Making a holiday out of spectator sports
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Since the dawn of time, from the Coliseums of Rome to the yellow jersey of the Tour de France, sport has been the proving grounds of human endeavour and spirit. Sport is where life is compressed into a few hours, where the emotions of an entire lifetime can be felt on a patch of ground, where a person can suffer and die and rise again. It is a place where nations and cultures unite for one defining moment, a theatre for unbridled passion and emotion – where the sinner becomes the saint, the common man becomes an uncommon hero, where for one moment we transcend all conflict and become our own potential, the basis for stories which people start with ‘I was there when…’ One memory that I have was when I was eleven years old and, with my parents away at a wedding for the weekend, I was left in care of my older brother. His first act of duty was to take me and my younger brother to the pub so that he could watch the opening game of Euro '96 with his mates. The opening game was dull, with hosts England only managing a draw with Switzerland but at the final whistle the pub crowd united in a rendition of Football's Coming Home, the anthem that was to carry the home nation through to the semi-finals, where they lost to Germany on penalties. This moment in the pub made the hairs on my neck stand to attention and a swell of pride took hold of me – this is my home, my people, my heritage – and something I haven't felt since. If you think I'm being over-zealous in these claims, I have proof that sport impacts our lives, sometimes in the most dramatic ways. Joe Louis beating German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938 in the 'fight that defeated Nazi Germany' or Jesse Owens four Olympic medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics proving Nazi propaganda wrong and damaging Hitler's claims that Germany was superior are just two examples of sport impacting the political world. Barry McGuigan’s world title win in boxing united all of Northern Ireland while Nelson Mandela donning the Springboks jersey at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final united South Africa and showed sports ability to unite cultures. The 2008 Wimbledon final between Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer is an example of sport touching us so deeply; the breathtaking spectacle of the match together with the spirit and conduct and ambition of the two men going to the edge of their ability and courage left many spellbound by the magic of great sport. Another moment where sport can be seen to touch so deep the hearts of everyone was Sir Matt Busby rebuilding his Manchester United side after the Munich Air Crash to win the European Cup at Wembley in 1968. These few select moments from a plethora of stories show how dear we hold sport to our hearts, how it defines our histories and connects us to one another. If a holiday is a retreat away from the hassles of your life, then watching some sport while on one is a brilliant way to transcend all the troubles. Earl Warren, 30th Governor of California, once famously stated that he always ‘turned to the sports section first. The sports page records people’s accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man’s failures.’ Sport is where the people of Afghanistan can get away from the harsh realities of war with a spot of goat polo and you’re unlikely to find a giddier pleasure than the one felt as you watch people fling themselves down a hill after a roll of cheese at Cooper’s Hill, apart from maybe watch a man carry his wife over an obstacle course or a Jack Russell ride the waves in a dog-surfing competition! Making a holiday out of spectator sports is a fantastic way to see the world, you get to tap into the local world and see the people’s fears and loves that a bus tour or tourist attraction would never show. The cacophony of sound that greets the teams at Camp Nou, the unbridled national pride at a Hurling or Gaelic football final at Croke Park or the great hot-dogs at Wrigley Field are all amazing ways to soak up the culture of other people and to connect to others. Spectator sports also make the journey live longer in the memory – the streets of Salzburg are always fresh in my mind after being in the city for the Euro 2008 football championships. You’re never going to forget the trip where you saw a Mexican in a mask fly across the wrestling ring, are you? Sport is one of our most important outlets of passion, fears, love and devotion. It is where the human race prove themselves over and over again, where we renew our faith in ourselves and where we can transcend all our troubles and reach our potential. It is where people meet after a week of hard work to enjoy themselves and visiting sporting events while on holiday will cleanse the soul and bring you into greater contact than any other holiday activity. |
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Top spectator sports worldwide » My favourite spectator sports
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Le MansSpectator Sports in Le Mans, France If any circuit is synonymous with motor sport it is Le Mans, France. The world famous race, begun in 1923, is one of the most prestigious races in motor sport, attracting a global audience every June. The famous Circuit de la Sarthe is composed partly of public roads and the permanent Bugatti circuit, and the two combine to make thrilling race track that glorifies speed as well as reliability and technical finesse.
There are many draws to this race, not all spectators come to witness the same thing, and as such it can feel slightly fragmented in the stands. While all cars compete at the same time, there are different classes and at the end there is an overall winner as well as separate class winners. Some fans come to witness the speed of the cars around the track, but others come to see the strain of the endurance and how man and machine cope under it.
Whatever you come for you won't be disappointed, Le Mans harbours a special atmosphere that conjures a romance about the pioneers of car engineering and gives a gravitas to the race. The thrill for technically-minded spectators is as much the innovations in fuel consumption and reliability as it is the driving, speed and race winning theatrics that Le Mans produces.
