We’re already a month into 2022 and those New Year’s resolutions are starting to look a little wobbly. Don’t beat yourself up! This year is all about positivity and optimism, and instead of ousting bad habits, why not focus on good habits and tick off some incredible sports events. Here’s our list of events that would look great on your bucket list!
Super Bowl LVI (13 February 2022), American Football
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA
How many tickets give you access to one of the biggest sporting events of the year and a concert by global music superstars all in one? The Super Bowl is cherished by fans of American football as the all-important, season-defining game that crowns one team NFL Champions. The winners of the American Football Conference (either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Cincinnati Bengals) will take on the winners of the National Football Conference (either the Los Angeles Rams or the San Francisco 49ers). After a thrilling playoff series, one of these teams will claim the championship at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. If you don't know a quarterback from a tight end, you can still enjoy the spectacle of a star-studded half-time show featuring Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar. Tickets currently start at USD $5,950, but more options will go on sale closer to the date of the event.
United States Sail Grand Prix (26 - 17 March 2022), Sailing
San Francisco, USA
The F50 catamaran is the first boat to reach speeds over 50 knots – that's 60 mph! – during a race. Capable of rising more than a metre above the water on their hydrofoils, these state-of-the-art vessels are a thrill to watch. Now imagine 8 of these speed demons tearing through the San Francisco Bay in a desperate bid to cross a finish line first. This is the electrifying United States Sail Grand Prix, the season finale of the SailGP Championship. After 7 previous Grand Prix events, the Grand Final race will decide who finishes the season as champions. You can watch all the drama unfold from the shore, with Waterfront Premium tickets starting at USD $64 for adults and $45 for children. Or take to the water yourself in a spectator boat; tickets for these trips start at $113 for adults and $79 for children.
WWE WrestleMania 38 (2 - 3 April 2022), Professional Wrestling
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Ask any fan of professional wrestling to name the event that tops their sporting bucket list and the answer will usually be the same: WrestleMania. In 2022, WWE takes its “Showcase of the Immortals” to Arlington, Texas, and in a state where everything is bigger, the company will look to break its previous WrestleMania attendance record of 101,000. As wrestling megastars like Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch prepare to dish out powerbombs and piledrivers at AT&T Stadium between 2 and 3 April, fans can secure tickets to what WWE is calling "The Most Stupendous 2-Night Event in WrestleMania History" for as little as USD $30.
The Randox Health Grand National Festival (7 - 9 April 2022), Horse Racing
Aintree Racecourse, Merseyside, UK
Aintree’s 3-day meeting culminates with the big race itself: The Grand National. The challenging steeplechase – a true test of the nerve and determination of both jockey and horse – with up to 40 riders jumping 30 huge fences is watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide. The recognisable names of the obstacles - Becher’s Brook and The Chair - not to mention great winners such as Red Rum show the popularity of the historic race. Swap that annual trip to the bookies with being among the roaring crowds at this huge global event! Tickets start from just GBP £77 on Grand National Day.
Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (9 - 17 April 2022), Tennis
Monte-Carlo Country Club, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Although it technically takes place a few metres outside of Monaco, the Monte-Carlo Masters is entirely in keeping with the splendour, decadence, and luxury of the wealthy principality. This ATP event is staged on the cliffs, sandwiched between the azure sea and the villas and hotels on the rocks above; it’s a breath-taking setting for one of the ATP tour’s most famous events. Tickets on the main show court start at EUR €30 for an entire day’s play.
Tour de France (1 - 24 July 2022), Cycling
Copenhagen – Paris, Multiple Towns and Cities
The Tour de France is the most famous cycling competition in the world, not least because of the gruelling prospect of 21 days and 3,400km of flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain. The race attracts the world's best cyclists, and they are supported by over 10 million fans lining the roadsides. To make the experience extra special, spectators can purchase a hospitality package at the start (from GBP £175) and finish (from £285) of each stage. The spectacle culminates in Paris’ Champs-Élysées sprint where there’s an array of hospitality options on offer. The 2022 race will start in Denmark's capital Copenhagen after the city missed out on the Grand Départ due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2021. Be like Copenhagen: grasp the opportunity in 2022!
Presidents Cup (19 - 25 September 2022), Golf
Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, USA
Normally held biennially, we’ve had to wait 3 years since the last Presidents Cup, and it’s back on American soil in 2022 at Quail Hollow Club, which golf fans will recognise as the home of the Wells Fargo Championship and the site of the 2017 PGA Championship. The Presidents Cup follows the same format as the Ryder Cup, but instead of Europe, Team USA will instead be facing a team of international players from the likes of Australia, South Africa, and Japan. The United States will be looking to win for the 9thconsecutive tournament, while the International Team will be hoping to make history with their first victory since 1998. General admission Grounds tickets start at USD $42, while hospitality starts at $160.
2021 Rugby World Cup (8 October - 12 November 2022), Rugby Union
Northland Events Centre, Whangārei, NZ · Waitakere Stadium, Auckland, NZ · Eden Park, Auckland, NZ
Rugby World Cups should be on most sports fans’ bucket lists anyway, but the delayed women’s 2021 Rugby World Cup will likely be one of the most hotly-contested editions in the tournament’s history. A slew of worthy teams will be fighting to topple the formidable reigning champions: New Zealand’s Black Ferns. The tournament will be held in New Zealand, the sport’s spiritual home, and the perfect setting to combine sports and a trip - all the more reason you need to get this event on your bucket list! Opening Match Day Passes are currently on sale, with adult prices starting from NZD $10.
ICC T20 Cricket World Cup (16 October – 13 November 2022), Cricket
Venues across Australia
Sixes, slog sweeps and sunshine – the 2022 T20 World Cup will have it all when the world’s best cricketers battle it out for the trophy Down Under. The tournament gets underway on 16 October when Sri Lanka take on Namibia, and the fast-paced, willow-wielding action won’t let up until a champion is crowned under the lights in Melbourne on 13 November. Tickets to see these white ball wizards in Oz go on sale to the public on 7 February, with some hospitality offerings available sooner. Standard tickets for every First Round and Super 12 match will be available from AUD $20 for adults and $5 for children, so the tournament makes for an affordable addition to any bucket list.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (21 November - 18 December 2022), Football
Venues across Qatar
Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the greatest sporting events on earth – the FIFA World Cup – when it lands this November. This quadrennial competition is always the highlight of the sporting calendar, and the 2022 edition will be even more special as the first time the tournament has been held in the winter and in the Middle East. Tickets for international fans start at QAR 250 (GBP £50/USD $68) for a single group stage match, while multi-match packages and hospitality experiences are also available. Will France defend their title? Will Brazil end their 20-year wait to lift the trophy? Or will football finally come home to England? Whatever happens, be there to see it live!
