For any sports lovers planning to visit the USA, timing is the most important factor that needs to be considered. The country has a year-round sporting season and has something for every sports lover, from all the major sports to lesser-known exotic sports. Whether the fans prefer the hard-hitting of the NFL, the power and swing of the MLB, or the fast-paced basketball of the NBA, something is always going on.
Timing is Everything
Consider scheduling your travel to correspond with events like the Super Bowl, World Series, March Madness, etc. These are not just games; they are socially significant cultural events where cities are turned into sporting festivals. However, the prices for accommodation and tickets can be high during these periods; thus, planning should begin well in advance.
Study Local Teams and Stadiums
Every major city in the USA has its sports heroes and iconic venues. When planning your trip, take the time to dive into the local sporting culture of your destination. Each team has its unique history, rivalries, and traditions, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
For example, one cannot enjoy Boston without visiting the Big Green Monster, the iconic left field wall at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox play. Wrigley Field in Chicago is a good place to catch a baseball game with a dose of history. So, if you happen to be in Green Bay, Wisconsin, you can’t miss Lambeau Field if you are a football fan. Do not restrict yourself to the league you are familiar with and comfortable with. Minor League baseball games, college sporting events, and local tournaments are often more fun and almost always cheaper than their Major League counterparts. They are inextricably connected to the American sporting landscape.
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Getting tickets for some of the major sporting events in the USA can be difficult when done at the last minute, even more so for important games. So do not take the risk. Book the tickets prior to the date you plan to travel. Almost all teams have online ticket sales, so, once you plan your schedule, you can easily book your ticket without physically going to the venue. For the best value, attending the games on weekdays or against smaller-market teams is better. When a show, concert, or match is sold out, reliable ticket resale platforms might be a savior, but one must be extremely careful about fraudulent activities.
Discover Sports Bars and Fan Zones
Sometimes, watching a game from the stands is impossible, but that does not make you an outsider. American sports bars are lively, frequently filled with enthusiastic people, and are great places to watch sporting events. These places emulate the spirit of the game, with several TVs, merchandise, and game promotions. Most cities also have specific sports-themed areas for fans. Areas like the L.A. Live Complex in downtown Los Angeles or Kansas City Power & Light District are turned into entertainment zones on game days, even if you will not watch the actual game.
Decide if You’ll Participate in any Sports Betting
Today, many states allow sports betting for those who want to get even more from their sports experience. If this part of sports fandom is what you are looking for, then DraftKings has easy-to-navigate options. The DraftKings Promo Code can be beneficial, especially for beginners, as it may help with starting capital through welcome bonuses and free plays. At the same time, please do not forget responsible gambling, your country’s legislation, and the particular state you’re in while visiting the US.
Enjoy the Spirit of Tailgating
Tailgating is a cult tradition specific to the United States that makes the hours leading up to the game equal to a celebration. Especially before football games, the fans congregate in the parking lots around the stadium to barbecue, play games, and have fun before entering the stadium. You can still participate in the fun even if you don’t drive there. Some stadiums have provisions where you can join the locals to tailgate. It is an effective way to get closer to the local American sports culture and potentially make new friends.
Travel by Public Transport During Game Days
Getting around new cities on game days can be challenging due to the increased traffic around the facilities. Some US cities always provide and organize transportation services on the day of the games to and from the stadium, often cheaper. For example, Portland’s MAX train, Boston‘s “T” system, and Chicago’s “L” trains are known to operate special services during major sporting events. Besides avoiding parking your car, public transport is a great way to enjoy the pre and post-game vibes with other fans.
Dress for the Occasion
Tailgating is very popular in American sports, and people especially love to wear their team gear. Wearing team attire is not simply a sign of support; it is also a means of joining the community and improving your potential for enjoyment. If you do not have team merchandise, all stadiums provide you with shops from which you can buy other merchandise. It is also advisable to consider the weather and the attire appropriate for the occasion, especially if it will be held in different weather conditions. Baseball games can be scorching in summer, and football games can be freezing in the winter, so one might have to wear the appropriate clothes. The United States is significantly bigger than most other countries, so the climate can vary wildly during the same season, depending on your location.
Communicate With Local Fans
Local fans are another great way to improve your sports travel experience because they can provide first-hand information about the sport and the location. Generally, Americans are hospitable and will gladly discuss their beloved sports with tourists. Do not hesitate to chat with people – this can help you find out some historical peculiarities of the team or receive recommendations on what places are worth visiting around the city.
Go to Sports Museums and Hall of Fames
There are many sports museums and Halls of Fame in the USA which give the visitors an insight into the history and tradition of the sports. Some of the must-visit sports Halls of Fame include the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum located in Cooperstown, New York, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame located in Canton, Ohio.
With these tips, any sports fans who are planning to visit the USA can make their trips more than just about watching games. From the feeling of the full-staffed stadium to the spirit of the parties before games, known as tailgate parties, American sports are an adventurous tourist experience.
