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Americans referring to football as ‘soccer’ is just the tip of the iceberg for Brits struggling to understand sports from across the pond. So, here is the ultimate guide to help you come to terms with Uncle Sam’s most cherished sports…
One of America’s favorite pastimes is watching a sports game – on television, live at the stadium or even in the park. Football and baseball are the more popular sports in the U.S., but there are many other options from professional, minor league and college sports teams, like soccer, hockey, basketball and tennis. NASCAR is also a hugely popular sport in certain sports in the United States, particularly in areas of the South and Midwest.
Many travelers have the USA as a bucket list destination and it’s not hard to figure out why. The country offers up just about everything a traveler could want with everything from long beaches to vibrant and bustling cities.
But it’s not all hamburgers and friendly people: Americans love their sports with a passion and it’s great fun paying a visit to a game in the states. Regardless of whether or not you have some knowledge of American sports through nba parlay picks and the like, or have no prior knowledge, fun times can take place at American sports events.
Two similar nations with a dissimilar approach to sport
A common language, mutual appreciation for the TV show The Office, and, of course, our foreign policy: these are just three of the many things welding Britain and the US together. Our ‘special relationship’ – a term used to denote the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two global powers – is routinely referenced in the media and celebrated by our politicians. America, once a distant colony on the edge of the British Empire, is now our heavyweight transatlantic ally. But for all the affinity there is one area where the two states differ markedly: sport.
The 4 major American sports
There are four behemoths in the American sport scene. The biggest and most popular sports are without a question American football and basketball, but hockey and baseball also have a big and loyal following.
Going to a sports game in the US a cultural experience
Even if you’re not usually the biggest sports fan in the world you can still have a lot of fun at an American sporting event. The stadiums are huge and are a bit of an attraction in and of themselves and are always jam packed with entertainment when there is a break in the game. The food tends to be amazing as well and the entire experience is wildly different to anything you would find somewhere else in the world.
Cheapest to most expensive
If you’re traveling on a budget or just aren’t willing to spend considerable amounts of money to watch a sport you know little about, your best bet is going to be baseball. The baseball season stretches across 164 games, with the least expensive tickets being found in the summer. Basketball and American Football tend to be the most expensive.
If you’re just looking to catch a game but don’t really care at what level it can be a great idea to check out if there are some college games being played near the place you’re visiting. College sports are absolutely massive in the US with many colleges outselling professional teams. These tickets are usually a lot cheaper and can be found more easily.
Most major cities have at least one big sports team
Almost all big cities across the country have at least one big sports team, with the largest usually having three or four. Therefore it can usually be packed into a regular trip without too much extra work.
Indianopolis 500
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to check out the Indy 500? It’s one of the most famous racing events in the world that’s been running for the last century. There are people who haven’t missed a race in decades, and going to see one first-hand could be one of the most exciting things you do this year. Just make sure you book your tickets before arranging travel plans as there are limited numbers available.
Kentucky Derby
Those who enjoy a flutter on their favourite horses should never overlook the Kentucky Derby that takes place on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It’s one of the largest and most famous horse racing events in the US, and it’s an excellent excuse to dress up and spend a day at the track. The Kentucky Derby is also part of the Triple Crown alongside the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. So, you might consider booking tickets for all three!
The US Open of Surfing
Surfing will make its debut as an Olympic sport at Tokyo in 2020, however there have been lots of surfing competitions in the US for generations. The US Open of Surfing takes place at Huntington Beach in California, and it attracts some of the most talented surfers from all over the world. It’s an excellent place to witness surf skills and start to get involved in the sport.
The US Open (Tennis)
Tennis fans who want to venture further afield than Wimbledon tend to have only one other tournament on their minds. That is the US Open that’s held in Queens, New York every summer. It’s wise to keep your eyes peeled for tickets because they tend to sell out fast. However, arranging a US trip around this tennis tournament could be perfect if you love the game.
Regardless of which sporting events interest you, arranging your US holiday around a sporting event can help you make the most of your time in America. There’s always something going on but check out ticket availability before you travel!
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You could easily spend a lifetime in the US and still feel like you’ve just scratched the surface.
It’s epic on every scale. After all, this is a place where you can watch the thunderous spectacle of Niagara Falls, trek through the soaring Black Hills of South Dakota and cruise along California’s glorious Pacific Coast; where you can ski at Lake Tahoe, go cattle ranching in the Midwest and imbibe live jazz in New Orleans.
The options, it seems, are endless.
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