The Kentucky Derby is possibly the biggest horse race in the world
The FIFA World Cup in Qatar rounded off for many what was another stellar year of sporting events. It was one where many big events were played in front of full capacity crowds for the first time in years thanks to the global COVID pandemic. But what can we look forward to in 2023?
Many sports fans plan for years, trips to some of the most prestigious international sports events in the calendar. But, depending on your location, getting there might not be the issue. Watching it on TV, or waiting for the Oklahoma sports betting markets to be available just isn’t the same. Tickets go fast for the very best tournaments – and we think you should try just about everything you can to get hold of some for these five events this year.
Super Bowl – Glendale, Arizona – February
Is this the greatest show on Earth? Football fans will tell you it definitely is and you can tell how even non-football fans look forward to the championship game that the Super Bowl has transcended the sport. The LA Rams won in front of a hometown crowd in 2022 – but everything is still up for grabs this season.
It has been one of the most unpredictable football seasons on record. Sure, many of the favorites made it to the playoffs – but there were some shocks along the way too. At the time of writing, the two teams are still unknown. But one thing is for sure – the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona will be rocking for this global event and the halftime show headlined by the one and only Rihanna.
Kentucky Derby – Louisville, Kentucky – May
It is known as “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” and was first held way back in 1875. A lot has changed since then but there are still plenty of traditions that horse racing fans just love to see when the Kentucky Derby comes around every first Saturday in May.
It is actually the second oldest race in America – and definitely the most prestigious. The Derby is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown, the biggest prize in thoroughbred racing. It is sure to be a glamorous affair once again – although we can’t guarantee another 80-1 shot winner like last year.
Champions League Final – Istanbul, Turkey – June
The FIFA World Cup might have only just been played in Qatar, but that is for international soccer fans. The Champions League is the biggest club soccer tournament in the world and, in 2023, the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul will finally get to host the glittering occasion.
It was supposed to welcome the final two years ago but everything was postponed because of the pandemic. Now Turkey will be getting ready to welcome the very best players in the world. There is a long way to go until we know the finalists but this one is sure to be unmissable.
Women’s World Cup – Australia and New Zealand – July/August
Fancy a little more soccer? Of course you do! If you thought that the men’s World Cup in Qatar was exciting, you should prepare yourself for the women’s version taking place in Australia and New Zealand in July. It is the ninth edition of the tournament and the first to have two co-hosts.
It will be the biggest ever Women’s World Cup, with 32 nations competing for the top prize over a month of soccer action. Recent European champions England will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy. But current holders – and the number one ranked team in the world, the US – might have something to say about that.
Figure 2 Cricket is played everywhere in India
Men’s Cricket World Cup – India – November
You may be under the misconception that cricket is a dusty old game played by genteel English Downton Abbey types. If that is your view of the sport, then you should really consider trying to get a ticket to the Men’s Cricket World Cup played in India towards the end of 2023.
Cricket is like a religion in India and the fans are anything but genteel. Ten nations will challenge for the trophy that returns to India for the first time since 2011. The host will be favorite, but England is the current champion and this is a competition that can convert even the most ardent anti-cricket sports fan.