I was thinking today about those things that get the blood pumping and the heart racing and the skin tingling... sports, of course. In today's world, attending live sporting events simply costs more money than I have or with which I am willing to part. But this is fantasy, as I said, so if money were no object, here are my hardcore sports fantasy events:1. The Iron Bowl.
The Auburn/Alabama game is my state's "big deal" rivalry. At birth, you are almost forced to pick a side. You're Crimson or Orange. You named your dog Shug or Bear. You're a Tiger or a whatever-they-call-themselves-at-Bama. (I call 'em Whooped Six Years in a Row.) But whomever you cheer for in the game, attending the Iron Bowl would have to be No. 1 on the list of "must see" sporting events for an Alabamian.
2. A Kentucky Wildcats home basketball game.
I have heard frequently that this is one of the most intense sporting events you can attend, bar none. Basketball is already a madhouse, because the venue is so intimate. To be someplace where the game matters so much--a real "basketball school"--would be an extreme thrill.
3. Naturally, a Browns game. Against Pittsburg.
Not only would this be a chance to pay a visit to a "big city," but going there AND seeing football? What could be better? I'd want to go all out, and get my seats in the Dawg Pound, drink beer, taunt Steelers, and cheer the Orange and Brown to an AFC North victory. Woof!
4. The Kentucky Derby.
I have multiple reasons for this one. First, I always wanted a horse. Second, I read all the Black Stallion books as a kid, so I learned all about thoroughbred racing. Third, the hat. A big, huge, gaudy, Southern lady hat. Like this one. It's a great event, full of tradition, and you get racing all day long in the beautiful Kentucky springtime. And while we're at it, let's just take in the whole Triple Crown.
5. A Major League Playoff Series in a City Where It Really Matters.
Boston, Chicago, New York. Doesn't matter. In the South we tend to cheer for the Braves, but my gut tells me it just isn't the same as cheering for the Red Sox. Another chance to visit a big city, and I'd take in the whole series from first pitch to last out, keep score and sing during 7th Inning Stretch. Good stuff.
6. The College Football National Champtionship Game (I refuse to call it that three-initial championship game).
Back to football. Doesn't matter who's playing (although I love a nice SEC vs Big 10 matchup), because there is nothing like college football. People care about it. For your school, for your conference, for mom and the high school sweetheart back home. College football is the ultimate ecstasy and agony sport, and it's ultimate game is surely a thing to behold.
7. Sugar Bowl.
Yes, I like football. A lot. And I like SEC football. So even in a year when the Sugar Bowl doesn't determine the national champion, it still has to be great. And on top if it, it's in New Orleans, my favorite place in this world. To be in my favorite city, watching my favorite sport, eating some shrimp creole and partying on Bourbon Street--Wow. It would be hard to top that. I might need to move this one higher up the list.
8. Heavyweight Championship, Vegas.
I'm no great fan of boxing. I tend to think it's probably fixed and I don't necessarily get shivery over the idea of men punching each other in the face for money. However, a big boxing match in Vegas has to be an incredible experience. Dress up, place a bet, crown a champ.
9. The Super Bowl.
Unless it's my team, I'm not going to get emotionally caught up, but we're talking about the most-watched sporting event in the world. And besides the game, you have some geriatric rock band performing at half time, a moving award ceremony at the end, and a city full of out-of-towners looking for a good time. I'm thinking this all amounts to one hell of a weekend.
10. A World Cup Match in Europe (preferably Italy).
Always wanted to go to Europe, so catching a significant sporting event could only enhance the experience. I admit, this is hard core stuff for an American. We don't give a shit about soccer over here, and Europeans will kill you for it. I'd have to toughen up, but it would be worth it.
And there it is. A sublime list, and I might say a MAN's list, apart from the hat.
2 comments:
I don't know, of all the reasons for grown men to punch each other in the face, prize money seems rather contrived. I would pay to watch people beat each other up over other sports, politics, dry cleaning bills, etc., though.
Well written article.
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