About Pier 40 at Hudson River Park
Pier 40 at Hudson River Park (located at 353 West Street, Manhattan) is a massive multi-purpose facility – part parking garage, part sports complex – built on a former ship terminal (everything.explained.today ). Opened in 1962 as a grand Holland America passenger/cargo terminal (everything.explained.today ) and later used primarily for parking, it was converted into parkland fields in 2005 (everything.explained.today ). Spanning roughly 14 acres (www.amny.com ), it is the largest structure in the park (everything.explained.today ) – often described as a huge square “donut” extending over 800 feet into the Hudson (everything.explained.today ). Today Pier 40 houses the Hudson River Park Trust’s offices and serves as the park’s hub for sports and recreation. Its home turf attracts thousands of local athletes in youth soccer, baseball, football, rugby and other sports, and the revenue from these activities (about $6 million/year) covers roughly 40% of the park’s budget (everything.explained.today ), underscoring Pier 40’s importance to the community.
Events and Programming
Pier 40 is not a traditional concert hall but a community sports campus. Daily you’ll find youth and adult leagues using the fields: the Park Trust notes it hosts soccer, baseball, football, rugby, lacrosse and more (hudsonriverpark.org ). High-school games are common (for example, a specialized baseball mound installed in 2008 finally allowed NY city schools to play there (everything.explained.today )). The pier is also home to special programs: the Village Community Boathouse runs free wooden-boat rowing trips, and the Trapeze School of NY offers flying-trapeze classes right on the roof (everything.explained.today ) (everything.explained.today ). There are no fixed music or theater events; elite sports, practice matches and local tournaments are the norm. As one report noted, even MLS once considered building a 25,000-seat stadium at Pier 40, illustrating how unique this open waterfront venue is (www.amny.com ). (That proposal never materialized, as community input favored keeping the space as playing fields.) Because the site is primarily a public park, nearly all events – from league games to charity tournaments – have no admission fee. Permissible spectators simply watch from the sidelines or lawn. In short, the calendar is filled with athletic and community programs rather than typical sold-out concerts, and “tickets” are generally only relevant for organized teams.
Tickets and Booking
There is no box office or general-admission ticketing at Pier 40. Organized sports and events use New York City’s standard park permit system (hudsonriverpark.org ). Teams, schools or leagues that want to reserve a field must apply in advance through the NYC Parks event-permits portal – typically at least 3 weeks ahead (permits are issued in 90-minute slots) (hudsonriverpark.org ). Only holders of these permits have exclusive field access at the scheduled times (hudsonriverpark.org ). Visitors and fans do not buy tickets. Instead, spectators generally attend for free. For example, if there’s a youth tournament or club match, children and parents simply enter on foot to watch. (Large private events would manage any ticketing separately.) In practice, the best strategy is: teams book slots early via the Parks website, and everyone else comes to watch with no admission charge.
Seating and Layout
Pier 40’s layout is best described as two enormous open turf fields plus smaller ancillary courts, not like an auditorium. The main ground level is a roughly 400×400-foot square that can accommodate two full-length 65×110-yard pitches side by side (hudsonriverpark.org ). In the corners of this courtyard are baseball/softball diamond markings: one full-size baseball field (with imitation dirt mound and bases) and a Little League diamond opposite (everything.explained.today ). The large central area is striped for football or multiple soccer fields – movable goals and goalposts let the Trust staff reconfigure the layout as needed. There is no fixed stadium seating. Movable bleachers can be brought in for big games, but normally spectators stand along the asphalt walkway that circles the field (everything.explained.today ). Black safety nets line much of the perimeter fence to keep balls from flying out (everything.explained.today ), and twelve tall floodlights illuminate the area for evening play (everything.explained.today ). Upstairs (on the roof deck) are two smaller turf fields (about 40×70 yards and 33×67 yards (hudsonriverpark.org )) – one of which is restricted to youth play only. Those roof fields, like the rest of Pier 40, have no built-in shade or cover, so sun and weather are factors. In summary: think of Pier 40 as a giant flat park field – no fixed seats or stages, just open turf with sidelines and bleacher spaces around the edges for viewing.
