What do you resolve to do in 2017? If you’re reading this site, I’m sure that “watch more sports” and “watch more sports” are on your list of things to do. What about taking some sports trips instead? Get out and tour the museums, visit the stadiums and experience the history of your favorite sports. Need some suggestions? How about these:
Erik is a die-hard racing fan and travels to the Daytona International Speedway every year to watch the NASCAR races. Chris has visited every professional baseball park and racetrack in America. One of the top places to visit on Edward’s bucket list was the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. He did that last year and enjoyed the Baseball Hall of Fame Classic Weekend where he watched Derek Jeter get inducted into the Hall of Fame. Next year, he plans on traveling to Frisco, Texas where he will see The U.S. Soccer Federation’s new National Soccer Hall of Fame Museum at Toyota Stadium. Construction on the 24,000 square foot museum and event center began this year.
I interviewed one baseball fan who has participated in every Yankee Fantasy Camp for the last 10 years. I know New York Rangers fans who haven’t missed a cruise with their favorite hockey players. This year, Celebrity Cruises announced a cruise with the NFL’s New England Patriots.
And me? I just lived out my number two item on my bucket list. I went to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I’ve been a Green Bay Packers fan my entire life and I took both the stadium and Hall of Fame tour and watched my first game at Lambeau. A dream come true.
Need more ideas?
Lambeau Field — Okay, I’m a little impartial on this one because I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan, but if you love football, you have to come here at least once. Just the history alone of the team, and the story of Vince Lombardi is something every football fan should be a part of. You can tour the stadium, step on Lambeau Field, yell “Go Pack Go” from the highest point of the stadium and tour the Hall of Fame. Leave yourself room to shop though because the store is ridiculous (in a good way). If you can’t get to Lambeau Field, I’ve heard many people talk about the same feeling they get when they visit the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium. They have VIP Tours and self-guided tours.
Cooperstown, New York: Love baseball? The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a must-see. You’ll walk the same halls that baseball legends have walked. Visit during the summer and you might catch the induction ceremony (it will be crowded and hotels sell out way in advance of this).
Pick a museum: Choose from the National Basketball Hall of Fame in Massachusetts or the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada. There’s also the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Did you know about these museums dedicated to the lives of legendary players? Check them out.
- Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
- Roger Maris Museum
- Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum
- Ty Cobb Museum
- Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Little Falls
- The Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame
National Soccer Hall of Fame — start planning now because the National Soccer Hall of Fame will open in 2018 Renovations have begun on the South end of Toyota Stadium, bringing to life the next evolution of the vision for soccer in America.
Need more travel ideas?
How about going to a game?goal this year is to get to a Mets game when they play the New York Yankees. The rivalry is thrilling and I can’t wait to be there. Can you get to see your favorite team play? If ticket prices are out of your reach, maybe you have a birthday or anniversary coming up and someone can gift you a ticket? If not, perhaps watching a minor league team will do. You never know what future superstar you may see. For example, I live in the hometown area of the Hudson Valley Renegades and saw superstar Evan Longoria play before he was called up to the Tampa Bay Rays.
What are your sports travel plans for 2017?
Happy New Year!
