Florida may be renowned for its theme park glory and never-ending sunshine, however, it’s also home to some of the greatest sporting events in the States. From slam dunks to home runs, Florida boasts an exciting sports calendar that will make your holiday in a league of its own…
American football may be different to the one we know but it’s every bit as entertaining in its own right. For an explosive atmosphere, head to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on 13th September 2024 for the highly anticipated match between longstanding rivals Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
Another one of Florida’s big hitters in the NFL is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you’re looking to spend this Christmas in the Sunshine State, you can witness their match against the Carolina Panthers on 29th December. And if you’re looking to tick off a few Florida locations this holiday, you will find the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars at just over three hours from Tampa. There’s no better place to experience American football than at one of the largest arenas in the NFL, the EverBank Stadium. Situated in Downtown Jacksonville, it seats over 80,000 fans, creating a buzzing cauldron.
From the magic of Walt Disney World to a seat centre court for Orlando Magic, now that’s the dream. The Kia Centre (formerly Amway Centre) in downtown Orlando is the place to see all the action from one of NBA’the s top teams. With the regular season starting in October 2024, you can pair it with a host of Orlando Halloween attractions.
Another big name in the Florida basketball scene is the Miami Heat. Often competing in the playoffs, Miami Heat games make for a quintessential Miami experience. With the NBA 2024-2025 schedule being released in July, watch out for opportunities to see them lock horns with some of basketball’s world-class names, such as LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls, and New York Knicks.
Plus, if you’re looking to get a glimpse of both Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, our multi-centre holidays are a wonderful way to do it, with just over an hour’s flight time.
For the quintessential American sports experience, a baseball match is a must. The two Iconic teams in Florida are the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays. The state also hosts Spring Training, where you can watch your favourite teams gear up for the 2025 season. Typically starting in early February, a Spring Training match is great fun for all the family. If you’re looking to catch an MLB game on the other hand, the season runs from late March to early October. Upcoming fixtures include the Miami Marlins vs Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays vs Red Sox.
Early booking is advised for both MLB and Spring Training games, especially for popular matchups.
Motorsports has a special place in Florida’s sporting calendar. Tickets are now on sale for the iconic Daytona 500. Taking place on 16th February 2025, this will be the 67th edition of this epic race. After the race, you can explore the stunning Daytona Beach, home to glorious sandy shores, as well as a plethora of entertainment options, including arcades, a water park, and go-carts.
And as of 2022, you can now see Formula One in the Sunshine State. The Miami Grand Prix is the second race in the United States, alongside Austin and highlights the growing popularity of the sport this side of the Atlantic. With 57 laps you can make a real day of it by exploring the many merchandise shops, food and beverage options, and even concerts. You may even spot a celebrity or two when you’re there, with famous faces such as World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane, One Direction heartthrob, Zayn Malik, and American model, Kendall Jenner having attended previous years. If you want to take the experience up a notch, why not opt for one of the various hospitality packages, which offer premium experiences with gourmet dining, exclusive viewing areas, and luxury amenities?
Soccer (cough, football) is gaining popularity by the minute. The man of the moment at the centre of that popularity is the world-renowned Lionel Messi. However, after joining Inter Miami back in 2023, next year will mark the end of his time when the team unless he extends his contract. So, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing this football hero, and better yet, seeing him in the Art Deco capital, Miami, there’s no better time to book your Florida holiday. With Inter Miami top of the Eastern Conference standings, you could even see Messi strutting his stuff in the playoffs.
If you want a bit of theme park action, as well as sporting action, Orlando is home to Orlando City SC. October 19th 2024 sees the team compete against fierce rivals Atlanta United, so this game promises to be an electrifying atmosphere.
When spending your Easter holidays in Florida, we recommend swinging by the Miami Open. Past winners include legends of the sport, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Held at the spectacular 14,000 seat Centre Court in Hard Rock Stadium, this tournament is a breeding ground for young talent. For example, Jannick Sinner, who at just 22 won the Miami Open earlier this year and went on to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 French Open. So, if you’re looking to catch a star in the making, you could very well find it here.
Aside from offering top-class matches between incredible players, the Miami Open also features an array of music, food, and art experiences perfect for family fun and holiday memories to last a lifetime.
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