A Sports Fan's Dream: The Top 5 Sports Events to Attend (according to Sports Travel Tom)
- Sports Travel Tom
- Apr 15
- 8 min read
I have been lucky enough to attend a huge array of sporting events around the world. I've attended everything from AFL Grand Finals in Australia to Olympic Games and iconic football and baseball stadiums.
Putting together a top five list is difficult, but each event listed below has provided me with something really special, and most importantly, all of them are easy to attend.
Whether it's the stadium, the atmosphere, the destination or people, there is a reason the below entries have been included and they have all given me brilliant memories.
More than anything, I would love you to experience what I have experienced at these events, so it's only right I share my knowledge with you so you can follow in my footsteps.
Before we start, I must point out that as difficult as it was to select just five events, you can't possibly ask me to put them in any kind of order, can you?
Think of this list as a collective, rather than a countdown. It is also worth pointing out, as I continue to travel the world experiencing sporting events, this list does change from time to time so keep an eye on my new favourite events to get to in the future.
I would love to know what your favourite sports events to attend are! Let me know in the comments below and share your insights with me.
Sports Travel Tom's top 5 sports events you must attend
The Mestalla, Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a city you must visit once in your life. It of course offers a fabulous city full of attractions and great weather but I was there for a footballing reason. The Mestalla had long been on my list of stadiums to attend.
The Mestalla is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. A glorious football ground in the heart of Valencia, so much so, you can walk to it from the city centre in around 20-minutes.
Everything from the walk to the stadium, across the Turia Garden, the carnival atmosphere pre-match and being inside the Mestalla is a brilliant experience.
As you arrive (I recommend two hours before kick-off) you'll find the pubs spilling out onto the streets, an orchestra playing before the match outside the Mestalla (which also play on the pitch at half-time) and wild celebrations when the Valencia CF team bus arrives.
Once inside the Mestalla and you have conquered the steep steps to the upper tiers, the view of the pitch, the stadium and the city are phenomenal.
Attending a Valencia match is a brilliant way to experience the culture of Valencia and it is one of the most welcoming stadiums I've been too, which made the whole experience even better.
Why visit the Mestalla Stadium
The history of the Mestalla and the atmosphere pre-match and during the game.
Valencia are scheduled to move to a new stadium in 2027 so visit soon.
The hospitality of the locals around the stadium on match-days.
You can get tickets with ease from Valencia CF's website for most matches.
Ticket prices are normally very reasonable at around 30 euros.
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, USA
Visiting PNC Park in Pittsburgh was one of the best sports travel surprises I have experienced and one of the best days I had on my 3-month journey across America.
Pittsburgh is a sports mad city with an industrial past. For me the star of the show is PNC Park, one of the best sporting venues I have been to in terms of visitor experience. Its location on the Allegheny River is stunning right in the heart of Pittsburgh.
The best way to enjoy PNC Park is to walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from the city’s downtown area, named after the Pittsburgh Pirates’ legend, and you'll be thrust into the game-day atmosphere.
Statues of Pittsburgh Pirates legends mark each entrance to PNC Park and the surrounding road is packed full of restaurants, bars and cafes, which all make the pre-game atmosphere a joy to be around.
Once inside the ballpark, constructed of steel and limestone it has such a good feeling but what really makes it is the view of the Pittsburgh skyline from your seat.
As one cab driver in the city said to me, "the view of the skyline is better than watching the team!"
Whether you are into baseball or not, PNC Park is well worth visiting. It's a brilliant way to sit back and soak up the city from the comfort of PNC Park.
Why visit PNC Park in Pittsburgh
The views of Pittsburgh from the stadium.
To say you've been to what many say is the best ballpark in America.
Soak up Pittsburgh's atmosphere by crossing the Roberto Clemente and take a stroll along the river before heading into the ballpark.
Tickets are excellent value.
The Open Championship, St Andrews, Scotland
You won't find a sporting event and venue so closely linked than an Open Championship at St Andrews.
St Andrews, often described as the home of golf, is a wonderful destination even without golf, but head there when the Open is happening and its as iconic as you would expect.
The Open Championship is golf's oldest major and when it is played at St Andrews, especially when the sun is shining, you won't find a better sports travel experience.
The joy and atmosphere on the streets around St Andrews during the tournament is incredible and with every pub you pop into, it's like entering a museum of golf.
