The days are getting longer, there’s a mild breeze in the air, and lambs are starting to frolic in the fields – it must be spring! We can’t guarantee there won’t be a few April showers, but we can promise that there’s a big wide world of outdoor events to help you chase the winter blues away – and here’s 10 of our top picks!
Women’s Cricket World Cup (4 March – 3 April 2022), Cricket
Venues across New Zealand
Following its postponement in 2021 due to Covid-19, the Women’s Cricket World Cup finally lands in New Zealand this spring, with England looking to defend the trophy they won back in 2017. The host nation might be known as the Land of the Long White Cloud, but temperatures traditionally sit between 17℃ – 21℃ in New Zealand at this time of year, making it ideal weather for watching the best in women’s cricket battle it out for the title of “world champions”. Hosted at 6 stadiums around the country, including Eden Park and Hagley Oval, the tournament has tickets available for as little as NZD $15 (USD $10) for single matches, and NZD $20 (USD $13) for multi-match packages.
West Indies v England Apex Test Series (8–28 March 2022), Cricket
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua · Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados · National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada
England’s 2022 test cricket season begins in earnest in March, when Joe Root and his side travel to the Caribbean to face the Men in Maroon. With matches in Barbados, Antigua and Grenada, there has never been a better time to escape into the sights, sounds and colours of the Islands. Standard tickets for the series start at USD $20, however, fans attending the Second Test in Barbados are still able to gain entry into the Kensington Oval’s famous beach-style Party Stand. Priced at $100, Party Stand tickets include food and beverage vouchers, so the most difficult part of your day will be choosing whether to watch the game from a deckchair or the pool!
NHL Heritage Classic (13 March), Ice Hockey
Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Even in the spring it can be cold outside, but with hardcore hockey action like this you’ll definitely feel the heat! The Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Heritage Classic, the third and final regular season outdoor game played in the National Hockey League (NHL) this year, after the
NHL Winter Classic and the
NHL Stadium Series. The Heritage Classic is always held in Canada - this year it’s Hamilton’s famous Tim Horton’s Field, known locally as “The Donut Box”, which has the honour - and you can normally expect snow, so wrap up warm and take in the spectacle of open-air hockey! Tickets start from CAD $256 (USD $202).
Cheltenham Festival (15-18 March), Horse Racing
Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham, UK
Nothing says springtime quite like the famous 4-day festival at Cheltenham, when the fresh crisp air of the natural amphitheatre below the Cotswold Hills is filled with the rumble of roaring racegoers. The jump racing meeting showcases the finest runners and riders and is second only to Aintree’s Grand National when it comes to prize money. Spectators get to see several Grade 1 races including the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and Queen Mother Champion Chase, as well as experience St. Patrick’s Day at the races on the Thursday. Prices start from GBP £55 in the Best Mate Enclosure.
World Golf Championships - Dell Technologies Match Play (23 – 27 March 2022), Golf
Austin Country Club, Austin TX, USA
Itching for another match play golf event after last year’s Ryder Cup? Then look no further than the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, one of the highlights of the PGA Tour calendar and part of the prestigious World Golf Championships series. Unlike typical stroke play golf tournaments, this format pits the players directly against one another in a round-robin before the top-16 advance to knockout rounds to crown an eventual winner. The exciting format already lends itself to incredible drama, and the stakes are raised even higher by the truly elite field of players who invariably compete in WGC events. Tickets start at USD $142, while hospitality can be purchased from $180.
Saracens v Bristol Bears (26 March 2022), Rugby
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK
Following on from the success of the inaugural “Showdown” event in 2020, Saracens will return to the ultra-modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in March for their Gallagher Premiership match against Bristol Bears. A fixture of this magnitude isn’t simply for show, though: with only a few games of the regular Premiership season left after this clash, both sides will be desperate to come away with the win. What's more, this “Showdown 2” match will not only be an awesome exhibition of competitive club rugby, but also presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a sunny spring Saturday in a breath-taking venue that is rarely used for rugby! Standard tickets start at GBP £30 for adults, and hospitality packages are available from £150.
Australian Rowing Championships (28 March-3 April 2022), Rowing
Sydney International Regatta Centre, Castlereagh, Australia
It might technically be autumn down under, but the end of March promises sunshine and balmy temperatures for the biggest rowing competition in Australia. Combining the Australian Open regatta, the Schools Rowing Championship, and the Interstate Regatta, this week-long event provides countless opportunities to see the best rowers in the country pick up their oars. Tickets are available for each day of the Championships, starting at AUD $23 (USD $16). Fans looking to soak up more of the action can purchase a Weekend Pass for AUD $78 (USD $56), guaranteeing access to all the final races, or a Weekly Pass for AUD $211 (USD $152) to enjoy the full Championships experience. Family group tickets are also available, starting at AUD $52 (USD $38) per day.
Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game (16 April 2022), American Football
Ohio Stadium, Columbus OH, USA
In college football, spring means it's time to hit the practice field in preparation for the upcoming campaign. The practice sessions culminate in spring games, when fans get a chance to see their teams for the first time before competitive fixtures begin in September. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this is a crucial opportunity to prove themselves ready for another run at a 9th National Championship. Few fanbases have such high expectations, but when you play for the most valuable team in college football, winning is the only option. Tickets are on sale now for the Buckeyes spring game, starting at USD $7 for general admission and $59 for reserved Club seats. There's nothing like Ohio Stadium on gameday!
Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett (5 – 8 May 2022), Golf
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, UK
Celebrate the best of British this Spring with the Betfred British Masters, one of the key UK stops on the DP World Tour. Since it returned to the calendar in 2015 after a 6-year hiatus, this popular event has been hosted by a top British golfer at a course of their choosing – the likes of Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, and Tommy Fleetwood have all taken part. For 2022, host Danny Willett has selected the Belfry; the course has hosted the Ryder Cup on no less than 4 occasions, and it will be the Masters’ second consecutive year at the venue. Tickets start at GBP £25 for adults, while hospitality is available from £390.
Gonet Geneva Open (14-21 May 2022), Tennis
Tennis Club of Geneva Eaux-Vives, Geneva, Switzerland
This alpine ATP 250 tennis event counts Björn Borg, Mats Wilander, and Stan Wawrinka amongst its former winners, and with crisp Swiss air and stunning surroundings to enjoy all week long, it’s no surprise the stars always turn up. Staged at the Tennis Club of Geneva Eaux-Vives on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Geneva Open provides spectators with excellent views of the perfect clay courts, and the mountainous backdrops behind them. Adult day tickets start from just CHF 13.15 (USD $14.27), and there are plenty of discounts available for children, students, seniors, and groups too – so everyone can head to the mountains this spring!
For more information on these events, including ticket prices, click the links below:
- Women’s Cricket World Cup (4 March – 3 April 2022), Cricket
- West Indies v England Apex Test Series (8–28 March 2022), Cricket
- NHL Heritage Classic (13 March), Ice Hockey
- Cheltenham Festival (15-18 March), Horse Racing
- World Golf Championships - Dell Technologies Match Play (23 – 27 March 2022), Golf
- Saracens v Bristol Bears (26 March 2022), Rugby
- Australian Rowing Championships (28 March-3 April 2022), Rowing
- Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game (16 April 2022), American Football
- Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett (5 – 8 May 2022), Golf
- Gonet Geneva Open (14-21 May 2022), Tennis