Review by Photo by flickr user tarchamps |
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The Kentucky DerbySpectator Sports in Louisville, United States There are three places to experience the Kentucky Derby: Millionaire’s Row, the Infield and Turn One. While Millionaire’s Row will see you watch the spectacle decorously with trainers, owners and the odd celebrity and Turn One presents a family-picnic setting, Infield is where you’re likely to witness something not seen with other horse race meetings. For some reason the under-30 set occupy the Third Turn, with a feeling somewhere between Bourbon Street in Mardi Gras and one of the apocalyptic communities in Mad Max running amok. With coolers full of alcohol, a party vibe soon hits with the air coloured with “Woo Hoo!!!” and shouts for girls to pull their tops up or down, which are usually replied to. Don’t be surprised if you don’t actually see the race from Infield – indeed many patrons of the Infield don’t actually realise that it’s running, with toilet queues usually longer than betting ones you get an idea of the main priorities. Louisville itself doesn’t really sleep on the first weekend in May, with bands playing and bars not shutting until six in the morning and the Derby party is a rite of passage for many locals - a quite unforgettable experience. If you want to see the race however, Millionaires Row or Turn One will be your best bets. For an atmosphere you won’t find at another race meet, Infield is your place.
Review by Photo by flickr user RNHurt |
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Isle of Man Motorcycle TTSpectator Sports in United Kingdom At the end of May each year, motorcycle enthusiasts descend on the Isle of Man to witness the some of the finest road racers put their skills to the test against the legendary thirty-eight mile mountain course. The path was paved in 1904, when the Isle of Man passed a law allowing for road closures for the Gordon Bennett car trials. With road closure and speed laws on mainland UK, the Auto Cycle club turned to the Isle of Man and the TT was born in 1907.
When the TT lost its world championship status in 1977, many believed it was the beginning of the end for the race, but the event actually emerged stronger, becoming a haven for road race specialists wanting to prove their worth on one of the most challenging and demanding circuits in the world.
With organisers, racers and fans hearts full of affection, the TT is a very special race to witness. Many of the fans are real enthusiasts whose knowledge of the event will leave an indelible mark that leaves you wanting more. If you're not a biking enthusiast look way now because the isle devotes itself to the famous race for two weeks. Also the time trial format of the event isn't to every racing aficionado’s taste, but a fantastic competitive atmosphere is worth the visit.
The Isle of Man's strange relationship with the UK is reflected in this race being a haven for those who like things a little different and the relaxed pace of life on the Isle of Man offers a nice juxtaposition to the buzz of what is always an edge of your seat event.
Review by Photo by flickr user BMW R1100RS |
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Australian Tennis OpenSpectator Sports in Melbourne, Australia Held in January, the Australian Open is the first of the four Grand Slams in the tennis calendar. Played on the plexicushion surface at Melbourne Park, Australia has worked hard to make this a premier event both for players and spectators and they are allowed to be pleased with the results.
The two main arenas in the Open, the Rod Laver and Vodafone Arena have retractable roofs, meaning that the tennis is never interrupted by the weather, but due to it being held in the middle of Australian summer it’s notorious for its totally vicious heat.
Attendance of around 62 000 creates a good atmosphere in which to watch some championship tennis, but play is hampered by withdrawl of some big names as they struggle for form or with injuries early in the season. However, being the Asian/Pacific Grand Slam means a high attendance from Asian countries, adding an interesting blend to proceedings and an enthusiastic set of fans who come to support their own stars.
Melbourne is home to a never-ending roster of festivals, good food, great wine and music events. There is also a strong arts scene, meaning that once the tennis is over there’s still plenty left to see.
Review by Photo by flickr user MD111 |
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Chess BoxingSpectator Sports in Amsterdam, Netherlands Possibly to confront criticism of boxing as a sport for brutish idiots, but more likely due to people just being plain weird sometimes, chess-boxing is enjoying a healthy existence. Played mostly in Germany, the sport actually has its origins with Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh who was inspired by the fictional writings of Enki Bilal – there’s a blinding pub fact for you. A match consists of up to eleven rounds, alternating between boxing and speed chess. Winners may win by knockout, checkmate, judge’s decision or if the opponent’s twelve minutes of chess time elapses. If a player doesn’t make a move in the chess round they are given a warning by the referee and have to make a move within the next ten seconds of the next chess round. There is now a World Chess Boxing Organisation (WCBO) whose motto is, "Fighting is done in the ring and wars are waged on the board." Indeed. Watching a match is quite bemusing but strangely compelling and it is an interesting spectacle to witness at least once.
Review by Photo by flickr user saschapohflepp |