.
“It don’t matter what borough you from or what school you go to,” said Cruz. “End of the day it’s all about New York.”
