Five Unforgettable Sports Events You Have to See Live

 

Sports play a massive role in our society—and our lives. It unites us, it divides us. We live the pure joy of the wins, and the crushing pain of the losses. I have a buddy who says sports are soap operas for men… and truer words have never been spoken.

In a world with so many great sports events, we struggle at times to keep up. So, while you may not be able process the entirety of the world’s sporting events, there are a select few you should always keep an eye out for.

That said, here are the 5 unforgettable sports events every sports fan needs to see live… at least once. Think of it as your sports bucket list.

1. The Super Bowl

The granddaddy of them all, the Super Bowl is not just the biggest sports event in America, but the rest of the world has quickly jumped on the Big Game bandwagon. The gamepretty much brings the whole country to a standstill. (Unless you work in a pizza place that delivers.) This year’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots attracted a record US television audience of 114.4 million. And the game itself did not disappoint: we got a 28-24 thriller, a goal-line decision that will be discussed in perpetuity, and a now infamous shark. Next year marks the 50th Super Bowl, meaning the NFL should turn it into the biggest spectacle yet. This momentous occasion will be taking place at the San Francisco 49er's Levi Stadium. This is the one game where, even if your team doesn’t make it, you have to.

2. The Grand National

Never heard of it? With a reported television audience of 600 million, the Grand National is without doubt the largest horseracing event in the world (sorry Kentucky Derby), and one you should add to your must-see list. The jumps race - held yearly at Aintree Racecourse, England - is one of the most challenging, unpredictable, pulsating sporting events you could ever watch. It’s a race for the underdog with odds for the Grand National winner going out the window once the horses are underway. From there it is a race for the opportunist—the last three winners haven’t been favored at all in the betting. And that, my friends, is horse racing.

3. World Cup Final

All of America fell in love with soccer, Tim Howard in particular, during last summer’s World Cup in Brazil. And I for one am hoping this soccer revolution will continue—allowing the U.S. to advance to the latter stages in the future. Although it may be some time before we are actually in the World Cup final, it’s still an opportunity any soccer fan would be foolish to refuse. The next World Cup is held in Russia, which, you know, may be problematic. (See: Sochi Olympics…) Qatar 2022 is hardly any better, even though it’s now looking like it may be held in the winter. But don’t let that stop you. There’s no energy greater than that of rabid soccer fans cheering on their country… Get out there and represent.

4. Ryder Cup

This historic team tournament sees America facing off against Europe every two years. Sure, right now we’re struggling, losing six of the last seven competitions. But when has that ever stopped us? Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota, has long been announced as the host of the 2016 clash, so let’s make sure the place is packed with patriotic ‘Mericans with one objective in mind: cheering our men on to victory. (With or without Tiger.)

5. Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

Finally Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be squaring off in the ring, instead of just in the media. And the fight, which has been six years in the making, will definitely bring in megabucks. Whether the world will stop like Mayweather predicts, well that’s debatable. (As is much of what comes out of Mayweather’s mouth.) But we’ll finally have the answer to who is the better fighter: Mayweather or Pacquiao. It’s going to be a classic battle of tremendous power (Pacquiao) combating stupendous speed (Mayweather). Tickets are pretty scarce due to it being the one show everyone wants to be at this year, but it will no doubt prove to be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see history in the making—and the city will be on fire. Do whatever you can to be there.

[Images: Tom Brady - by  Keith Allison, Grand National - by  Carine06 , World Cup by  upeters, Ryder Cup by  myophoto, Pacquiao by  roger_alcantara. All under Creative Commons license.]