14 sports events in 2014
How much will it snow before all those big spenders head back to the bar at the St. Regis? That’s just one of the stories in this year’s game, expected to be the first cold weather game in the 48-year series. New Orleans is usually the best place to hold a Super Bowl. But the threat of inclement weather adds an interesting twist to this year’s game — and a bit of magic.
Pictured: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., home of Super Bowl XLVIII. (Mark Lennihan / Associated Press)
An especially vibrant year for sports begins early. February, usually one of the quietest months for fans, will roar, starting with a Super Bowl in snow country and the Winter Olympics in Russia. In fact, most of the top events are in the first half of the year. Here are 14 events for 2014 that will blend uncommon travel opportunities with the excitement of world-class spectacles. If you’re going, better get going now.
-- Chris Erskine
The last Winter Games, in Vancouver, Canada, saw 80-degree daytime temps downtown. In Sochi, you can bet on mild weather as well. Though the Caucasus Mountains are the backdrop, average winter highs at sea level are in the 50s. Safeguards include stored snow as well as plentiful snow-making equipment. If you’re going, you probably have plans well in motion. For background, catch The Times’ collection of Sochi coverage at http://www.lat.ms/1erTSG8.
Pictured: The curvaceous Bolshoy Ice Dome, which will host hockey events. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Florida is at its very best in midwinter — mild days and balmy nights. Add a Disney World side trip or a Grapefruit League (www.floridagrapefruitleague.com) spring training game to your NASCAR jaunt, and you have an exceptional Florida vacation. Be sure to rent a convertible, and don’t miss the conch chowder and the buttered grilled snapper. Info: http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/
Pictured: Daytona International Speedway during 2013’s race. (Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
Think of this as the ultimate road trip. The Dodgers open the Major League Baseball season with two games against arch-rival Arizona on March 22 and 23 on Sydney’s historic cricket grounds renovated to accommodate baseball. If you’ve always wanted to see splendid Sydney or can’t wait to get back, here’s one of the most exciting chances in years. Tickets start at about $70. Info: mlbsydney2014.com/event-info/
Pictured: Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis and Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin, left, play catch on Manly Beach in Sydney. (Rob Griffith / Associated Press)
After Los Angeles, Boston is probably America’s best sports town (he said pridefully). And this year’s Boston Marathon will carry extra resonance after last year’s tragic bombing. Look for tributes and concerts amid a double dose of Boston Strong civic spirit. Give the experience extra meaning by volunteering along the marathon course. Applications are being accepted now. Info: http://www.baa.org
Pictured: After finishing the 2010 race, participants walk along Boylston Street. (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)
The Derby should be on any serious sports fan’s bucket list. But you don’t have to be a serious fan to enjoy one of the most glorious spectator events in the world. Hang in the paddock area or prowl the party-intensive infield. The Derby is one of the most inclusive major sporting events in the nation. But arrive a day early for the Kentucky Oaks. At this late date, you’ll have to go to the secondary markets for seats. But infield tickets are always available on race day. Info: http://www.kentuckyderby.com
Pictured: Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs in 2013. (Mike Coppola / Getty Images for Moet & Chandon)
On those quirky and slow clay courts, the French Open is the Russian winter of Grand Slam events. Some of the sport’s heavy hitters — Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Boris Becker — never won the title here. The slower, more deliberate play rewards fans with exciting long volleys. Oh, and the city where it is held isn’t too shabby either. Info: http://www.rolandgarros.com/
Pictured: The scene outside the French Open’s Roland Garros stadium before the 2009 men’s final. (Jacques Demarthon / AFP/Getty Images)
Is there a more soccer-passionate place for the World Cup? Brazil is the world’s soccer powerhouse. Starting in June, the 32 teams that survived the qualifying rounds begin the playoffs at a dozen venues across the giant nation. Rio de Janeiro will host seven games, including the final July 13 in a stadium called the Maracana (pictured), which once seated 200,000 fans. It has been downsized to a mere 73,000. Info: http://www.fifa.com/tournaments/index.html (Yasuyoshi Chiba / AFP/Getty Images)
July doesn’t just belong to Brazil. Look to Europe for a traveler’s trifecta of inspired travel destinations. Those with winning lottery tickets and a sense of real adventure could arrange the sports tour of a lifetime, starting with these Wimbledon finals. Info: http://www.wimbledon.com
Pictured: Spectators watch a 2012 Wimbledon match projected for viewers occupying a grassy slope on the grounds of the All England Tennis Club. (Leon Neal / AFP/Getty Images)
How’s this for convenience (and smart tourism)? This year’s Tour de France spends its first three days in England, starting in Leeds, the main city of Yorkshire. It winds through the countryside, including Yorkshire Dales National Park, before arriving in London three days later. The race moves to northern France on July 8, then proceeds through the rest of the country.
Pictured: Britain’s Christopher Froome rides past spectators near Mont St. Michel, France, on July 10, 2013. (Joel Saget / AFP/Getty Images)
Wind up your European vacation with the British Open at Royal Liverpool (pictured), where Phil Mickelson, a golfer you’ve actually heard of, will defend the Claret Jug. Here’s a tip: Practice round tickets start at $16. Info: http://www.theopen.com (David Cannon / Getty Images)
No, we don’t know where it will be yet. But the Dodgers seem well prepared to make a run to the finish line. Our preference, of course, would be against the Yankees. Save the date just in case.
Pictured: Members of the Boston Red Sox, the 2013 World Series champions, cruise down the Charles River in Massachusetts during their victory parade. (Jared Wickerham / Getty Images)
College football isn’t just America’s best sport; it’s also the most social. In many ways, rivalry weekend is more exciting than the bowl season. Amid the more promising matchups, Alabama vs. Auburn, in the grudge match of the century, in Auburn. USC hosts Notre Dame the same weekend.
Pictured: Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama on a game day in 2013. (Michael Chang / Getty Images)