Getting There and Parking
Pier 40 sits at the foot of West Houston Street (353 West St) in Greenwich Village (everything.explained.today ). It is easily reached by public transit: the nearby Houston St station (1 train) is just a few minutes’ walk away, and the M21 bus runs on West St/Hudson St along the pier (hudsonriverpark.org ). (Other subways within a 10–15 minute walk include the A/C/E or B/D/F/M lines at West 4th St.) Many visitors also come via the Hudson River Greenway bike path. If you drive, note that Pier 40’s outer decks function as a self-parking garage – it holds about 1,700 vehicles (everything.explained.today ), though capacity is often limited around 1,500 now. Rates are set by the Trust (typically $X per hour or $Y all day). Street parking in the area is extremely scarce, so the on-site garage is the main option. To reach the garage, turn off West Side Highway to West St at Houston. Taxi or rideshare drop-offs usually use the corner of West & Houston. After an event, many people simply catch a cab or use the 1 train’s late-night service for home (New York City subways run 24/7, including the downtown 1 at Houston St). Closest amenities noted by the Park Trust: restrooms and an elevator are available at Pier 40 (hudsonriverpark.org ), and the pier is handicap-accessible via ramps and lift.
Inside the Venue
Pier 40 feels more like a sports park than a traditional arena. Entry is generally open, so you may not encounter a security checkpoint (except at special locked events). Expect a casual, energetic atmosphere: the covered outer decks house the parking lot and some small offices, while the vast center courtyard is all turf and concrete. There are basic facilities: specifically, on-site restrooms and an ADA elevator to the rooftop are provided (hudsonriverpark.org ). Locker rooms and concessions stands are not standard features – athletes usually change offsite or in the bus locker rooms. If you’re watching a game, there’s likely a modest crowd of parents and players gathered by the sidelines. For food and drink, plan ahead: there is no full cafeteria inside Pier 40. Some teams or tournaments set up temporary snack tables or food trucks, but in general you should bring your own water/snacks or eat before/after in nearby restaurants. (Note that, as with all NYC parks, bringing glass bottles or alcohol is prohibited.) Portable chairs or small pop-up tents can be handy for spectators, since permanent seating is absent and the sun can be bright. Mobile phone service is generally available, but there is no public Wi-Fi on the fields. In short: think of Pier 40 as an open-air athletic complex – come dressed for activity (or casual watching), with supplies you might need. Lines for locker rooms or concessions should not be expected. The vibe is friendly and community-driven, with coaches and volunteers coordinating events on site.
Nearby Amenities
Pier 40’s waterfront location means it isn’t surrounded by restaurants on every corner, but the West Village has plenty within walking distance. A few blocks east on Houston and 7th Avenue South you’ll find pizzerias, burger joints and fast-casual cafes, as well as sports bars and pubs (many in the Sheridan Square/Greenwich Ave area). In practice, most visitors dine a bit east of the pier before games – places like the 7th Avenue corridor or Bleecker Street offer deli and burger options. If you want sit-down dining, spots in Chelsea (3–4 blocks north and east) are an easy taxi ride away. For example, the Jane Hotel (at 113 Jane St, just north of the pier) has a known steakhouse and rooftop bar. After dark, New York’s all-night transit means late-night food/commute is usually no problem – you can walk to the 1 train at Houston St or hail a rideshare back to Midtown. Hotels in the immediate neighborhood are few (this area is mostly residential), but all of Chelsea and downtown Manhattan are a short cab/Uber ride away. Many people staying overnight in Manhattan opt for chains in Chelsea or the West Village; the important thing is that getting to and from Pier 40 at night is straightforward via subway or taxi. In summary: plan meals a few blocks east of the site (West/Greenwich Village has plenty of casual spots), and rely on cabs/ride-hailing for late-night return travel. The pier itself has no on-site restaurant or bar. Nearby essentials like drugstores, markets or fast-food are typically 5–10 minutes away on foot.
