As a country, we love our sports! Whether it is the Little Leagues or the globally-televised Super Bowl, there is something in there for everyone. These athletic sporting events have made it into the nation’s fabric to the extent that people travel far and wide to witness their favorite teams and players on the field live. So if you are a sports enthusiast, here are eight exciting sports events you must add to your calendar.
Super Bowl
The finals of the NFL playoffs, also popularly known as the Super Bowl, is a star-studded attraction for millions of sports enthusiasts worldwide. With popular performers taking the stage, this is the biggest highlight of the American football season every February and is watched by over 110 million TV viewers globally.
Given the highly competitive nature of the sport, most players begin their athletic training for the NFL while still in school. Before the season begins each year, they attend a two-week training program to return to competitive shape and deliver their best performances.
U.S. Open (Tennis)
The U.S. Open is held the week before and after Labor Day weekend. Over 3 million people around the country watch the sport, with more viewers scattered across the world. The event witnesses notable names from the Tennis world participate in the year’s final Grand Slam, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on hard courts.
U.S. Open of Surfing
Surfing has been gaining tons of popularity of late. The country is home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, held yearly at Huntington Beach. Viewers can witness the best surfers in action on the waves, performing impressive stunts to keep their audiences mesmerized. Perhaps the best part about being a surfing enthusiast is that spectatorship is free at this event, which drives over 500,000 people to the U.S. Surfing Open every year!
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500 is one of the largest single-day sporting events worldwide. Held the Sunday before Memorial Day, the race covers 500 miles over 200 laps and has been dubbed the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” From innovative athletic equipment to peculiar racing traditions such as celebrating victory with a bottle of milk, the Indianapolis 500 is a major sporting and athletic attraction for racing fans worldwide.
NBA Finals
It is impossible to discuss major athletic events without bringing up the NBA finals. Regardless of which teams make it to the finals, this event and its viewership are hard to beat. Over 12 million viewers tune into the finals around the country, along with millions more globally. The coveted title fight between the Eastern and Western Conference champions occurs over a best-of-seven game series, offering a galore of entertainment for sporting fans worldwide.
Ironman Triathlon
It is one of the most extreme athletic sporting events on the calendar and requires intense training and precision in 3 sports – open-water swimming, cycling, and running a marathon. Participants undergo rigorous athletic coaching and training for six months to a year before the event. It is held in Hawaii annually and boasts over 56 million television viewers worldwide.
The Masters Golf Tournament
It is the country’s most famous and prestigious golf tournament and has been played since 1934. Due to its immense popularity, it is also one of the most difficult sporting events to secure tickets to. It is played in Georgia in April every year and attracts over 3.5 million television spectators worldwide.
Kentucky Derby
The most famous horse race in the country is held on the first Saturday of May in Kentucky. It is the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown and garners the attention of over 16 million television viewers and around 165,000 spectators on the 1.25-mile-long track. This historic event has been held every year since 1875.
With so many sporting events clamoring for viewers’ attention throughout the year, these events have a special place in people’s hearts. They have also become a significant part of the annual athletic and sporting game calendar.
