Do NOT stay in New Jersey for the Big East Torunament

[Friarfan2]

If you are going to use the rail system, then Newark is the best. But if there is any chance of you taking a cab, you are going to spend double what it costs to get to LGA.

Regarding airports, pick whichever one has the cheapest flight. A cab from LGA or JFK is more expensive than a train from Newark (although the train from Newark isn't free either), but the cab from JFK or LGA is easier than the train from Newark (we're talking about tourists who aren't necessarily familiar with the NJ Transit system, and it is kind of a pain in the but until yo uget used to it). A cab to/from Newark is a terrible experience.

[JOPO]

Newark airport is the best to fly in and out of in the NYC area. They have a rail system that is easy to use and is quick. I agree you should stay in Manhattan but flying out of the NYC airports is a HUGE headache. Lived in and around NYC my whole life and have flown through each of the three airports. It's not even close when it comes to choosing which one I use.

Agree with NJRedman, I'm Jersey born and bred and Newark is the easiest of the three airports when visiting the NYC area.

[nathanhm]

You're obsessed with taking a cab to NJ. We get it in your 15 years of living in NYC, you've become an expert on NJ. While the rest of us who actually live in NJ and work in NYC are just too simple to understand how the big city works.

[Friarfan2]

No, I am making sure that those who live in New Jersey don't deceive fans from other schools into using the Big East Tournament in NYC as a vacation to Jerseyland.

I never said do not fly into New Jersey. I said pick whichever airport has the cheapest airfare. New Jersey has the best rail to the city, but they have the worst/most expensive cab option. I used to fly Continental to San Fran a lot, so I am plenty familiar with Newark Airport, and I like the convenience of the rail. For a first time New Yorker, the rail may end up being a pain in the butt and they may end up taking a cab one of the ways, and then all of their savings on the rail are lost.

It looks like United flies from Omaha to Newark and Delta flies from Omaha to Laguardia. This Creighton fan should hop on whichever flight is cheapest.

I would certainly not recommend staying in New Jersey. That idea is ridiculous. Why would anybody fly to NY to attend the Big East Tournament and then stay in New Jersey? That makes no sense at all. It is not convenient, if you get stuck taking a cab home you lose any savings you might have, and there is no way it is as quick as someone who lives there claims it to be (never the case when dealing with NJ or Long Island). Find a hotel in the city somewhere.

[Dave]

Airport. Doesn't matter. Book the best flight. If it's into EWR, take the rail, or the more expensive cab, it's not all that much in the context of your trip. JFK or LGA by cab is no prob.

Hotels. I have to side with the NYC stay here. You are in NYC for the Big East tourney. Part of the requirement is to eat and drink in the city and jostle with Big East fans. You might (should) drink too much and stay out way too late. The days are long. You may fill in some time with other NYC sights. You might want to get back to your room a few times a day, at least some of the days. If you stay Jersey side you will be less likely to do that. You can stay in Jersey and make the commute, it can be done, but not my recommendation.

Around town. Learn the subways right away and don't be afraid of them. Cabs are expensive and the trains are just as (usually, sometimes more) convenient.

Tickets. Make your plans for NYC and don't worry about tickets. If you can get them reasonably through your school, cool. If not, you can scalp. Buy them in the bars around MSG. There will be tickets. Especially with Cuse and UConn out of the mix, there will be tickets. There always are. And as teams get eliminated going into the weekend, losing fans dump tickets. Don't buy expensive online tickets in advance. Save that dough and put it towards a room.

Food. You're in New York, pick a few restaurants and enjoy the city. No chains. One good meal per day. Just grab bagels from a street shop for breakfast, you'll sticker shock on a sit down breakfast. Take a "food tour" instead of lunch one day. Such as the village or soho. It's fun and the foodie experience is unique.

Attire. Wear your school attire. All the time. Everyone is blue, so colors aren't enough.

Enjoy the city. It's going to cost you some money, but enjoy the city. The Big East tourney is much more than the games inside the Garden.

[Dave]

Oh... Of course do not rent a car.

