They are all around the stadium now, especially on 10th Avenue. FYI: in the past, parking has cost fans about $15 for the whole game.
Option 3: Street Parking, or "The Hunt"
Of course, you can try being really sneaky and try to park for free on the residential streets around the area. This is really something for early-birds, as the spots fill up fast. In fact, there aren't a lot of spots to begin with because Inwood is really residential and the local folks like to keep their spots for the weekend. BUT, the eagle-eyed among you may be able to find a nice spot and enjoy knowing that you're a winner even before kickoff by saving a few bucks with a free spot. There are a couple of important pitfalls to avoid:
a) If you aren't really good at parallel parking, don't even think about parking on the streets of Inwood. The hilly terrain makes even seasoned parkers a little nervous, and all those scratched bumpers and fenders on the parked cars are proof of the "goofs" people make from time to time.
b) Inwood is not really a high-crime area, especially during the day, but you should never tempt fate. Lock your cars. DO NOT keep any packages or valuables in plain sight in your car, and you probably should leave them out of the trunk too if you can. This is especially true if you are driving a car with out-of-state plates.
c) Make sure to check the street signs to see if you're parking in a legal spot. Saturdays are usually immune from alternate side of the street parking rules, but not always. You cannot park within six feet, either way, of a fire hydrant, and you also need to give a lot space for bus stops. You cannot block any driveways. And if there's a yellow stripe painted on the curb, you can't park there either. A good M.O. is to eye every open spot with EXTREME SUSPICION, the chances are more than likely that the spot is there because it's not a legal spot.
d) You may be hampered even further in your quest for free parking if the NYPD blocks 218th Street at Broadway which they often do on game days. To be safe, just find your way to Seaman Avenue, which runs parallel to Broadway on the WEST and start looking for spots there. You might consider printing out a Google Map of Inwood, NY to learn to navigate the local streets better. Remember to look out for one-way streets and the occasional street fair which often pops up and further kills parking opportunities on the weekends.
TIME OUT! WHY IS THIS SO HARD?
Manhattan is a great and unique place. One of the things that makes it so unique is that every inch of land is super-valuable and the chances of any institution setting aside lots of space for occasional parking is not likely or even sane. Most sensible people living in all parts of Manhattan do so without a car, regardless of their economic stature. A day or two driving around here will tell you why.
That's why we have the best, (but still too expensive), public transportation system in the world. And luckily, there are a number of more relaxing and reliable ways to get to Baker Field.
Public Transportation Option 1: From Columbia Campus
You can ditch your car at one of the many parking garages near the Columbia campus, or try to find free street parking, (it's not much easier than Inwood, but doable), and then take the free shuttle bus or public transportation.
To get the subway somewhat direct to the stadium you can 1) catch the uptown #1 train at 116th Street all the way to 215th Street. Easy.
You CAN 2) walk down the hill at West 110th Street, get on the uptown C train and switch at 168th Street for the A from there. That transfer does not involve the creepy elevator and is much better, but still not ideal.
I love taking the A train from start to finish.
Getting the A directly is a lot easier from Midtown Manhattan, where most hotels are located anyway. From the Columbia campus, you can also take the #1 DOWNTOWN to 59th and then get on the A train UPTOWN from there. It's not too terrible to do that actually.
If you're in Midtown Manhattan, I recommend taking the A at the 59th Street and Broadway station. It is a VERY short ride, (less than 20-25 minutes), from there. The A train runs on the far West side of Manhattan, through Brooklyn, past JFK airport, and all the way to a neighborhood where I did a lot of my growing up called Far Rockaway. The uptown or Manhattan bound A takes you the 207th Street stop, which is the last stop. Exit at the 211th Street exit and then you can either walk the seven blocks along Broadway, (about 35% of a mile), to Baker Field or better yet, enter Isham Park on your left and enjoy a nicer trip that will take you to Seaman Avenue along the left side of the park and you will see Wien Stadium right in front of you at the end of the avenue. This is a more scenic walk and will give you a better idea of what Inwood is like.
To ride the NYC subway you will need a Metrocard. Go to the ticket booth at the station or the automated Metrocard machines and buy a two-trip card. The machines take cash, credit and debit cards.
When you get to the platform, again make sure that you are on the UPTOWN side awaiting the UPTOWN train.
FREE BUSES!
If the subway isn't for you, for the last several years Columbia has been running free shuttle buses to and from Baker Field on game days. They usually run from the 116th Street and Broadway entrance, but ask the security guards at the gate to be sure. I'm not sure how long it takes for these buses to reach the stadium, but they will always be slower than the subway. (There is no faster way to get around Manhattan than the subway... none).
