Massive sporting events like the Pro Football Championships attract sports fanatics from across the globe each and every year. For many, a trip to these sporting showdowns is a rite of passage. But for the avid sports fan, there’s a tonne of unique, lesser-known sporting experiences out there just waiting to be had. If you’re a fan of good times and great sport, these sporting cities and clubs are our top picks for your travel hall of fame.
Seattle, USA
There are perhaps more famous football teams than the Seattle Seahawks, but no one can beat the Seattle supporters when it comes to cheering. At a home game in 2013 against New Orleans, fans cheered so loudly (137.6 decibels, to be exact) that it caused a minor earthquake, with detected vibrations in the region measuring between 1 and 2 magnitude. The league was forced to implement a noise rule following that game, but still nothing stops these diehard fans as they continue to break that rule, and the sound barrier, at every single game.
Wisconsin, USA
For sports fans who love old-school 90s hip hop as much as they love American football, catching a Badgers home game in Wisconsin is all kinds of crazy. Don’t be fooled by the fact this is a college team – approximately 80,000 fans attend every game! During the break between the third and fourth quarters, the iconic hip hop anthem ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain is blasted through the stadium. And when the beat drops? You guessed it – they jump. Now that’s a mosh pit!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
One of Argentina’s most famous football teams, Boca Juniors, have an impressive fan base that really knows how to rev their team up for a match. Like most fanatics, fans of the Buenos Aires team cloak themselves in their colours with the stadium becoming a sea of blue and gold. But unlike other fans, these ones light up the stadium, literally, with firecrackers, fireworks and sparklers. The electric atmosphere makes for an inspiring reception for the players as they make their way onto the turf.
Montreal, Canada
You would be missing out if you didn’t see a game of ice hockey while visiting Canada – although you may upset a few locals if you call it that…to them it’s just ‘hockey’. Known as “Canada’s sport”, many teams’ fan armies would compete for the title of most passionate, but you’d be hard pressed to look past Montreal. Home to the longest operating professional ice hockey team in the world (founded in 1909), it’s tough to go more than a few minutes walking around Montreal without spotting someone wearing a Canadiens team jersey or sweater. You would be a fan too, if your local team had won 25 percent of all championships since 1927.
*The hotel prices above are for double occupancy (including taxes and fees) and were found on KAYAK.com.au on 16 November 2016 for travel in January 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
**The flight prices shown above are for one return economy seat (including taxes and fees, excluding baggage fees) and were collated on KAYAK.com.au on 16 November 2016 for travel in January 2017. Prices may be subject to change and offers may no longer be available.
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