[DeltaV]

New Jersey is, well, New Jersey. That should be enough reason to stay in NYC (flying doesn't count; I think EWR is part of NYC the same way that the south Jersey Shore is really just an extension of Philadelphia).

If you're looking for a less expensive hotel, keep an eye on the deal websites; Groupon, Living Social, RueLaLa, and others I can't remember at the moment all have great deals on awesome hotels in NYC/Manhattan (for that matter, in Philadelphia as well if you're coming in from afar to see a game vs. Nova). My Ex was a huge NYC fan, and we used those frequently to get 50% + off of really classy hotel rooms.

[nathanhm]

New Jersey is, well, New Jersey. That should be enough reason to stay in NYC (flying doesn't count; I think EWR is part of NYC the same way that the south Jersey Shore is really just an extension of Philadelphia).

If you're looking for a less expensive hotel, keep an eye on the deal websites; Groupon, Living Social, RueLaLa, and others I can't remember at the moment all have great deals on awesome hotels in NYC/Manhattan (for that matter, in Philadelphia as well if you're coming in from afar to see a game vs. Nova). My Ex was a huge NYC fan, and we used those frequently to get 50% + off of really classy hotel rooms.

You know what's the dumbest part of all the Jersey hating. NYC and Philly have more in common with NJ than they do the rest of their respective states. PA is a giant farming state bookended by Pitt and Philly. NY is mostly a cold sparsely populated area outside of NYC. Jersey is the 2nd richest state, filled with big business, tons of top private schools, wealthy suburbs, and home to some of the most desirable communities in the country, yet you'd think it was a toxic waste dump by the way people from Philly and NYC talk about it. How bout y'all get your own house in order: Philly is crazy violent and dangerous. Manhattan is nice but Staten Ialand is a mess and many sections of BK and Queens need to step up. I'd expect fans of Big East schools to be more intelligent than stereotypical Jersey hating.

[JOPO]

New Jersey is, well, New Jersey. That should be enough reason to stay in NYC (flying doesn't count; I think EWR is part of NYC the same way that the south Jersey Shore is really just an extension of Philadelphia).

If you're looking for a less expensive hotel, keep an eye on the deal websites; Groupon, Living Social, RueLaLa, and others I can't remember at the moment all have great deals on awesome hotels in NYC/Manhattan (for that matter, in Philadelphia as well if you're coming in from afar to see a game vs. Nova). My Ex was a huge NYC fan, and we used those frequently to get 50% + off of really classy hotel rooms.

You know what's the dumbest part of all the Jersey hating. NYC and Philly have more in common with NJ than they do the rest of their respective states. PA is a giant farming state bookended by Pitt and Philly. NY is mostly a cold sparsely populated area outside of NYC. Jersey is the 2nd richest state, filled with big business, tons of top private schools, wealthy suburbs, and home to some of the most desirable communities in the country, yet you'd think it was a toxic waste dump by the way people from Philly and NYC talk about it. How bout y'all get your own house in order: Philly is crazy violent and dangerous. Manhattan is nice but Staten Ialand is a mess and many sections of BK and Queens need to step up. I'd expect fans of Big East schools to be more intelligent than stereotypical Jersey hating.

Thanks nathanhm. I think most here are smart enough to figure things out and judge Jersey for themselves. The original poster, friarfan2, is the guy doing all of the New Jersey (and Seton Hall) bashing. I doubt the guy is actually a product of or fan of Providence. Like others here have said, the suspicion is that he is the nut job from he Nova Rivals site, ncaaball (or one of his ten thousand alter egos).

For those flying into Newark, there are some great Portuguese restaurants there that are certainly worth checking out! Don't listen to friarfan2 he knows nothing about New Jersey.

[Friarfan2]

I'm not bashing New Jersey. I a, bashing the idea of someone going to the big east tournament and people from. New Jersey recommending they stay in newjersey instead of staying. You know, in New York City.

"Hey guys, I'm going to the big east tournament!"
"Sweet, where are you staying?"
"Jersey city"
"Why?"
"Some people from nj told me to."
"Wow, dear lord you got bad advice!"