And there is now a bus running from the Upper East Side! It leaves from 3rd Avenue and East 86th Street 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
A number of NYC buses, (not free, you need a Metrocard), run to the Baker Field area, but I really don't recommend using them. They are extremely slow, (what do you call it when you have sex on a NYC bus? "Joining the 3-mile-an-hour club"), and erratic on the weekends. BUT if there ever is a fire on the subway or something, it's good to know they're there.
The Marble Hill Station on Metro North
One of the most beautiful ways to get to a Columbia game is on the Metro North commuter railroad. Take the HUDSON RIVER LINE to the Marble Hill stop and simply walk over the footbridge to Baker Field. The views of the Hudson that you will get if you're coming from the North, (if you're looking to go this way from Grand Central Terminal, it's not a terrible idea, but much more expensive than just taking the subway from another station on the West Side), are just great. MTA.info is the website to find the schedules for Saturdays from Grand Central to Marble Hill. Note the reliable 19-20 minute travel time and the many, many options you have for trains all the way through game time. If you are staying on the East Side of Manhattan, this is a GREAT option.
Cab Anyone?
You can always try to hail a yellow cab and tell the driver to take you to WEST 218th and Broadway, (don't say "Baker Field," there's a very good chance he won't know what you're talking about), and go that way. I expect the trip will cost about $15-$18 in cab fare not including tip... but it varies.
In NYC there are also non-yellow so-called "gypsy" cabs that may honk their horns at you and offer you a ride. The official rules in the city say that you can't take a ride with them without arranging it in advance, but I have found they are usually reliable. The price should be about the same as Yellow cab, but they don't use a meter... so make sure you agree on the fare before you get in.
What if I'm coming from New Jersey, and I want to take Public Transportation?
New Jersey Transit trains take you to Penn Station where you can get the A train, or a cab. I'm not sure about the reliability of NJT trains or buses on weekends, but perhaps some of my readers would like to chime in about that in the comments section.
Isn't the Subway Dangerous?
Not really. It's dirtier than it should be, but in general it's fine. Basically, keep your wallets and valuables secure, try to ride with or near larger groups of people, and try not to telegraph the fact you're a tourist by pulling out a map every two seconds. It's okay to ask fellow riders directions; most New Yorkers like proving they know the City.
I'm Coming from JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Airport. What should I do?
A cab from Newark directly to Baker Field is actually not that terribly expensive. But from the other major airports, I suggest you get into Manhattan via a cab and then take the subway, unless you have lots of bags which will make the whole day a pain. In that case, try to get to your hotel first, dump the bags and then follow the directions above.
What if I get Lost?
Go into almost any store you see and ask for help. Store owners can sometimes seem surly, but they'll probably help you. Cops on the street will be good too.
Can't I Just Come with You?
I'd love the company, but I don't think that will work. I am with you in spirit, I promise.
NOW LET'S EAT!
I now turn the podium over to Inwood resident "Inwood Tiger", who knows the neighborhood really well and is a big Ivy football fan:
2016 marks the 93rd year of Columbia football in Inwood. A fair number of things have changed since then, such as the development of farmland and estates into housing, the creation of Inwood Hill Park and the Henry Hudson Bridge, the coming and going of industry on the other side of Broadway, and of course the gradual build-out of Baker Field into today's Baker Athletics Center. For all of this and more, the excellent site
MyInwoodNet offers a terrific guide to Inwood's past.
Here are my food-related recommendations for those visiting the area for a Lions game, listed in order of distance from the stadium. Unless otherwise noted, there is no parking -- walk, take Uber or the train, or leave the car in a nearby garage. (Street parking in Inwood is near-impossible; do not even attempt this futile exercise in madness!). Leave some time in your day to explore Inwood and check out some of these spots and you'll be sure to head home happy, win or lose on the field.
1. INDIAN ROAD CAFE - Beloved coffee shop / restaurant / bar right across from the old stadium gates on 218th St.
Excellent food and drinks , but people really go for the atmosphere. (Terrific live music and other programming).
2. PARK TERRACE DELI - The quintessential New York deli experience, on 218th St near Broadway. Not cheap, but they have everything you need and a great sandwich bar.
3. TWIN DONUT - Not entirely terrible ever since their renovation some years ago, and they do have sandwiches, but the donuts are almost guaranteed to be stale. At Broadway and 218th St. They do have parking if you are driving in or out.
4. LA ESSENCIA - Broadway just south of 218th St. This small spot is a
favorite among locals for their prices and Dominican fare. They also make a mean taco.
5. FOOD UNIVERSE - Handy supermarket (with massive beer selection) located at Broadway north of 215th St in case you need snacks or prepared foods.
6. BROWN SUGAR - Brand new Cuban place at 215th and Broadway. No hookahs; despite the lounge-like appearance it's a real restaurant. Had a
rough start, but I can vouch for their very good food (and a kids' menu too). Rumor is the brunch is excellent. Parking garage is just behind the restaurant on 10th Ave.
