9 must-see sporting spectacles
For football – ahem, soccer – fans, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for since Russia in 2018. The FIFA World Cup is about to start and we’re excited. We take a look at this and eight other events from around the globe that get our sport-senses tingling.
Whether you’re into fast cars or bone-crunching tackles, the year’s sporting calendar offers plenty for sport-nuts and occasional-watchers alike. So, pull out your team colours, book your flights, and coordinate your travel with these sporting events.
1. FIFA World Cup (Men’s and Women’s)
Football
From Maradona’s “Hand of God” in 1986 to Zinedine Zidane headbutting Italian rival Materazzi in 2006, the FIFA World Cup is full of memorable moments.
The last two editions of the world cup have been held in Russia and Brazil, with this year’s spectacle to take place in Qatar.
Thousands of football fanatics from around the world will converge on the Middle Eastern nation, with 32 countries – including Australia – competing for the world cup.
It might be too late to book your tickets to Doha, but don’t worry because the FIFA Women’s World Cup is coming to Australia and New Zealand next year. Hindmarsh Stadium will host group matches, while the final will be held at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Get kitted out in Australian soccer paraphernalia, paint your face green and gold and support the Socceroos and Matildas as they take on the world.
While you’re at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney: Take a Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride.
2. Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Football
Celtic vs Rangers, River Plate vs Boca Juniors, AC Milan vs Inter Milan, Arsenal vs Tottenham – there are dozens of club football rivalries we could list. However, there’s no bigger clash of titans in the football world than when Barcelona takes on Real Madrid.
Up to 100,000 passionate fans will pack Barcelona’s home stadium Camp Nou for the game affectionally titled El Classico (the classic). For 90-plus minutes they’ll chant and cheer their club on. Why should this be on your must-see list?
At a European football match of that calibre, you’ll feel the grandstand heave and rumble to life as the fans passionately throw their support behind the club they adore. On top of that, you’ll be able to see some of the best football players in the world take to the pitch.
While you’re in Barcelona: Take a Barca Stadium Tour and visit the club’s museum.
3. Singapore F1 Grand Prix
Motorsport
This might be a controversial choice but hear me out. Most would say the Monaco Grand Prix is the must-see race on the F1 calendar. It’s a prestigious event with a wealth of history, but the bright lights of Singapore offer a motorsport spectacle like no other – it’s a mixture of night-time racing, delicious food and entertainment. The 5.06km Marina Bay Street Circuit is illuminated with more than 1600 lights and takes in the harbour and Singapore’s historical town centre. Pit lane, the turn one chicane and harbour grandstand are the fan-favourite locations to watch the race.
While you’re in Singapore: Satisfy your need for speed on the roller coasters at Universal Studios Singapore.
4. Wimbledon
Tennis
Line up for some strawberries and cream at the Old England Club before seeing the world’s best tennis players take to the court.
Over 14 days, 256 tennis players from around the world serve, smash and volley until two of them are crowned champions.
Attend Wimbledon and you could see the next Serena Williams take to the court or rivalries matching the likes of Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. Maybe you’ll witness a five-set marathon or see an Australian take home the title.
While you’re in London: Take a tour of Westminster Abbey.
5. Ashes test at Lords
Cricket
While you’re in London, you might want to stroll down to Lords – the home of cricket – and see Australia take on England in the Ashes. While test cricket isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (it is a five-day game after all), this rivalry dates back to 1882 and comes with some serious animosity. Google bodyline, Dennis Lillee’s aluminium bat or Michael Clarke’s sledging and you’ll be met with thousands or recounts of infamous moments in Ashes folklore.
What do they compete for? A small urn the size of a large cup filled with – you guessed it – ashes. But it’s much more than that. For Australians, winning the Ashes is like having bragging rights over an older sibling. And currently Australia holds the urn and boasts 34 series wins to England’s 32. You can see the Ashes in England next year.
While you’re in London: From Lords, take a short walk along Abbey Rd. From here, you can see where the iconic Abbey Road Beatles cover was photographed.
6. AFL Grand Final
AFL
My team, North Melbourne, hasn’t played in an AFL Grand Final since 1999 and probably won’t be competing for the premiership cup for at least a few more years. But if I had a chance to attend the final game of the AFL season, I’d snatch those tickets up within seconds.
Almost 100,000 spectators jam into Australia’s very own sporting colosseum, the MCG, on the final Saturday of September to see two AFL sides go head-to-head for the Premiership cup. Over the past 30 years, there have been dozens of memorable Grand final moments including Leo Barry’s mark, Dom Sheed’s winning goal, and the Collingwood and St Kilda draw. If you want to witness a highlight like this, score yourself some tickets to Australia’s biggest sporting spectacles.
While you’re in Melbourne: Roar around Sandown in a V8 at The Slingshot 6 Laps.
7. Superbowl
American football
You might not understand the intricacies of American football, or even be a big fan, but the Superbowl has half-time entertainment rivalling any concert around the world. For 24 minutes the two teams vying for the Superbowl take a backseat as performers take to the field.
At the 2022 half-time show in Los Angeles, half a dozen performers including Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige took to the stage and blew fans away with their talent. In past years Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Shakira and Justin Timberlake have performed in front of Superbowl crowds. If you’re thinking those $1000 Superbowl tickets aren’t worth it, then think again. You’re not only getting a ticket to see a sport, but also a fully-fledged music show.
While you’re in Glendale Arizona (the next location for the Superbowl): Climb Camelback Mountain for a spectacular 360-degree view of the region.
7. NBA finals
Basketball
If it was the 1990s, a Chicago Bulls game would be a must-see event, and in the early 2000s, it would be the Lakers. Now, I’d suggest trying to score ticket to the playoffs. This is when the best-of-the-best come out to play.
Stars like Lebron James, Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo shine in the playoffs and show their full range of skills. Not able to get tickets to the playoffs? Try to attend a game if you’re in the states. You’ll be mesmerised by the control these guys have with the basketball, and some of the dunks are out of this world.
While you’re in the United States: On the east coast, visit New York and make your way to the top of the Empire State Building. On the west coast, take in the sights in San Francisco and visit Alcatraz prison.
9. New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox
Baseball
It might not be the oldest Major League Baseball rivalry – that goes to the Cubs and Cardinals who’ve despised each other since the 1880s – but the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox still have a deep hatred that goes back to the early 1900s.
It could be the curse of the Bambino – when the Red Sox sold baseball legend Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. Or maybe it’s because of the rivalry started during a Memorial Day double header in 1938, when – as legend has it – a Red Sox pitch hit a Yankee batter in the head, leading to an all-in brawl.
The rivalry continues to this day, with both the Yankees and Red Sox playing in the American League East. If you’re in Boston or New York when these two clubs are playing each other, grab some tickets, settle into your seat with a hot dog and drink and enjoy the show.
While you’re in Boston: Take a tour of Fenway Park and learn about the history of the 110-year-old stadium.
