The United States is a big attraction for fans of various sports. It doesn’t matter if you love football, soccer, hockey, basketball or golf, there is a sporting venue and event that is bound to be worth the trip.
If you are considering a vacation in the near or distant future, you should surely read the below top tips for organizing a US sports trip.
Catch a College Football Game
While an NFL game is filled with drama and excitement, it cannot compare to a college football game, as the stands are filled with passionate locals, and you might be able to spot up-and-coming talent before they make it to the big leagues. Plus, you also don’t need to worry about spending all your vacation money on watered-down beer and overpriced hotdogs at a pro venue, which would make you wish you saved your money and watched the game at home.
While you might not get your own seat at a college football game, you can share a bench with locals, which can add to the sense of camaraderie. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the importance of school traditions, with many often dating back to the 19th century.
Visit Historic Sports Venues
The United States is filled with some of the greatest sporting venues in history. For example, if you’re a big baseball fan, you must visit Fenway Park in Boston at least once in your life, as it is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (ML). It also features many of its original structures, such as old seats that face towards the ground instead of the plate and the famously-high green wall, which is known as the “Green Monster.” You also can take a tour of the ballpark, which was constructed in 1912, so you can learn many interesting baseball stories that will make your trip to Boston complete.
If, however, you’re not much of a fan of the Boston Red Sox, you should make a play for Wrigley Field in Chicago. It was built in 1912, two years after Fenway Park, and it is the proud home stadium of the Chicago Cubs.
Unlike Fenway Park, limited restorations have been made to the ballpark, as it continues to feature its ivy-covered walls and the much-loved, manually-controlled scoreboard that’s jumbotron-free. You’ll feel as if you’re watching a baseball game from the 1920s.
Explore a Hockey Town
You haven’t felt sporting passion until you have visited a hockey town. For example, the likes of Chicago, Boston, New York and Los Angeles each have dedicated fans who love to soak up the action of a hockey game. It’s also rather easy to secure tickets, as there will be 81 home games per season to choose from; however, if you want the atmosphere to be electric, you should pick a team that is flying high in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Grab Tickets to a Football Game at Stub Hub
There are certain sports games that might seem almost impossible to secure tickets for throughout a season. For example, you can guarantee that football fans will be vying to buy tickets for a team that could overcome the odds to win the NFC, and it might seem like a difficult feat to buy tickets for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Rather than giving up hope, you should browse online ticket exchanges, such as Stubhub, to secure a seat for a game at a low price. Browse the market a few months before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Time Your Trip for a Sports Season
Sports fans would be smart to time their trip for the height of a season. For example, if you want to catch the finest football games on the calendar in the United States, you should plan to visit between August through to January, which is the NFL season. However, if you’re a basketball fan, you will have plenty of choice, as the NBA season will last from October through to June. If, however, you want to catch a glimpse of the finest baseball stars on the field, organize a sports trip from April until early November.
It is important to remember that college versions of sports will always start earlier than the pro seasons, and they may last a month or two longer. So, it’s important to bear this in mind when planning a trip (to avoid disappointment).
Book an Active Vacation
If, however, you’re looking for a sports vacation that will get your body moving and your heart pumping, you should make San Diego your first port of call. It is, after all, the home of surfing, BMXing, mountain biking, hand gliding and skateboarding, to name only a few adrenaline-fueled activities.
If you’re a keen surfer, you also should explore the California Surf Museum, which is a celebration of the Golden State’s unique surfing culture. It’s also home to one of the most picturesque ballparks in all of baseball, as Padres’ Petco Park is surrounded by a stunning beach and palm trees, which are located beyond center field.
Try Your Fortune in Louisville
If you would rather spend your day cheering on horses over watching a football or basketball game, jump a plane to Louisville, Kentucky. It is, of course, home to the world-famous Kentucky Derby, which is one of the most-watched horse racing events on the planet and held annually at the Churchill Downs in May.
Embrace Boxing in Philadelphia
Every boxing fan should visit Philadelphia at least once in their lifetime. Let’s face it, every sports fan wants to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum just like Rocky Balboa did in the hit movie series. Plus, sports fans can even take a selfie with the nearby sculpture of the fictional boxing champ. What’s more, they will be able to pay a visit to Joe Frazier’s gym, which is now featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
So, if you are planning a sports vacation to the United States in the near future, you would be wise to consider the above venues and tips to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.