7. CAFE CUERVAS - a troubled spot on Broadway south of 215th St constantly changing names and
getting shut down by the police.
Lost their liquor license earlier this year. Avoid.
8. GUACAMOLE - New taco bar taking over the space that was formerly Rebounds, on Broadway at 214th St. Should open sometime this fall. Keep an eye on this one, could be Inwood's answer to Chipotle.
9. CARROT TOP - Also on Broadway at 214th, this is an
Inwood tradition. Good cafe for sandwiches, great bakery for treats.
10. LIFFY II - At Broadway and 213th, the sole survivor of
Inwood's once-numerous Irish bars. Take the kids and show them what drinking in New York used to look like.
11. CHOC NYC - If you visit only one new place in Inwood this fall for a bite, make it
ChocNYC. Much-heralded bakery/chocolate shop with tons of gourmet treats. Located on Broadway just south of 212th St.
12. CAFE DE BROADWAY - Another Inwood hookah bar masquerading as a restaurant. Broadway south of 212th. Avoid.
13. GRANDPA'S BRICK OVEN / PIZZA HAVEN - Dueling pizza places on either side of Broadway near Isham Street. Both are super for a NY slice and highly recommended.
14. V.S. BERRY - The biggest and best of Inwood's fro-yo spots, with all of the trimmings. Located at Isham and Broadway.
15. INWOOD FARMER'S MARKET - One of the best greenmarkets in Manhattan, this runs every Saturday on Isham Street west of Broadway. Stop by before the game for pastries, real apple cider and other direct-from-the-farm goodies.
16. GARDEN CAFE - An Inwood standard for a lovely weekend meal, especially
on their back patio. On Broadway south of Isham St.
17. DARLING COFFEE - Is this Bushwick or Inwood? Who cares, the
coffee and pastries are great at this independent coffee shop that will make you think you got off the A train in Brooklyn. On Broadway between Isham and 207th.
18. YUMMY THAI - I can faithfully report that
Inwood's only Thai outpost is reliably yummy, and an attractive place to sit. On Broadway south of Isham St.
19. INWOOD LOCAL - One of the best craft beer bars in the area, with terrific bar food as well and a very big screen in the back for those weekend games. On Broadway north of 207th St.
20. DICHTER'S - The
epicenter of all Inwood life , Manny runs a traditional pharmacy/general store complete with ice cream counter, bagels and sandwiches. Terrific prices and friendly atmosphere. Stop in and say hello.
21. PIPER'S KILT - Alas, the renowned Inwood buger pub near Broadway and 207th
has just been sold and is closed for renovations. A new (perhaps similar?) pub is expected to take its place around November.
22. DUNKIN / MCDONALDS / PAPAJOHNS - All located close to Broadway and 207th for quick eats. Also here is
PICK N EAT , a fresher take on fast food.
23. G's / CAPITOL - Looking for a diner or lunch counter that feels like it did when Lou Little was coaching the Lions? Try the ancient Capitol diner on Broadway just south of 207th, or the astoundingly tasty G's luncheonette on 207th west of Broadway. While you're at it, you can get your hair cut the proper way at Ray's Barbershop, next to G's and now in its third generation. They don't make places like that anymore.
24. INWOOD BAR AND GRILL - Formerly District 12, it has a kind of
sports bar-lounge split personality , and the service can be really slow. But during a
Saturday afternoon it will have by far the most big screen TVs for sports watching of any place in Inwood. On Broadway north of 204th.
25. DYCKMAN STREET - aka Alcohol Alley, this huge concentration of bars and restaurants around Dyckman and Broadway looks enticing by day but turns into an unholy mess at night that makes Inwood the #1 neighborhood in the city for noise complaints. I cannot recommend most of the places located here but two stand out if you go early enough to avoid the late-night mayhem.
THE PARK VIEW is the kind of beautiful and adorably tiny upscale restaurant only found in New York, while
TRYON PUBLIC HOUSE on the east side of Broadway has quickly established itself as the go-to neighborhood pub for southern Inwood.
26. LA MARINA - This is a tough one to discuss. On the one hand, the setting by the Hudson River is
nothing short of spectacular and will make you feel like you are dining upstate. On the other hand, the operators have grossly abused their parks concession license and tortured Inwood with massive illegal summer concerts that
raise more havoc than the rest of Dyckman Street combined . But in the fall the mood mellows and if you can afford the prices (and the valet parking) it may be worth a visit. Go before they close for the season in October.
27. NEW LEAF - This one is more of a hike, being
located in Fort Tryon Park in an old park building that was restored by Bette Midler's nonprofit group in the 90s. Best accessed from the 190th St "A" subway station, or by hiking up the steep trails from Dyckman Street, or driving to their small parking lot. Under new management, it's one of the most beautiful spots in upper Manhattan to eat, especially when the fall colors are out.
