Ancient Irish Sport of Hurling Comes to Citi Field on November 16 in the New York Hurling Classic

The world’s “fastest field sport” debuts at Citi Field as four counties will compete in a three-game tournament for the coveted Players Champions Cup, including defending champion Limerick; Tickets go on sale August 28 at www.mets.com/hurling

New York, NY (August 15, 2019) – Fenway Sports Management (FSM) and Metropolitan Hospitality at Citi Field announced today that the popular Irish sport of hurling will come to Queens in the “New York Hurling Classic” with a four-team tournament on Saturday, November 16. Building off the highly-successful U.S. events at Fenway Park in 2015, 2017 and 2018, a three-game tournament will be played with four counties competing for the Players Champions Cup, which was introduced at the 2017 event. Tickets for the New York Hurling Classic will go on sale Wednesday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. at www.mets.com/hurling.

In partnership with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Aer Lingus, ‘Ireland’s Ancient Warrior Sport’ will be played at Citi Field for the first time in the ballpark’s 10-year history. Hurling, widely believed to be the world’s oldest field game, combines agility, strength and intensity, earning it the reputation as the “fastest game on grass” among its loyal and passionate followers.

“We are thrilled to bring the ancient Irish sport of hurling to Citi Field this November,” said Heather Collamore, Vice President, Metropolitan Hospitality. “Hurling is one of the most exhilarating games in the world and we think fans are going to love the combination of speed, skill and scoring. We are excited to have the fast-paced action featuring some of the most accomplished teams in Ireland on the pitch at Citi Field.”

Hurlers use a wooden stick called a hurley to hit a small ball called a sliotar (pronounced slitter) between the opponents’ goalposts either over the crossbar (1 point) or under the crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper (3 points). For the New York Hurling Classic, the two teams will play a modified version of hurling called “Super 11s” which reduces the pitch to 11 players and the only way to score is under the crossbar into the net.

“Hurling is the one of the greatest games in the world and we’re excited to bring it to Citi Field in New York City,” said GAA President John Horan. “The New York Hurling Classic will be a tremendous showcase for our sport and should excite every fan in attendance. Special events like this are important as we continue to grow the game and bring hurling to new audiences.”

Limerick will defend the Players Champions Cup, having won the 2018 Fenway Hurling Classic with a 38-30 victory over Cork. The three other counties competing in the New York Hurling Classic are Wexford, Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national carrier, will be the Official Airline of the event, responsible for flying the teams from Ireland to New York City. Aer Lingus has been involved in the three previous hurling events at Fenway Park. Ireland’s only 4-star airline is undergoing its largest ever transatlantic expansion, building towards its aim of becoming the leading value carrier across the North Atlantic. Aer Lingus now flies to 14 North American destinations direct from Ireland.

“Aer Lingus is synonymous with bringing the best of Ireland to America and most particularly New York, which is why this event is such a great fit for us,” said Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Donal Moriarty. “We are proud and delighted to be able to bring Ireland’s greatest sport to the city that never sleeps.”

FSM’s Special Events team, an industry leader in the creation, planning, and execution of a broad spectrum of unique sports and entertainment events, will manage the logistics and promotion of the New York Hurling Classic.

“We’re excited to partner with the GAA, GPA and Citi Field to bring hurling to New York,” said Mark Lev, president of Fenway Sports Management. “FSM is proud to play a role in growing hurling and showcasing the sport to new audiences in the U.S. The three events at Fenway Park drew amazing crowds, so whether you’re a fan of hurling or new to the sport, the New York Hurling Classic promises to be a can’t-miss event.”

Further details about the New York Hurling Classic will be announced closer to the event. In addition to the hurling tournament, the event will feature an Irish festival complete with music and dancing. For more information about the New York Hurling Classic and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mets.com/hurling.

 

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