Sport Calendar - February 2009
Sports Bonanza
by Greg Simons
by Greg Simons
If you had the opportunity to attend one major sporting event this year, which one would it be? Wimbledon? A Formula One Grand Prix? The Superbowl? The Dubai World Cup? It seems that blanket television coverage of popular sporting occasions has only increased the appetite to be there in person, resulting in a boom in sports tourism.
Countries and cities know this only too well and now pay millions to host major events. They know the fans streaming in will be spending big bucks before, during and after the events. It also means that hotel accommodation is at a premium at these times, so you need to get in early if you want to secure a room.
This month the two major sporting events will be the finals of the Australian Open Tennis Championships in Melbourne and the Superbowl football finals in Tampa, Florida. For Tampa, it represents a one-off bonus, a chance to bask in the national limelight as Superbowl fevers sweeps through the United States. Next year, it will be Miami's turn to host this huge event.
For Melbourne, the tennis tournament represents an annual windfall that is vitally important to the city. It is not only the biggest event in Melbourne each year, it is Australia's most important sports fest. We take a look at the remaining months of 2009, highlighting the major sporting events. Remember, it is never to early to book accommodation, as it is always at a premium during the big games.
March: Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong (27-29 March)
Sevens rugby has taken the world by storm - and nowhere is it more popular than in Hong Kong. All the world's leading rugby-playing nations will be taking part and the packed stadium every night will ensure that there is a carnival atmosphere. There will be strong support among the expatriates living in Hong Kong for England and Australia, but South Africa and Fiji are always a threat.
Sevens rugby has taken the world by storm - and nowhere is it more popular than in Hong Kong. All the world's leading rugby-playing nations will be taking part and the packed stadium every night will ensure that there is a carnival atmosphere. There will be strong support among the expatriates living in Hong Kong for England and Australia, but South Africa and Fiji are always a threat.
Off the field, there is plenty to explore in exciting Hong Kong, which offers an enchanting blend of British colonialism and Chinese traditions and history. Other events: Carling Cup football final, London (1 March), Women's World Cup Cricket finals in Sydney, Australia (7-22 March), Six Nations Rugby: England vs France at Twickenham (15 March), Dubai World Cup horse racing (28 March) and Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (29 March).
April: US Masters at Augusta in Georgia, United States (9-12 April)
This is considered the ultimate tournament among golf's 'big four', as the US Masters is held at the same course in Georgia each year and does not rotate courses like the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. Also, the Augusta course is very private and few people get to play there.
This is considered the ultimate tournament among golf's 'big four', as the US Masters is held at the same course in Georgia each year and does not rotate courses like the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. Also, the Augusta course is very private and few people get to play there.
This year is special in that Padraig Harrington is in line to complete the third leg of the Grand Slam, having already won the US Open and the PGA in 2008. Everyone is hoping for a Harrington-Tiger Woods showdown. Other events: The Grand National at Aintree (4 April), the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang (5 April), the Snooker World Championships in Sheffield, England (18 April - 4 May), the Chinese F1 Grand Prix in Shanghai (19 April), the London Marathon (26 April) and the World Table Tennis Championships in Yokohama, Japan (28 April - 5 May).
May: Monaco Formula One Grand Prix in Monte Carlo (24 May)
Of all the Grand Prix events, this is the one that captures the public's imagination. The winding course through the streets of Monaco may not guarantee the most exciting race, but spectators love being so close to the action. It also gives them the opportunity to rub shoulders with Europe's rich and famous, including a sprinkling of royalty.
Of all the Grand Prix events, this is the one that captures the public's imagination. The winding course through the streets of Monaco may not guarantee the most exciting race, but spectators love being so close to the action. It also gives them the opportunity to rub shoulders with Europe's rich and famous, including a sprinkling of royalty.
Monte Carlo is always a desirable destination, but Grand Prix week is the apex of its social season. Other events: Kentucky Derby in United States (2 May), French MotoGP motorcycling at Le Mans (17 May), Indianapolis 500 in the United States (24 May), UEFA Cup Final in Istanbul (24 May), French Open Tennis (24 May- 7 June), Champions League football final (27 May) and FA Cup final (30 May).
June: Wimbledon Tennis Championship (22 June - July 5)
Britain's summer season is packed with important sporting events - Royal Ascot, the British Open Golf, the Grand Prix and the Cricket World Twenty20 finals to name a few - but for many Wimbledon still holds the edge as the most traditional and exciting event. This is the tournament that all the top players are desperate to win, and fans in London are willing to line up for hours to get an opportunity to get a coveted centre court seat or sip champagne and eat strawberries and cream between matches.
Britain's summer season is packed with important sporting events - Royal Ascot, the British Open Golf, the Grand Prix and the Cricket World Twenty20 finals to name a few - but for many Wimbledon still holds the edge as the most traditional and exciting event. This is the tournament that all the top players are desperate to win, and fans in London are willing to line up for hours to get an opportunity to get a coveted centre court seat or sip champagne and eat strawberries and cream between matches.
A new sliding roof means that rain won't put a stop to the action, an added incentive to get there this year. Other events: NBA Finals, United States (3-18 June), Royal Ascot (16-20 June), Rugby Springboks vs British Lions in Durban (20 June) and in Pretoria (27 June), Cricket World Twenty20 Finals in London (5-21 June), British Grand Prix (June 21).
