Holidaymakers book their annual vacations for multiple reasons. Some prefer hot, sunny weather and golden beaches, while others love skiing in the mountains. An ever-increasing number of people pack their suitcases and jet off to non-traditional destinations where major sporting events are scheduled. These so-called sports tourists travel to places they ordinarily would not and witness some of the greatest athletes perform in front of them first-hand.
Whether you are a Florida sports betting expert wanting to watch live elite-level sports or are simply looking for a holiday that is out of the ordinary, these seven annual sporting events capture the imagination of hardcore fans and neutrals alike. Attending them could see you tick off some travel destinations from your bucket list.
The Super Bowl (NFL)
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American Football, pitting the best eastern and western NFL teams together in a spectacular one-off game. It is one of the most-watched sporting events annually, with 202.4 million viewers tuning into the 2024 edition!
Super Bowl LIX is your next opportunity to see this incredible game. Keep your diaries free on February 9, 2025, and prepare to head to the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is world-famous for its cuisine and its astounding Mardi Gras. The 2025 Mardi Gras happens on March 4, so you may want to extend your vacation if you head to the south.
The Masters (Golf)
Anyone remotely interested in golf must attend The Masters at least once in their lifetime. The Masters is the premier golf tournament, which takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, every April. You’ve missed the 2024 edition, but tickets are on sale for the 2025 Masters; it runs from April 10-13, 2025.
The course’s beauty is worth the trip on its own, but the fact the Masters is renowned for its fierce competition makes it a must-see event for golf fans.
Wimbledon (Tennis)
Wimbledon is widely regarded as the most prestigious tennis tournament, and every budding tennis player dreams of stepping onto Center Court and winning the famous trophy. It has been held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, since 1877 and is the only tennis major on grass.
The 2025 edition runs from June 30 to July 13, giving you plenty of time to plan a vacation in the English capital city. Feast on the famous strawberries and ice cream snack, and quench your thirst with some Pimms. However, we recommend packing an umbrella because the unpredictable British weather often means it will rain at some stage of the tournament!
UEFA Champions League Final (Soccer)
Soccer fans create an atmosphere like no other, and this is particularly true during major finals. In club soccer, the UEFA Champions League final is the biggest event on the calendar, with the next event kicking off on May 31, 2025. The 70,000-capacity Allianz Arena, home of German giants Bayern Munich, is hosting the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final. Tickets may be challenging to get hold of, but it will be worth the effort.
Munich is the third-largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg. You’ll love the historic Old Town, the castles and palaces, several freshwater lakes, and almost a dozen Michelin star-winning restaurants.
Munich is also world-famous for its beer and beer festivals. The biggest is the Oktoberfest, which runs from September 21 through October 6, 2024. It takes place over 85 acres, is free to enter, and is party central from morning to noon and night!
Monaco Grand Prix (Formula 1)
Glitz, glam, luxury, and some of the fastest racecars in the world combine annually at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. The Monaco Grand Prix has run annually since 1929, usually in late May or early June, and it is one of the three races–along with the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500—that form the Triple Crown of Motorsport.
The race is held on the narrow streets of Monaco, one of the wealthiest principalities in the world. Everything about Monaco screams luxury and exuberance, but it comes at a hefty price. The most expensive hotel in Monaco is the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo. A one-night stay in the two-bedroom Princess Grace suite costs $50,000! There are plenty of more affordable accommodation options in Monaco, but they will still be far costlier than what you are used to paying.
The Kentucky Derby (Horse racing)
The Kentucky Derby is arguably the world’s most famous horse race, called “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” First run in 1875, it is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Many Kentucky Derby attendees dress up to the nines for the occasion, creating a spectacular scene in the stands and paddocks. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs two weeks before the race and includes parties, parades, cookouts, and more.
NBA Finals (Basketball)
Basketball lovers have to attend the NBA Finals at least once, even if their favorite team doesn’t make it to the NBA’s biggest stage. Unlike most other sports where the stadium for the final is decided in advance, the NBA Finals is a best-of-seven affair where the two finalists play at each other’s venue.
Nobody yet knows where the 2025 NBA Finals will be held, but most basketball experts agree that the most likely match-up will be the Boston Celtics against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Get ready to book some tickets to Boston, Massachusetts, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in late May to early June!
Conclusion
Booking a sporting vacation lets you see some of the world’s best athletes in action and can take you to far-out cities and countries you may not have previously considered visiting.
From the spectacular Super Bowl to tennis’ Wimbledon and the thrill and excitement the Kentucky Derby produces, a major sporting event awaits you to enjoy somewhere in the United States or further afield. Why not become a sports tourist today and embark on a journey of a lifetime?
