In 2024 I visited both of New York’s Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, the Yankees and the Mets, to watch games in person.

The first stop was the New York Yankees’ home, YANKEE STADIUM. From the moment I stood in front of Gate 4 I felt this was more than just a ballpark. The classic stone facade, the gold-embossed “YANKEE STADIUM” logo and the eagle crest evoked the entrance to a museum or gallery. Rather than flashy showiness, the design conveyed the dignity of a long-established, prestigious institution.

The line to enter was impressive as well. Although many fans had gathered, the security staff’s guidance was restrained and the process—from belongings checks to directing foot traffic—was run in a very organized way. You could see the finely honed operational know-how in every action of the staff. The Yankees hold the record for the most championships in MLB history, and I felt the weight of that history infused into every detail of the ballpark’s exterior. Instead of relying on the latest facilities or flashy scoreboards, they impressed me by building their brand through tradition and dignity.

Next I went to the New York Mets’ home, Citi Field. It had a very different charm from the Yankees’ stadium. One space that stood out was the “Piazza 31 Club.” This VIP lounge is lined with photos and autographs of Mets legend Mike Piazza across the walls, and it clearly showed how much the team honors its legendary players. It wasn’t just a matter of hanging past players’ photos; operating a dedicated lounge named after him so fans can share in that history was particularly striking.

Moving toward the seats, I noticed further differences. The recently remodeled seats featured a deep blue tone with a bright orange NY logo, and the backs and cushions felt much more comfortable. Even the cup holders had been refurbished, so sitting for a long time wasn’t uncomfortable. Rather than clinging to old facilities and tradition alone, the Mets impressed me by honoring their legends while boldly modernizing the fan experience.

Seeing both teams side by side, I realized that even within the same city they build their brands in completely different ways. If the Yankees lean on the “weight of history,” the Mets capture fans with “respect for people” and “renewed comfort.” From a sports marketer’s perspective, the contrast between tradition and dignity on one hand and honor and convenience on the other was a very interesting comparison.

If you visit New York, I recommend touring both stadiums. It’s fun to compare two teams from the same city with such different brand identities.