Top 5 Sports Venues

The Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)

Standing in a one of the oldest and most iconic stadiums in the country, as the light of the sun setting behind me hits the mountains in front of me, I was unexpectedly struck by the uniqueness of this place. Then add in the foreground, the final BCS National Championship game in the twilight of a January evening, the Rose Bowl became one of my most memorable experiences.

I will mention my bias was in effect, as I approached the venue with low expectations. Being from Alabama and traveling to some of the most prestigious college football venues in the Southeastern Conference, I believed this California based, “yankee” influenced, West Coast minimized bowl venue was going to be less than advertised. As I described earlier, I was wrong.

You can’t blame me though. Because every person I knew from California was so unimpressed or unaware of college football, how could I expect it to be what the talking heads said it to be? Turns out it is “The Granddaddy Of Them All”. I am sure being a National Championship Game helped, but the whole atmosphere felt inspired and unique from its appearance to the game itself.

Unfortunately, my team lost in the final minutes, but the experience still left a mark on my memory as a once in lifetime experience.

Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL)

Soon after the opponent’s second baseman hit a shot into left-center field driving in two runs, the beer vender, on cue, exclaimed like a broadway actor performing his third show of the week, “Cub’s Pain Killers!” The laughs gained were inevitable especially from a “tourist” like me.

Life is hard. It maybe even harder as a fan of a team that gives away heartbreaks like the Chicago Cubs. However, I don’t think many opposing fans have much sympathy. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in July, I watched a game not far up and behind home plate. At the time, their team had little chance for a World Series run, but by the looks of the ballpark, you would have thought this is the best team in World.

Packed house. Fun and competitive energy. Hot dogs and in house cold brews flowing with Cubs memorabilia covering the place. Ball hit to the outfield, without a thought everyone stands to their feet. It was 2008, but that day I felt I watching baseball in the 1930s.

The loyalty of the fan base and the atmosphere they create is nostalgically consuming. Despite their lack of postseason success (until recently), I see why people want to be Cub fans. It is a place that is inviting to the most passive even indifferent Baseball fan.

Tiger Stadium (Baton Rouge, LA)

As an Auburn fan, this is tough, but to be honest and intentionally anti-’homer’, I have to give Tiger Stadium its due. It is loud, active, and without doubt, one of the most unique places in America, not just in sports.

I have been to a lot of college football venues, but Baton Rouge is the only place were I have been “flicked off” by an eight year old and eighty year old in the same day. Outside the stadium, LSU fans are quick to shout you into a corner, but if you give it a minute, you will experience a level of hospitality that will shame your own mother. Many times I heard this, “Hey Auburn fan, F-you! (The collective joins in) Tiger Bait! Tiger Bait! F-you Auburn! (Laughs, Pause) Hey! You wanna beer? By the way, since your team is about to get their ass kicked here’s some gumbo and some bourbon for your tears.”

Inside the stadium is another level. In 1988, (against Auburn) the noise registered on the Richter Scale. There are loud stadiums, and some possibly louder, but never in the history of sports, in my opinion, is it as constantly loud as in Tiger Stadium on a Saturday Night. They are relentless! Especially if they have had all day to drink for a night game.

Once again my bias in effect because my team hasn’t won there in OVER TWENTY YEARS! That’s two decades of chokes, cheats, and flat out butt whoopin’s. If I was a fan of the team across the state (Alabama), I might feel differently. They, for some reason, have won their fair share of games in Baton Rouge. Anyway, I don’t want to give them more credit than my stomach will allow, and if you have no idea what I am talking about, then don’t worry about it, you’re better off.

Lastly, if you get the chance to go to Tiger Stadium on a Fall Saturday night, do it! You may regret it, but you won’t forget it.

The Masters (Augusta, GA)

Driving through Augusta, Georgia, I expected to travel some time before I got to Augusta National Golf Club; however, to my surprise, the modern day “garden of eden” is not far down the street from a Wendy’s and most places you find in “small city USA”.

I arrived to a white pristine entrance and immaculate flowers, bushes, and trees. Each of them blocking my view to what I came to see; the most beautiful golf course a human mind can imagine and the most prestigious golf tournament in the World. Then I saw it, green upon green, to the point my eyes start redefining the word. In my mind, I came to one of two conclusions; this course is one giant carpet and they roll out then iron it down, or...there are tiny elves with scissors clipping the grass all at the perfect length.

Beyond the course and walking the grounds, which is the meat of the experience, the concessions are without fluff and one of the highlights of attending The Masters. If you haven’t experienced this, I imagine you’re thinking how could the concessions be noteworthy. But they are! I walked up to my choice of a handful of sandwiches, all prepared and wrapped with intention and flavor. Then drinks and snacks presented in a way unique only to The Masters with minimal branding and corporate interference. And despite long lines, it is quick and efficient, to the point, you WILL return multiple times. Just ask my brother, who consumed at least a bakers dozen of pimento cheese sandwiches.

Nonetheless, I will mention the golf, but I will say watching the best professional golfers in the world compete on this course is just the icing, not the cake. The history of golf at this venue is everything that is unique to the atmosphere of Augusta National and The Masters. From the epic shots and roller coaster putts made by A-list golfers over its ninety year history is monumental. However, at the end of the day, what you will remember most is the atmosphere and walking the grounds…and! of course, the players walking and hitting shots on the grounds, but not necessarily, the players themselves.

But I have never been there on Sunday afternoon for a final round…so what I know.

A Rodeo (Anywhere, USA)

There is a different kind of athlete to ride and corral modern day beasts. Rodeos are much more humane than people expect as well as fun and unique in their quality.

The bulls themselves are a spectacle. Big. Aggressive. Monstrous. I can’t imagine why someone chooses to making a career at riding these creatures; however, it is impressive how they do it. Even the Rodeo Clowns who’s job is the safety of the riders and corralling of the bulls, seem to move like a NFL running back in their efforts.

This may sound like a broken record, but it is a fun atmosphere to take part in. From the food, the people, to the different events that take place over three hours. All with a local influence of a great small town.

I recommend to checking one out if you get the chance.

If you are looking for individual coaching in your career or personal life, check out what I offer by clicking below…