See also: Brooklyn Soccer Bars

Watching Soccer in New York City

If you’re new to New York City you might expect that finding a football match to watch would be difficult. There was a time where watching football in New York City was a challenge but all that has changed. With the growth of FOX Soccer Channel over the last decade and the recent additions of Sentanta Sports and Gol TV to satellite services. Used to be that the only people on the street at 9 am on a Sunday morning in January were hardcore football fans heading to their local. In fact so many matches are now available at home, the football pub scene has been slightly diminished. Whether you’re an ex-pat looking to watch your favorite club or in New York on holiday we’ll help you find the spot to watch the match.

Watching the English Premier League in New York City

If you are looking to watch English football in New York City you are in luck.  You probably can’t watch “the Prem” in your hotel room but walk into just about any Irish pub at the right time and matches will be on.  You won’t be able to watch every English football match but you’ll get your fair share.  If you’re a fan of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool you can just about guarantee your club will be on.  Americans are watching a lot more soccer than ever, especially with players at Everton, Aston Villa Fulham and West Ham all representing the US National Team.If you look hard enough you can even watch matches from the Championship.  Usually one of the Sunday matches will only be available to football pubs via Satellite so expect to pay a small cover charge to enter (this offsets the pub’s outlay for the feed).

Watching Italian Soccer (Serie A) in New York City

To watch Serie A in New York City used to be a difficult proposition.  All the big clubs, Inter Milan, Juventus, Fiorentina, Roma can now be found on American television.  FOX Soccer Channel which is the primary English soccer channel now shows Serie A matches in the afternoon on tape delay.  The more dedicated Soccer Pubs will leave these matches on all day.  Be careful though and phone ahead as on weekends most pubs will switch over to the big American sports.  For a more authentic Serie A in NYC experience head down to little Italy where it seems that all the bars and restaurants will be carrying the match.  Calcio rules in Little Italy – just don’t go for a proper meal during a Serie A match as you mind find the service is a little slower than usual.

Watching Spanish Soccer (La Liga) in New York City

You can watch La Liga in New York City.  Spanish soccer has grown tremendously here with the likes of Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.  Gol TV now carries an increased slate of La Liga matches.  There aren’t too many Spanish bars in New York so it is a little tricky but there are plenty of places to find Athletico Madrid, Villareal going at it and the Copa del Rey has become more popular too.

Watching Argentine Soccer  in New York City

FSC airs the Clasico del Domingo, the Sunday showdown between Argentina’s top teams. The competition is fierce, the fans are devoted and the play is exciting especially as the dominance of Boca Juniors and River Plate is under threat. Outside the regular seasons FSC features the Summer Tournament in January.  Finding games in bars in New York can be tough you may have to go to Queens.