What Makes This Venue Special
Pier 40 is unique on many levels. Architecturally, its 1962 concrete structure is an old-world relic – a three-story “hollow square” rising above the Hudson on 3,500 steel pilings (everything.explained.today ). That industrial scale is one draw: at roughly 14 acres it’s one of the largest open recreational spaces in Manhattan (www.amny.com ). Inside, the uses are highly eclectic. It’s the only place, for instance, where you can watch a youth rugby scrimmage and see wooden boats being built or launched nearby. The Village Community Boathouse and New York Outrigger host craft-building and crew activities on site (everything.explained.today ), and the Trapeze School of NY runs a flying-trapeze setup on the roof (everything.explained.today ) – feats you won’t find at a typical sports complex. Its long history lends local lore too: remnants of the old shipping ramps and brick facades give it character. People often call it “the Pier” as shorthand. In sports culture, Pier 40 has hosted countless youth leagues (and even college-practice sessions) that have produced local stars, making it a beloved community hub. And despite its grit – recent news even flagged it as needing major repairs – residents value it for what it is. In fact, civic planners say the fields off-set nearly half the park’s costs (everything.explained.today ), so it’s literally kept Hudson River Park alive. For artists and entertainers, it’s more of a blank-slate park (not an official concert venue), but its legendary status in the neighborhood is real. In short, Pier 40’s architecture, vast scale and mix of uses (sports, cultural, and parkland) make it special – hardly any other Manhattan venue blends youth sports fields with trapeze and boat-building programs at once (everything.explained.today ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Visiting Pier 40 is like spending a day at a public sports park – come prepared. Wear sturdy athletic or casual clothes (it can be windy on the open deck) and bring water and sunscreen. Fields are all-season artificial turf (everything.explained.today ), so rain can make them play-ready, but heavy storms or flooding (like during Hurricane Sandy) may close play (everything.explained.today ). Check ahead on the Hudson River Park Trust website or social media for openings if the weather is bad. Note that many time slots are pre-booked by leagues; the Trust explicitly warns that “open play” windows are scarce (hudsonriverpark.org ). To avoid disappointment, arrive early – midday and afternoon on weekends are busiest. There is no entrance gate, so you won’t find staff tearing tickets – spectators just stand or sit on the sidelines. Since there’s no fixed seating, it’s wise to bring a lawn chair or mat if you won’t stand. Electric outlets are not provided for charging, and there’s no free Wi-Fi, so plan phone use accordingly. If you’re with young players, note age restrictions posted on site: one roof field is for ages ≤16 and the indoor gym for ≤17 units (hudsonriverpark.org ), so older teens/adults shouldn’t try to play on those. Also, because Pier 40 is a public park area, remember basic rules: no open alcohol or glass containers. Pets are not allowed on the playing surfaces, although the nearby Leroy Street Dog Park (one block away) accommodates dogs (hudsonriverpark.org ). The pier does have an elevator and ramps for wheelchair users (hudsonriverpark.org ), but be aware the field surface itself is turf (wheelchair users may find it a bit uneven). Restrooms are located on the premises (hudsonriverpark.org ). Finally, allow extra travel time: after an evening game the Houston St 1-train platform can be crowded, so plan for a short wait or take a cab/Lyft from the corner of West & Houston. By dressing for the weather, checking the event status, and bringing needed gear (water, sun protection, chairs), visitors will be comfortable and ready to enjoy this one-of-a-kind venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee or tickets required to visit Pier 40?
No. Pier 40 functions as a public sports park with no general admission gate. Games and events are usually free, since teams secure time via city permits. Spectators simply show up and watch from the sidelines. In short, you don’t need to buy a ticket – admission to watch youth and community matches at Pier 40 is free of charge.
How can I reserve or book a field at Pier 40 for my team or league?
Field time is arranged through NYC Parks, not at the Pier itself. Organizations apply for permits using the NYC Parks Events Permit system (online) several weeks in advance. As the park notes, permit applications must be submitted at least 21 days ahead and usually grant 90-minute slots (hudsonriverpark.org ). Only permit-holders get exclusive use of the field (hudsonriverpark.org ). There is no walk-up field booking on the spot.
What is the address of Pier 40?
The official address is 353 West Street at Houston Street in Manhattan (everything.explained.today ). It’s at the very west end of Houston Street (in Greenwich Village/Chelsea). If you are using a navigation app or taxi directions, search for Hudson River Park – Pier 40 or 353 W Houston St.
Which subway lines and buses stop near Pier 40?
The nearest subway is the 1 train (Houston Street station), just a short walk from Pier 40 (hudsonriverpark.org ). The Park Trust also lists local buses, with the M21 running along West/Hudson Street by the pier (hudsonriverpark.org ). (Courtesy tip: in the Village, the NYC subway runs 24/7, so you have late-night 1 trains available even after a late game.)
Is parking available at Pier 40, and what are the options?