July: Tour de France cyle race in France (4-26 July)
The perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful French countryside and, at the same time, soak up the excitement of the world's premier cycle race. American star Lance Armstrong will be back in the line-up this year, hoping to snatch the title for a record eighth time. Drug scandals are likely to erupt along the route, but the athleticism of these warriors of the road is undeniable. The final on the famed Champs-Élysées in Paris is always a thrilling event.
The perfect opportunity to take in the beautiful French countryside and, at the same time, soak up the excitement of the world's premier cycle race. American star Lance Armstrong will be back in the line-up this year, hoping to snatch the title for a record eighth time. Drug scandals are likely to erupt along the route, but the athleticism of these warriors of the road is undeniable. The final on the famed Champs-Élysées in Paris is always a thrilling event.
An added bonus is you get to visit France's magnificent capital during summer. Other events:Las Vegas Desert Classic Darts (1-5 July), IAAF Golden League in Rome (10 July), British Open Golf Championship at Turnberry in Scotland (16-19 July), Swimming world championships in Rome (18 July - 2 Aug) and Tri-Nations rugby: SA vs New Zealand in Bloemfontein (25 July).
August: World Championship Athletics in Berlin (15-23 August)
With a few years to go until the next Olympics (London 2012), this championship is the best opportunity to watch the world's top athletes in action. All eyes will be on the Chinese stars, to see if they can repeat their winning performances from Beijing. Or will the Americans dominate the medal podium once again?
The on-field action is always a spectacle, with world records bound to fall, but you also get to spend time in historic Berlin. Get to see the Jewish Museum and Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Other events: World Boxing Championship in Milan, Italy (29 Aug - 13 Sept) and 2009 World Rowing Championships, Poznan, Poland (23-30 Aug).
September: Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix (27 Sept).
The only night race in Formula One, this is being held for the second time in 2009. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators on the route through this city state as drivers face the testing challenge of driving on the floodlit street circuit. Singapore pulls out all the stops for this event and there are scores of other attractions to keep visitors busy.
The only night race in Formula One, this is being held for the second time in 2009. Join hundreds of thousands of spectators on the route through this city state as drivers face the testing challenge of driving on the floodlit street circuit. Singapore pulls out all the stops for this event and there are scores of other attractions to keep visitors busy.
The great flight connections from Changi Airport make it easy to extend the trip to visit one of the other great tourist destinations in Asia like Bali, Phuket or Langkawi. Other events: US Open Tennis Championships in New York (31 Aug - 13 Sept) and World Matchplay Championship Golf in Malaga, Spain (24-27 Sept).
October: Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp (4 Oct)
Popularly referred to as the "Arc", this is the most prestigious horse race in Europe, and one of the most renowned international events in France. It lines up alongside the Royal National in England, the Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, the Melbourne Cup in Australia and the Kentucky Derby in the USA as the world's top equine events. This is an annual meeting place for the world's horse racing fraternity, with owners, trainers and fans travelling from across the globe to view the 2400-metre race.
Popularly referred to as the "Arc", this is the most prestigious horse race in Europe, and one of the most renowned international events in France. It lines up alongside the Royal National in England, the Dubai World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, the Melbourne Cup in Australia and the Kentucky Derby in the USA as the world's top equine events. This is an annual meeting place for the world's horse racing fraternity, with owners, trainers and fans travelling from across the globe to view the 2400-metre race.
British punters arrive in big numbers, with the well-heeled crossing the channel on private jets for the day. Other events: Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham (7-11 Oct), Triathlon: Ironman world championship in Hawaii (10 Oct), World Gymnastics Championship in London (12-18 Oct), Formula 1 United Arab Emirates Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (30 Oct - 1 Nov) and the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy (date to be announced).
November: New York City Marathon (1 Nov)
Nearly four decades after it was first started in 1970, this has become the largest marathon in the world, with 90,000 runners applying to run each year. The final number of runners, 37,000 in 2008, are mostly drawn by lottery. Nearly two million cheering spectators line the course from all different neighborhoods of New York and hundreds of millions watch on TV. For spectators, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the Big Apple with visitors from around the globe.
Nearly four decades after it was first started in 1970, this has become the largest marathon in the world, with 90,000 runners applying to run each year. The final number of runners, 37,000 in 2008, are mostly drawn by lottery. Nearly two million cheering spectators line the course from all different neighborhoods of New York and hundreds of millions watch on TV. For spectators, it is a great opportunity to enjoy the Big Apple with visitors from around the globe.
The New York Marathon is one of five annual races that form the World Marathon Majors. The others are in Boston, London, Berlin and Chicago.
Other events: Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix (1 Nov), Melbourne Cup horse racing (3 Oct), 26th Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in St Petersburg, Russia (7-15 Nov) and the ATP World Tour Finals at 02 Arena in London (22-29 Nov).
December: Pipeline Masters Surfing in Hawaii (8-20 Dec)
Held at Ehukai Beach on the North Shore of Oahu, this is the final event in the men's World Championship Tour and the biggest event in world surfing. Unsurprisingly, it takes place on the world's most famous and revered waves at the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. Local surfers dream of winning this event, but with stars like American Kelly Slater in action, competition is fierce.
As with all major surfing tournaments, this event lures the young and beautiful, but big money is at stake. Each leg of the world championship has a pot of US$340,000, with millions in sponsorship at stake for the ultimate winner. Other events: IFJ Judo Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi(2-3 Dec), East Asian Games in Hong Kong (5-13 Dec) and Sydney to Hobart regatta in Sydney (26 Dec).
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