Must-See Sporting Events in the US
The biggest games, races, and tournaments in American sports. Tickets, dates, and insider tips.
Super Bowl
FootballRotates annually
- - Biggest sporting event in the US
- - Halftime show
- - Tailgating culture
The Masters
GolfAugusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA
- - Most prestigious golf tournament
- - Azalea-lined fairways
- - Iconic Amen Corner
World Series
BaseballRotates by teams
- - Fall Classic
- - Best-of-7 series
- - Historic ballpark atmospheres
NBA Finals
BasketballRotates by teams
- - Pinnacle of basketball
- - Electric arena atmosphere
- - Star player matchups
Kentucky Derby
Horse RacingChurchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- - Run for the Roses
- - Mint Juleps
- - Extravagant hats tradition
US Open Tennis
TennisUSTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, NYC
- - Grand Slam atmosphere
- - Arthur Ashe Stadium
- - Night sessions under lights
Indianapolis 500
Auto RacingIndianapolis Motor Speedway, IN
- - Greatest Spectacle in Racing
- - 300,000+ spectators
- - Milk-drinking victory tradition
NCAA March Madness
College BasketballVarious cities
- - 64-team single elimination
- - Cinderella stories
- - Final Four atmosphere
Daytona 500
NASCARDaytona International Speedway, FL
- - Great American Race
- - Season-opening spectacle
- - Iconic superspeedway
NFL Draft
FootballRotates annually
- - Free fan experience
- - Draft picks announced live
- - 3-day event with concerts
Tips
- - Use Capital One Entertainment or Amex experiences for presale access to premium events.
- - Book hotels near venues early -- Hyatt and Marriott properties near stadiums sell out fast.
- - Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit works at many stadium restaurants.
Sporting Events: Bucket-List Experiences for American Sports Fans
From the Super Bowl to the World Series, from the Masters at Augusta to the Kentucky Derby, attending a major sporting event is one of the most electrifying travel experiences available. The United States hosts more world-class sporting events than any other country, and with global events like the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and Wimbledon, sports travel has become a massive industry. Smart use of credit card points and miles can make these premium events more accessible.
America's Iconic Sporting Events
The Super Bowl is the ultimate American sporting spectacle, combining football with a city-wide festival atmosphere. The Masters at Augusta National is the most exclusive ticket in sports, with its azalea-lined fairways and pristine conditions. The Kentucky Derby offers tradition, fashion, and horse racing in Louisville. The World Series brings baseball's championship to different cities each year. March Madness, the College Football Playoff, and the NBA Finals round out America's major events.
International Events Worth the Trip
Wimbledon offers a quintessentially British tennis experience on grass courts. The FIFA World Cup (2026 in US, Mexico, and Canada) brings the world's most-watched sporting event to North America. The Rugby World Cup, Cricket World Cup, and Tour de France attract passionate international audiences. Flights from JFK, LAX, and ORD to London, Paris, or host cities are regularly available using airline miles.
Attending Events with Points Strategy
The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, making it ideal for event travel that combines flights, hotels, and meals around stadiums. Transfer points to Hyatt for hotels near venues, or use Marriott Bonvoy for properties in major sports cities. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for comfortable travel days and premium concierge services that can help secure event tickets.
Event Travel Tips
Book tickets through official channels or verified resellers to avoid scams. Reserve hotels 6-12 months ahead, as major events cause significant price spikes. Consider staying outside the immediate venue area and using public transport or rideshares. Arrive early to soak in the pre-game atmosphere, and check bag policies before heading to the stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sporting Events
1How do I get tickets to the Super Bowl?
Super Bowl tickets are available through the NFL's lottery system, official ticket resellers like On Location, and secondary markets like StubHub and SeatGeek. Face-value tickets start around $5,000, while resale prices range from $4,000-$15,000+. Book early and use verified platforms to avoid counterfeit tickets.
2Can I use credit card points for sporting event travel?
While event tickets themselves usually require cash, you can save significantly by using points for flights and hotels. The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and its portal sometimes offers event packages. Transfer points to airline and hotel partners for travel to host cities. Some concierge services can help with ticket procurement.
3What sporting events offer the best fan experience?
The Masters at Augusta is consistently rated the best-run sporting event for fan experience. The Kentucky Derby combines sport with fashion and tradition. College football rivalry games (Ohio State-Michigan, Alabama-Auburn) offer unmatched atmosphere. For international events, Wimbledon and the Ryder Cup deliver exceptional experiences.
4How far in advance should I plan for major sporting events?
Plan 6-12 months ahead for Super Bowl, Masters, and World Cup. Hotels near venues sell out early and prices spike 2-5x during major events. Some events (Masters) require lottery registration a year in advance. For annual events, tickets often go on sale 3-6 months before the event date.
5What credit card benefits are useful for sporting event travel?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x on travel and dining, trip delay insurance, and concierge services. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for travel days and its concierge can assist with tickets. Capital One Venture X offers flexible credits for any travel expense. Some cards partner with ticketing platforms for presale access.