When it comes to the world of sport, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting the world’s finest sporting destinations. Sports fans are happy to travel to the other end of the planet to witness their sporting mecca, and many consider a trip to some of the most high-profile sporting destinations as a pilgrimage of sorts and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Whether it’s football, golf, cricket, or any other sport for that matter, there are plenty of places worth your consideration. In this post, we explore five must-visit destinations for any diehard sports fan.
The Camp Nou
Barcelona, Spain
The Camp Nou in Barcelona is one of Europe’s most iconic football stadia. Home to FC Barcelona, the Camp Nou is the best place to watch one of the most exciting football teams on the planet. With a capacity of just under 100,000, it is the largest stadium in Spain and the fourth largest in Europe. For the ultimate football experience, try and get yourself a ticket for El Classico, Barca’s derby match against Real Madrid, which is easily the most-watched football match and also attracts the largest amount of bets according to the football bookmakers. While at the stadium, be sure to book a stadium tour, too, so you can see behind the scenes of one of the world’s most successful teams and tour the changing rooms and immerse yourself in the football museum. You can also enjoy Barcelona, the city, as well as the football club. With awe-inspiring architecture from Gaudi, beautiful beaches, and a rich Catalan food culture, a trip to Barcelona should be at the top of the list for any sports fan.
Augusta National
Georgia, United States
Augusta National in Georgia is home to the Masters, golf’s most prestigious competition. As well as providing golfers with perhaps the stiffest challenge in the modern-game, Augusta has a reputation for being a pristine golf course, perfectly manicured to welcome golfers from all around the world. While it’s pretty tough, if not impossible, to play a game of golf on Augusta if you aren’t a member, you can try your hand at getting a ticket to watch the Masters live. Tickets are at a premium, but attending Augusta is a truly once in a lifetime experience. If you struggle to get a ticket for one of the championship days, you could always try and get a ticket to watch one of the practice rounds. After all, Augusta’s scenery is perhaps as impressive as the golf itself and is the main reason that many visit.
Lords Cricket Ground
London, United Kingdom
There are some genuinely stunning cricket venues across the world, whether it’s the Gabba in Australia or Newlands in South Africa. But for the sheer prestige of a venue, nowhere beats Lords, the home of cricket. Attending any cricket match at Lords is a special occasion, but getting a ticket for the famous Ashes test match is a truly memorable experience. Although it’s not necessarily the best atmosphere in world cricket, Lords is an experience like no other and is also home to the world’s oldest sporting museum. If you don’t manage to get a ticket for one of the high-profile test matches at Lords, you could always opt to watch a County Championship game involving Middlesex, who call Lords their home ground. Whether you decide to take in an international or domestic event at Lords, you will be in awe of the venue’s historical significance. What’s more, being in London, you have one of the world’s most exciting cities to explore after the match, making a trip to Lords an excellent experience for any dedicated sports fan.
Maddison Square Garden
New York City, United States
Maddison Square Garden is probably the most famous indoor sporting arena in the world, nestled in the heart of New York City. The Garden, as it is known locally, is a prominent music venue but is also the home of the New York Knicks basketball team and the New York Rangers ice hockey team. While both teams receive vociferous support from their local fans, often the rafters are packed with tourists from around the world who are enjoying the unique atmosphere of The Garden for the first time.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, be sure to check the fixtures at The Garden, as it can be a memorable experience if you incorporate a sporting event into your itinerary. As the sports are seasonal, if you still want to visit The Garden, but you can’t watch a sporting event, then be sure to check out the music calendar, as some of the world’s most famous musicians and bands hold concerts there throughout the year. Whatever you watch at The Garden, you won’t be disappointed with your experience.
Old Trafford
Manchester, United Kingdom
Home of twenty times champions of England, Manchester United, Old Trafford is Britain’s most impressive football stadium. A tour of Old Trafford takes you behind the scenes of Britain’s most successful club of the past thirty years and gives you a flavour of United’s success since Sir Alex Ferguson transformed them into perennial winners. While you could choose to take in an English Premier League game at Old Trafford, the stadium comes alive on European nights under the lights, so try and get a ticket for a match in either the Europa League or Champions League.
In addition to Old Trafford, you can also visit the Etihad Stadium on a visit to Manchester, home of Manchester City. Since the billions arrived from Abu Dhabi, City have been United’s equal, and their hugely talented squad is often a joy to watch. If you time your trip well, you could enjoy a midweek match at Old Trafford before visiting the Etihad for a weekend Premier League Fixture. If you’re a cricket fan, you can also visit Old Trafford cricket stadium, which is a stone’s throw from the football ground. All in all, Manchester is a city of soul and is an excellent destination for any sports fan.