So whether you're a seasoned sports fan looking to spice up your calendar or a sports newbie seeking new experiences, there's a treasure trove of uncharted hidden gems waiting for you to discover below.
1. Cazoo Classic (12–15 August 2021), Golf
London Golf Club, Ash, UK
Known for much of its history as the English Open, the Cazoo Classic was a staple on the European Tour from 1988 to 2002. It was revived in 2020 as part of the European Tour's revamped "UK Swing," and it has retained its spot on the calendar this year – you won't want to miss this blast from the past! Children aged 12 and under are eligible for free tickets, while teenagers under the age of 18 and seniors 65 and over are eligible for discounted concessions tickets. Tickets for the Pro-Am cost just £15 for adults and £10 for concessions (plus fees), while tournament days cost £29 for adults and £24 for concessions (plus fees).
2. King of the Court: Hamburg (19-22 August 2021) / King of the Court: Utrecht (25-28 August 2021) , Beach Volleyball
Am Rothenbaum, Hamburg, Germany / Jaarbeursplein, Utrecht, The Netherlands
King of the Court is a beach volleyball tournament with a twist. In principle, regular game rules are followed, but instead of 2 teams competing against each other, there are 5 teams on court! It is a fast-paced and thrilling adaptation as the ball is always on court and a countdown runs down continuously. The event format made its international competition debut in Utrecht, where it will return this year after a visit to Hamburg; here, it will be held alongside the German Beach Tour. With tickets starting from under £30 and music breaks in between matches, this exhilarating event has style and substance!
3. Lacoste Ladies Open de France (16–18 September 2021), Golf
Golf Du Médoc, Bordeaux, France
The Lacoste Ladies Open de France is something of a rarity when it comes to events on the Ladies European Tour, in that it is one of the relatively few events based on the continent that manages to attract some impressive names from the LPGA Tour. Indeed, recent champions have included 2-time major winner Cristie Kerr and 2021 Women's PGA Championship winner Nelly Korda. The tournament is accessible for spectators free of charge, so it's the perfect way to see some of the biggest stars of women's golf in action in a beautiful setting in the heart of France's wine country.
4. Super League Triathlon: Jersey (18 September 2021)
St. Helier Waterfront / Elizabeth Marina, St Helier, Jersey
Most people associate Jersey as an idyllic Island getaway, known for its white sand beaches and the sunniest spot in the British Isles. Did you know it's also the place to watch the world's best triathletes go toe-to-toe in the fastest, most exciting, and brutal racing on the planet? Super League Triathlon presents the Jersey Triathlon, a swim-bike-run race circuit across the island and the third stop of the 2021 Championship Series. The action takes place over a thrilling weekend, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the racing and soak up some serious sun rays on your visit. It's free to spectate, though attendees with a taste for luxury may be swayed by Super League Triathlon's VIP hospitality packages, including a delicious buffet lunch and an outdoor viewing platform overlooking all the action.
5. Erste Bank Open (Vienna Open), (23–31 October 2021) Tennis
Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria
There aren't too many major tennis events held in Austria, and it's not a nation known for its Grand Slam champs, but don't let that stop you from attending the Erste Bank Open! This ATP 500 tournament consistently attracts top players, and the off-court fun it provides for fans really helps it stand out on the tour. Adult tickets cost as little as €39 for a full day of main draw action, and VIP tickets start at €250 during qualifying.
6. Yonex French Open (26–31 October 2021), Badminton
Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris, France
With so much to see and do in Paris, it's understandable that a few things will slip under the radar but be sure to make time to head to the historic Pierre de Coubertin this October and catch some of the world's best badminton players battle it out by the Seine. The French Open is perfectly suited to the casual fan - tickets are available in a range of seating categories, and prices start at only €11! Multi-day tickets are also on sale, allowing more avid spectators to really appreciate this lesser-known event too!
7. The Women's Ashes (27 January–19 February 2022) Cricket
Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia · North Sydney Oval, Sydney, Australia · Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia · Junction Oval, Victoria, Australia
Wondering where to get your wicket thrills once The Ashes is over? Have no fear, for The Women's Ashes will follow a few weeks after the men's final, giving cricket fans a double dose of the thunder from Down Under as hosts Australia battle it out against rivals England. With 7 matches across 4 iconic venues, The Women's Ashes is set to be a thrilling tournament. However, what makes The Women's Ashes far and in between is its unique combination of Test, Twenty20, and One Day International cricket, giving you a taste for every format in one competition! Tickets are already on sale for all venues, ranging from AUD $20.00 for adult tickets and as little as $5 for children over 5.
8. The World Games (7-17 July 2022), Multi-Sport
Venues across Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Wishing you were at the Olympics? We've got just the ticket! The World Games is an international multi-sport event comprising sports and disciplines that are not contested in the Olympic Games. They are held every 4 years – one year after a Summer Olympic Games – over the course of 11 days. In 2022, Birmingham, Alabama in the USA will host a huge range of diverse sports from break dancing to boules, sumo to softball, flying disc to flag football, with a tug-of-war competition thrown in for good measure. Tickets for some events are as low as $16.75!
