Sports have started to return and fans around the country are eager to cheer on their favorite athletes and teams. Fortunately for North Americans, some of the biggest sporting events in the world are in the good old USA. Whatever sport you’re into, there’s an event close to home to get excited about.
After a long list of sporting events were canceled or rescheduled in 2020, demand is expected to be high for the 2021 editions. In fact, next year has the potential to be one the most exciting years in sport, as fans and athletes alike are eager to celebrate its biggest events.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best domestic sporting events that are on the calendar for 2021. Take a look at our list below for information and inspiration.
The Super Bowl is North America’s single biggest sporting event and shown in over 200 countries around the world. There’s no greater draw in sports in the United States and 2021’s version will be no exception. Taking place in Tampa, FL (new home to 6-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady), the NFL’s championship game will attract a big crowd not only for the event, but also for the sunny Florida weather.
A highlight of every February is the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s premier event. Florida is a perfect destination for a mid-winter getaway and getting to experience one of the biggest car races in the United States at the same time makes it that much better. The Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the event, offers an incredible fan experience, even more so after its massive “Daytona Rising” renovation.
The Masters is not only one of the top sporting events in the US, it’s widely considered to be the best golf tournament to attend. It’s a true bucket list event for those that are passionate about golf. Watching the tournament on television is a thrill, but attending the event in person is a totally different experience. When you walk the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club you get a sense of the course that the cameras just cannot capture. And to feel the atmosphere during Masters week … there’s simply nothing like it.
The Kentucky Derby is so much more than a thrilling day of horse races. It has all the buzz of a major sporting event plus fashion, tradition, and celebrity. It’s such a fun event and the festivities go on all week long. As the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown (followed by the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes), there’s a lot on the line and the excitement is high.
Dubbed “The Biggest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 (usually) takes place every spring at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s the largest single day sporting event in the United States and has a long history, dating back over a century. The 2021 Indy 500 will mark the 105th running of this popular major sporting event and also a return to its traditional Memorial Day Weekend date after the 2020 race was rescheduled due to COVID-19.
This major tennis tournament is a highlight of every tennis season. The US Open is the last grand slam on the calendar and takes place in Flushing Meadows, New York. One of the best parts of this event is its incredible host city. There are few cities more exciting to visit than New York, especially as it hosts one of the top sporting events in the world. When you combine New York’s entertainment, dining, and shopping with some of the best tennis in the world, it makes for an incredible sports travel experience.
The United States Grand Prix may be one of the newest kids on the block but Austin has already proven itself as a world-class host. Not only does the city boast the state-of-the-art Circuit of the Americas as the race venue, Austin also provides an incredible backdrop for the event. Austin has an incredible live music scene and is well-known as a foodie destination. Like many of the best sporting events, the host city complements the event and takes it to another level.
Alison Baker is the lead writer in Roadtrips’ marketing department. An avid traveller and passionate sports fan, she’s found her ideal fit at Roadtrips, one of the leaders in sports travel. Alison’s enjoyed working in the travel industry for the last 20 years and had the opportunity to experience it from all sides, from sales and marketing to quality assurance and hosting.