Yes. Pier 40’s outer decks serve as a self-park garage – it currently holds about 1,700 cars (everything.explained.today ). You may also find limited metered street parking nearby, but it’s scarce. The Pier’s parking rates are set by Hudson River Park Trust (typically a standard hourly or daily rate). After events the lot can fill up, so carpooling or transit is often recommended.
Are bicycles or Citi Bike allowed at Pier 40?
Yes. Pier 40 is adjacent to the Hudson River Greenway bike path, and there are bike racks at the entrance (look for them near West & Houston). Citi Bike also has docks nearby, so cyclists can lock up safely. However, note that you should not bike on the turf fields – those are for foot traffic only. Bikes stay on the paved paths.
Are dogs or pets allowed on Pier 40?
Pets are not allowed on Pier 40’s playing fields – it is part of the NYC parks rules. (You would likely be asked to leave the field area with a dog.) If you brought a dog, note there is a designated dog run one block north at Leroy Street (hudsonriverpark.org ). Otherwise, leave pets at home when heading to the sports fields.
Are there restrooms and spectator seating at Pier 40?
Yes, there are restrooms on site (hudsonriverpark.org ). In fact, the Hudson River Park details explicitly list “Restroom” as an available facility at Pier 40 (hudsonriverpark.org ). As for seating, there are no permanent stands. Spectators usually stand along the sidelines or bring lawn chairs of their own. Some games may have temporary bleachers brought in, but otherwise plan to watch from the perimeter.
Are the fields at Pier 40 lit for night games?
Yes. Pier 40’s main turf fields are equipped with a powerful lighting system for evening play. The Park Trust notes there are twelve stadium lighting towers, allowing games to be played after sunset (everything.explained.today ). Evening practice or games are common, usually ending by the park’s midnight closing time.
Are Pier 40’s fields indoors or outdoors?
Almost all of Pier 40’s sports fields are outdoors. The two large turf fields (ground level) and the rooftop fields are all open to the sky. There is one small indoor turf field (on the upper level) but it is restricted to youth play (ages 17 and under) (hudsonriverpark.org ). In general, expect outdoor conditions (sun, wind, rain) on every field except that one indoor gym.
What sports are played on Pier 40’s fields?
A wide variety. The Hudson River Park Trust specifically lists soccer, baseball, football, rugby and lacrosse among the core sports at Pier 40 (hudsonriverpark.org ). (You’ll also see flag football, volleyball or other pickup games off hours.) High school games and adult league matches happen regularly. In short, if it’s a field sport that New Yorkers play, chances are Pier 40 hosts it.
What are the daily operating hours at Pier 40?
The outdoor fields at Pier 40 are generally open from early morning through late night. According to the park’s schedule, the Pier 40 rooftop and courtyard (ground) fields operate daily from 6:00 AM to midnight (hudsonriverpark.org ). (The small indoor field, youth-only, is open roughly 7:00 AM–10:30 PM.) Schedules can vary by season, but plan on being off the fields by midnight.
Is Pier 40 wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Pier 40 was built with accessibility in mind at its relaunch. There is an elevator that goes from the parking level to the rooftop fields, and the paths around the fields have ramps (as noted by HRPT’s facilities info (hudsonriverpark.org )). In practice, a person using a wheelchair can reach all the spectator areas and the perimeter of the fields. The turf surface itself is flat enough for wheeled mobility devices.
Does Pier 40 have Wi-Fi or phone service?
No public Wi-Fi network is provided at Pier 40. Cell phone service is generally available (verizon/att/tmobile all have coverage in that area), so visitors rely on their own data plans. If you need internet, bring mobile hotspot or use data. (This is typical for city sports fields; only the surrounding neighborhood has free Wi-Fi in some cafes.)
What is Pier 40’s operating history?
Pier 40 has a long story. It opened in 1962 as a consolidated passenger/freight terminal (everything.explained.today ). After Holland America Line moved to Midtown in 1974, Pier 40 eventually ceased maritime use by the early 1980s (everything.explained.today ). In 1998 it was officially designated parkland. The sporting complex we see today was built in the early 2000s and unveiled in 2005 (everything.explained.today ). So while the site is decades old, its current form as fields and courts is relatively recent.
Who operates Pier 40?
Pier 40 is managed by the Hudson River Park Trust, a state-and-city agency specifically tasked with overseeing all of Hudson River Park (everything.explained.today ). The Trust handles scheduling, maintenance and permitting for the pier. (The land is owned by New York State and City, but day-to-day operations are through the Trust.)
