As we enter the final months of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, it’s time to plan your calendar around some of the biggest sporting events in the U.S. From the excitement of fall football to planning your next year’s trip to the iconic Super Bowl, there’s something for every fan. Plus, I’ll throw in a few tips on how to secure tickets and travel smartly.
NFL Season – Catch the Action Before Playoffs
Football fans, it’s your time. The 2024 NFL season is still in full swing, and there’s plenty of action to catch before the playoffs start in January 2025. Games are happening across the country, so whether you’re a diehard fan of the home team or planning a road trip to see an away game, now’s the time to grab your tickets. Pro tip: book through the official NFL ticket exchange to avoid scalpers.
College Football Bowl Season – December 2024
If you love the passion and excitement of college football, you can still catch the epic bowl season in December. With matchups like the Rose Bowl and the Cotton Bowl, these games are not only a great way to wrap up the year but also serve as a perfect excuse for a mini getaway. Want to score good seats? Start looking for tickets around November when the matchups are announced, and remember, local hotels fill up fast—book your accommodation early.
NBA Regular Season – Ongoing into 2025
Basketball fans, there’s no need to wait for next year to get in on the action. The 2024-2025 NBA season is already underway, and games will run through April 2025. Whether you’re following LeBron’s final seasons or rooting for a rising star, NBA games are happening almost every day across the country. Pro tip: Midweek games typically have better availability and lower ticket prices than weekend matchups.
NHL Regular Season – Skate Into 2025
The 2024-2025 NHL season is heating up, and hockey fans can catch games until the playoffs begin in April. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of your local team or traveling to see rivals face off, there’s no shortage of puck action to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip, consider looking for package deals that include hotel stays and tickets for a better bargain.
World Series – October 2024
Baseball’s most anticipated event is just around the corner: the 2024 World Series. If you’re lucky enough to live near one of the teams competing for the championship, snagging a ticket should be on the top of your to-do list. Want to avoid outrageous resale prices? Sign up for alerts through your team’s official site for ticket releases.
MLS Playoffs and Final – November 2024
Soccer in the U.S. has grown exponentially, and the MLS playoffs are no exception. The 2024 MLS Cup playoffs are underway, with the final happening in November. If you’re a fan of the world’s most popular sport, don’t miss the chance to see top-tier matches on U.S. soil. Pro tip: MLS tickets are often more affordable than other major sports, so you can still score great seats without breaking the bank.
The Super Bowl – February 2025
Let’s be real: the Super Bowl is one of the most iconic events in American sports, and Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 will be no different. Whether you’re heading to Las Vegas to watch it live at Allegiant Stadium or planning an epic Super Bowl party at home, now’s the time to start thinking about tickets. Want in on the action? Ticket packages often go on sale as early as the fall, so be sure to check NFL-approved sources to avoid scams.
March Madness – College Basketball at Its Best
Looking ahead to 2025, March Madness will kick off in, well, March (shocking, right?). This annual college basketball tournament is a can’t-miss event for sports lovers, with games happening all across the country. Whether you’re rooting for a Cinderella team or just love the chaos of it all, start thinking about tickets in early 2025. Pro tip: Look for tickets to the earlier rounds if you want a better deal.
The Kentucky Derby – May 2025
If you’ve never experienced the spectacle that is the Kentucky Derby, 2025 might be the year to do it. Held annually on the first Saturday of May, this iconic horse race draws crowds from around the world. While it’s fun to splurge on VIP seating, budget-conscious travelers can also enjoy the event from general admission areas. Pro tip: Book your flights and hotels now—Louisville fills up fast!
U.S. Open – Tennis Anyone?
Tennis fans, don’t miss the chance to catch the 2025 U.S. Open, happening in late summer at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. Whether you’re planning to watch the stars at Arthur Ashe Stadium or just want to soak up the atmosphere, tickets sell out fast, so mark your calendar for early ticket releases. Pro tip: Day sessions tend to be more affordable and still provide great tennis action.
NASCAR Season – Start Your Engines for 2025
For those who prefer roaring engines and high-octane speed, NASCAR’s 2025 season kicks off with the Daytona 500 in February. From there, races will take place at tracks all over the country, making it easy to find one near you. Looking to get close to the action? Look into pit passes for a more immersive experience. Pro tip: Bundle your tickets with hotel deals for a smoother trip.
Planning Your Travel and Tickets
When it comes to booking your travel and tickets, earlier is almost always better. Use apps like Hopper and Skyscanner to track flight prices and set alerts for drops. For game tickets, sign up for presales through official team or league websites to avoid inflated resale prices. If you’re planning to attend multiple events, consider looking into travel packages that bundle flights, hotels, and tickets for better savings.
When to Book
The sweet spot for booking travel tends to be about 3-4 months out, but flexibility is key if you’re looking to save money. Midweek flights are almost always cheaper than weekend ones, and the same often goes for game tickets. If you’re not picky about seating, wait for ticket drops closer to the event, but keep an eye on availability—big games can sell out fast.
Where to Stay
For major events like the Super Bowl or the Kentucky Derby, hotels can book up quickly. Consider staying a little farther out from the venue to save money and avoid the crowds. Apps like Airbnb or Vrbo offer great alternatives if you’re traveling with a group and want a more homey feel.
Maximizing Your Experience
Whether you’re heading to a championship game or a regular-season matchup, make the most of your experience by planning ahead. Arrive early to avoid parking hassles, scope out the best food vendors, and don’t forget your gear—nothing beats showing up in your team’s colors. Pro tip: Many stadiums now offer mobile ticketing and food ordering, making your game day smoother.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Pixabay.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
