There are hundreds of stadiums throughout the USA, some even have a capacity of over 100,000 people!
The most popular sport in the US is American Football bringing in well over 100 million annual spectators and television viewers. Other sports which get huge audiences include Baseball, Ice Hockey and Soccer.
If you are planning to visit the United States for the first time you really need to attend a live game, then you’ll understand just how much Americans love sport and how important sport is to American society.
Below is a look at some of the most popular and legendary sporting venues in America, and some of the amazing historical moments that have taken place.
1. Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden in New York, first opened in 1879 and has become an iconic part of the city.
This is one of the most famous sporting venues on the planet and home to the NBA’s New York Knicks basketball team — who have NBA odds of +5000 on the betting lines for this season’s championship. You can also watch the New York Rangers ice hockey team play here.
Madison Square Garden has been the scene of some massive sporting events including the 1970 Knicks NBA Championship; in 1971, the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier; the New York Rangers’ win of the 1994 Stanley Cup in the NHL after a Stanley Cup glory drought of 54 years; and the final game of the greatest ice hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky, in 1999.
2. Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium is the home of the world famous New York Yankees, who have won the MLB World Series 27 times.
The stadium seats 51,000 fans and has a standing room only capacity of 57,000. In 2009, the team moved from their old stadium, which had opened in 1923 and which the legendary Babe Ruth had christened that opening game with a home run, and moved to their new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Since then, the new diamond has been the scene of some magical moments. One of the most memorable will be the New Yorkers won their 27th World Series Championship here.
3. Augusta
Augusta National Golf Club, in Augusta, Georgia, is the home of The Masters professional golf tournament.
You’ll often see Augusta referred to as “The National” as well. The holes of the course feature delightful names such as “Pink Dogwood,” “Flowering Peach” and “Carolina Cherry” that contrast with the drama that has occurred on the famous golfing green.
It was at Augusta, the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus, won the 1968 Masters, which some considered the greatest golfing tournament of all time, when he shot a 30 on the last nine to beat Greg Norman, Tom Kite, Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson. It was his final title.
4. Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is located in scenic Daytona Beach, Florida and is the venue to visit if you’re into motor racing.
Although the Daytona International Speedway opened in 1959, the days of Daytona International stretch back to 1953 when Bill Frances Sr. realized the days of racing on the beach were numbered and decided to build a speedway track.
The first DAYTONA 500 took place on February 22, 1959, and attracted a crowd of more than 41,000.
The track has seen some mesmerizing moments, including open-wheel racing legend Mario Andretti surprising everyone in 1967 in his first DAYTONA 500 start by leading for 112 of the 200 race laps, and 50-year-old Bobby Allison, considered one of the sport’s old men, outracing his 27-year-old son, Davey, in the 1988 DAYTONA 500.
5. Raymond James Stadium
There are so many amazing American Football Stadiums in North America and The Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa, Florida, is one of the best.
This stadium is the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and seats 65,000 but is expandable to 75,000. The Raymond James Stadium is popular with players in the NFL Players Association, who have rated the stadium as the best in the league. The stadium has also been dubbed the “Crown Jewel of the NFL.”
The Raymond James Stadium was the scene of a dramatic Super Bowl LXIII in 2009. The Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Arizona Cardinals in a game that produced some highly memorable moments.
These include a goal-line interception and 100-yard touchdown return by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison, which some believe one of the most amazing plays in NFL history, and Santonio Holmes catching a perfectly placed ball in the back corner of the end zone just 35 seconds from the end of the game to take the Steelers to a win and break the Cardinals’ and their fans’ hearts.
6. Fenway Park
Fenway Park is the home of the world famous Boston Red Sox baseball team, located in Boston, Massachusetts.
Fenway Park first opened on April 20th 1912 and it is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use. This stadium is one of the most iconic destinations for baseball fans, due to the history and architecture.
7. Michigan Stadium
Michigan Wolverines are an American college football team representing the University of Michigan in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Michigan has the most all-time wins in college football history, which is partly helped by their veroucious support. This stadium is bigger than most professional stadiums in North America and the world, with a huge capacity of 107,601!
Seeing a live game and enjoying the whole atmosphere of a college football game is a really special experience.
8. Wrigley Field
Chicago is a huge sporting city, and most people especially outside of the United States would associate the city with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.
But here you can also find one of the most loved stadiums in the country - Wrigley Field - an essential place to visit in Chicago.
The Chicago Cubs baseball team play their home games at the iconic Wrigley Field Stadium. First opened way back in 1914, Wrigley Field is well known for its unique traditions and charm.
The Cubs last one the World Series in 2016, this was the first World Series game victory for the Cubs at Wrigley Field since 1945.
What is Yoru Favourite US Sports Destination?
The US has some tremendous sporting venues that have been the scene of some dramatic and monumental moments in sport. Other places you may wish to check out include Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky, which is the home of the Kentucky Derby horse race.
If you have any favourite stadiums or destinations let us know.
