10 Must-Visit Sports Locations

SI Staff | Aug 26, 2008

10 Must-Visit Sports Locations /

10 Must-Visit Sports Locations

Fenway Park

Opened in 1912, Boston's Fenway Park is a must-see destination for any sports fan. It is known for its unique characteristics including a high left-field wall (The Green Monster), deep center-field triangle and short foul pole in right field (Pesky's Pole). In recent seasons, the park has been renovated to include seats above The Green Monster and at the right-field roof, but the "lyric little bandbox" remains as charming as ever.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews

Located in Scotland, St. Andrews is known as the "home of golf" and is commonly referred to as the world's most historic venue. The course has played host to 27 British Opens dating back to 1873, with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus each claiming two championships.

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Completed in March 2008, this modern venue has served as the centerpiece for the Olympic track and field as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 91,000, took about four years to build with a price tag of $424 million.

Wrigley Field

Opened in 1916 (and originally named Weeghman Park), Wrigley is a living monument to America's pastime, from its ivy-covered outfield walls to the hundreds of fans who hang out on rooftops across the street from the stadium to take in a game. Is this the year the Cubs break their 100-year curse and finally bring a championship to Wrigley? Stay tuned ...

Lambeau Field

Simply put, Lambeau Field is the crown jewel of NFL stadiums. Opened in 1957, Lambeau Field was the first stadium built for the exclusive use of an NFL team and quickly became the home of champions after Vince Lombardi's Packer squads won several NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. In recent years, Lambeau has been the home of another legend, Brett Favre, but with the quarterback now playing in New York, who will be the next Lambeau legend?

Allen Fieldhouse

Kansas' basketball program was founded by the game's original inventor James Naismith, and since its opening in 1955, Allen Field House has been home to tradition and excellence. The 16,000-plus seat arena is one of the most storied sites in college basketball and is considered by many one of the best places in the country to watch a college game. Allen houses retired numbers of Jayhawk greats such as Wilt Chamberlain and Danny Manning and has hosted 37 men's NCAA tournament games.

Churchill Downs

Since it opened in 1875, Churchill Downs has been home to horse racing's prime event, the Kentucky Derby. The grandstand (with its iconic spires) seats 51,000, but with standing room crowds, the capacity swells to 165,000. The track, clubhouse, stables and museum are all renowned, but none so much as the site's legendary mint julep.

Florida Field/The Swamp

When Florida Field was first nicknamed "The Swamp," it was a jab at a program mired in the mud. But since Steve Spurrier took over as head coach in 1990, the Gators have turned "The Swamp" into a cathedral for 85,000 rabid football fans. The deafening crowds make it one of the most intimidating and electrifying college football stadiums and toughest venues for road team. After all, "The Swamp" is a place where "only gators come out alive."

Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR was founded in Daytona and the first series race was held at the track in 1959. Since then, the 168,000-seat speedway has remained the center of the racing world by giving racing fans every type of event they could desire to see, from go-karts and motorcycles to sports cars and modified pickups.

Madison Square Garden

Arguably the world's most famous arena, The Garden, as it is commonly called, is in the heart of New York City. Home to New York Knicks' basketball and New York Rangers' hockey, The Garden is also a legendary cultural center and has been the site of hundreds of concerts and events. The entertainment hub hosts more than 300 events each year.

Published Aug 26, 2008

SI STAFF