There really is nothing like seeing a sport played live. The rush of energy that surges through the crowd when a player does something amazing. The tension as the clock ticks down when a match is so close. Wondering if a player is going to beat their personal best. The sheer sense of camaraderie and community that forms when you’re in the stands cheering without hundreds, even thousands, of other people all swept up in the love of the game. Sure you can watch a lot of it on TV or online these days, but it simply doesn’t capture the sheer magic of getting to see it happen in person. Not only that but there are some events that are the kinds of things that you really do need to see in person. With that in mind, here are some amazing sporting events that you won’t want to miss in 2017.
The Dubai World Cup
If you ever needed a reason to visit one of the most remarkable places in the world, this is it! Not only is it one of the biggest sporting events in the world but it’s also the world’s richest horse race with over thirty million dollars handed out to the winners!
Anzac Day Clash
Set up as a way to honor those who served their country in World War Two, this annual Australian rules soccer match is definitely worth getting ANZAC day tickets and traveling for. It sees Collingwood and Essendon facing off on Anzac day, which is a day of remembrance across Australia and New Zealand to remember all those who fought and lost their lives in combat throughout history.
The Masters
The first of the four major golf tournaments, The Masters is by far the most well known and features many of the greatest golfers in the world. Held every year in Georgia, this tournament is one of the things that every self-respecting golf fan really does have to witness in person at least once in their life.
Tour de France
Speaking of things that everyone should experience at least once in their life, there really is no excuse for any sports fan not to travel to see the Tour de France. Not only do you get a chance to see some of the world’s premier athletes battling it out for the title across miles of gorgeous French landscape, but you also get to experience the incredibly French culture and towns that come bustling to life with markets, stores and cafes whenever the tour passes through.
The US Open
If you’re going to see one tennis grand slam this year, make sure that it’s The US Open. It’s the last grand slam of the year and is also by far the biggest with the main court seating nearly double as many people as the main courts at the other grand slams. Tennis is one of the most exciting sports to see in person and watching it on the TV simply doesn’t do the tension and excitement justice.