From basketball to ice hockey, esports to wrestling, the USA is renowned for its phenomenal range of elite sports events. Millions of American fans attend live games and contests every year, and there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 exciting upcoming events to check out:
MLB Postseason: Division Series (11–17 October 2022), Baseball
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, USA · Yankee Stadium, New York, USA · Minute Maid Park, Houston, USA · Truist Park, Atlanta, USA
While many sports might claim to be the USA’s favourite, baseball is the only one known as America’s Pastime. As a game synonymous with summer, the changing of the seasons signals the end of another long campaign for most MLB teams – but for US baseball's very best, the playoffs await. One of the most exciting rounds of the postseason this year will take place between 11–17 October as Seeds #1 and #2 from both the American League and National League begin their quest for the Commissioner’s Trophy. Tickets for the Division Series start at USD $41, and with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros all in action, it’s a week of fall baseball you won’t want to miss.
United States Grand Prix (21-23 October 2022), Motorsports
Circuit of the Americas, Austin, USA
Formula 1 fans in the States have more opportunities than ever to indulge their passion, with 3 US-based Grand Prix races scheduled for the 2023 season. Before the championship roars into a new year, though, there are several 2022 races yet to be run, including the US Grand Prix in Texas. The oldest of the 3 American events, this contest has been held since 2012, bringing the thrills and drama of Formula 1 to Circuit of the Americas in Austin. In 2021, 400,000 fans attended the race weekend, and this year’s event looks set to be just as popular. Come for the fastest cars in the world, stay for Green Day and Ed Sheeran! General admission passes start at USD $398 for the whole weekend.
Overwatch League: Play-Offs (30 October – 4 November 2022), Esports
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, USA
The Overwatch League may feature 20 teams from 6 countries, but with 11 of those hailing from the US of A, it makes sense for the biggest event in the season to head stateside. The 2022 Play-Offs will see the world’s best Overwatch players compete for USD $1,000,000 and the glory that comes with triumphing in the grand final. With the action primed to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, literally across the road from Disneyland, the setting could hardly be more American! Tickets are available for the event’s final 2 days, with prices starting from USD $31.
Ohio State Buckeyes v Michigan Wolverines (26 November 2022), American Football
Ohio Stadium, Columbus, USA
Celebrate Thanksgiving in all-American style: turkey, pumpkin pie, and elite college football! A slate of exciting matchups is typical for the holiday weekend and, this year, The Game will entertain thousands of fans still recovering from Thursday’s culinary indulgences. The face-off between the Buckeyes and the Wolverines is one of the biggest rivalry games in the sport, and with a history dating back to 1897, it’s still eagerly awaited every year. Michigan managed to break Ohio State’s 8-year winning streak when the teams met last year, but anything can happen in The Game! Tickets are available from USD $492.
Waste Management Phoenix Open (6-12 February 2023), Golf
TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, USA
When it comes to golf, there are many top-class events to choose from in the United States: the Masters, the US Open, the PGA Championship, and the Players Championship among them. However, there is only one competition known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” and that’s the Phoenix Open. The best-attended event in all of golf, this tournament is renowned for its raucous atmosphere, most keenly felt on the iconic 16th hole, aka the “Coliseum,” a grandstand-surrounded par-3 where holes-in-one are common. Official single-day general admission tickets start at USD $62, and there’s a wide range of premium options starting at $820 per person for a weekly pass.
Delray Beach Open (10-19 February 2023), Tennis
Delray Beach Tennis Center, Delray Beach, USA
Tennis veterans playing laid-back matches: check. A world-class roster of present-day professionals: check. Top-notch food, drink, music, and special events: check. The Delray Beach Open represents the best in sporting entertainment, and, from its home in sunny Florida, showcases some of the best of the USA. Offering tennis for all tastes via its combination of fun ATP Champions Tour action and high-stakes ATP tour matches, the event has taken place since the 1990s, and is as renowned for its fun-filled atmosphere as for its unique tandem tournament format. Single session tickets start at USD $52 including fees, but there’s a wide range of seating options available, including the iconic “Best Seats in the House” – which are situated on the court itself!
NBA All-Star Weekend (17-19 February 2022), Basketball
Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, USA · Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, USA
Each year, the best players the NBA has to offer leave their rivalries behind to come together and face off in the quintessentially American All-Star Game. While it may not boast the drama of the Playoffs, the All-Star Weekend is a fun and frenetic celebration of all things NBA over the course of 3 days, culminating in the main event: the All-Star Game. That game features 24 of the NBA’s biggest stars, but there are also thrills and entertainment to be found in other events, such as the Celebrity Game, Skills Challenges, and Slam Dunk and 3-Point Contests. A wide range of packages is available, each covering different events within the All-Star Weekend, with prices starting at USD $199 for the NBA Celebrity Game.
NHL Stadium Series (18 Feb 2023), Ice Hockey
Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, USA
The Metropolitan Division’s Carolina Hurricanes take on the Washington Capitals in the 2023 NHL Stadium Series, at the home ground of the North Carolina State Wolfpack football team. Stadium Series games are distinct from the NHL’s other outdoor games – the NHL Winter Classic and the NHL Heritage Classic – in that they are always played in the United States. Just like the other 2, however, the Stadium Series is a guaranteed spectacle of sporting drama, American passion, and ice-cold nerves. At this early date, there is a great range of tickets on sale from secondary sellers, starting at USD $167 for those wishing to secure their seat. Add the event to your Koobit interests to stay up to date with further ticket releases.
WrestleMania (1–2 April 2023), Wrestling
SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, USA
Often described as the “Super Bowl of professional wrestling,” WrestleMania is as American as they come. Held annually since 1985, the “Showcase of the Immortals” is not only WWE’s most popular event, but one of North America’s most beloved sporting celebrations, attracting more than 150,000 fans to AT&T Stadium in 2022. Between 1–2 April 2023, WrestleMania 39 “Goes Hollywood” with a 2-night spectacular at SoFi Stadium in LA. Larger-than-life superstars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Becky Lynch are all likely to be involved as the USA’s most famous wrestling organization looks to create more magic and memories in Tinseltown. Tickets are available now, starting at USD $93 for one night and $197 for the full weekend.
Kentucky Derby (29 April-6 May 2023), Horse Racing
Churchill Downs, Louisville, USA
What could be better than sipping on a thirst-quenching mint julep surrounded by a sea of beautiful hats as you witness “the most exciting 2 minutes in sports”? The Kentucky Derby (6 May) is the epitome of North American horse racing and 2023 sees the 148th running of the dirt track race. It’s not all about the Derby, though, as there’s a week of dazzling build-up starting with Opening Night on 29 April. There are several Dawn at the Downs training sessions, followed by Champions Day on Tuesday, Wednesday racing, Thurby on Thursday, and the Oaks on the eve of the big race. Currently, there are tickets on sale from secondary sellers, as well as some fabulous hospitality options and travel and hotel packages!
For more information on these events, including ticket prices, click the links below:
- MLB Postseason: Division Series (11–17 October 2022), Baseball
- United States Grand Prix (21-23 October 2022), Motorsports
- Overwatch League: Play-Offs (30 October – 4 November 2022), Esports
- Ohio State Buckeyes v Michigan Wolverines (26 November 2022), American Football
- Waste Management Phoenix Open (6-12 February 2023), Golf
- Delray Beach Open (10-19 February 2023), Tennis
- NBA All-Star Weekend (17-19 February 2022), Basketball
- NHL Stadium Series (18 Feb 2023), Ice Hockey
- WrestleMania (1–2 April 2023), Wrestling
- Kentucky Derby (29 April-6 May 2023), Horse Racing