The Open Championship will once again be played at St Andrews in 2027, and the ballot for tickets will open shortly after the 2026 event.
The Open is brilliantly organised and to see the famous yellow scoreboards in person is a real treat for the eyes.
Why visit an Open Championship at St Andrews
There aren't many sporting events which have the history and location to match.
St Andrews is like a time capsule of golf with golfing history in every pub and on every street corner as you walk around the town.
The Old Course at St Andrews is a golfing paradise and the proximity you can get to the players is brilliant for a major tournament.
The Open Championship's Fan Village is one of the best in sport. It's always huge, has loads of entertainment and one of the biggest sports merchandise stores you can imagine.
To get tickets for the Open Championship, you have to first register on the Open's website and then enter a ballot. You can register here and once the 2026 tournament is over, the ballot for 2027 will open soon afterwards.
Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi, UAE
I attended the first ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. It was the first of numerous visits whilst I lived in Dubai, about a 45-minute drive north from Abu Dhabi.
With it being the final race of each Formula One season, it can often be a race that has not much riding on it, but that doesn't take away from the quality of the event. If there is something riding on the race, like there was during the infamous 2021 Grand Prix, it's an even better experience.
Yas Island, the island that Yas Marina Circuit is situated on, is a brilliant destination in itself. With theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, bars and restaurants, golf courses and beaches, you are able to create a really good long weekend away by attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Quite often your ticket will include add-ons for other experiences such as the island's theme parks which mean you get a lot of bang for your buck. Each Grandstand offers brilliant views for the race weekend, and the accompanying fanzones are always packed full of great entertainment.
One of the best ways to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on a budget friendly ticket is to go for the Abu Dhabi Hill option. You will be situated right in the middle of the Yas Marina Circuit with the track circling you on every side. There are also plenty of big screens to help you watch the race.
Another great aspect of attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is every ticket includes access to the after-race concerts which happen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Previous performers have included Paul McCartney, Eminem and Maroon 5.
Why visit the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
A great value ticket which provides much more than just a Formula One race weekend.
A brilliant destination where everything is on your doorstep.
The buzz around Yas Island is palpable during F1 weekend.
A great location to then explore more of the UAE such as Dubai, Hatta and the desert.
The Braemar Gathering, Scotland
The Braemar Gathering is a magical event and held in the one of the most unique locations I've ever experienced for a sports event. The drive to Braemar is the first 'wow' moment, and it is followed by many more.
By attending the event, you will be immersed in Scottish highland culture and traditions and on a sunny day, it's an experience like no other. One in which even the British Royal Family attend.
The Braemar Gathering takes place in Braemar, a village located in the highlands of Scotland close to Balmoral, the Royal Family's summer residence.
Whilst there are incredible adventures to enjoy in the highlands such as hiking and cycling, if you find yourself close by when the Braemar Gathering is on you must pay it a visit, you won't be disappointed.
For almost the past 200 years the Braemar Gathering has taken place and tickets are easy to come by and excellent value too. It is always staged on the first Saturday of every September and you'll be able to enjoy a host of highland games from throwing of the hammers, tossing the caber, tug o war, relay races, track events and long-distance events such as the hill race.
The day also incudes a huge array of pipe band performances and highland dancing.
All the events takes place within the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park and with seating and viewing areas wrapped around the entire outdoor arena, there's not a bad view to be had.
On top of the sporting action to watch throughout the day, there's plenty in the way of food and beverage outlets and of course the quite brilliant moment the Royal Family are welcomed to the gathering is a moment to savour.
Why visit the Braemar Gathering?
Brilliant value with tickets starting from just £15.
A great way to experience the highlands of Scotland with a sports event that dates back almost 200 years.
A chance to see the Royal Family.
Explore the village of Braemar and it's many adventure shops, bars and cafes.
Brilliant views of the mountains all around.
That's my list of five sports events to attend as of April 2025. Which of the above interests you the most? Let me know in the comments, and tell me what your favourite events are too!
I'd love to add a couple of honourable mentions into the mix too. One is the Pau Grand Prix weekend, which is brilliant and historic, but it was cancelled in 2024 due to budget cuts and it still unknown if it will return in 2025. I have to also mention St James' Park too, the home of Newcastle United. I'm there every week and take it from me, it's a fantastic experience.
I'd love you to share this post with anyone you think may like to attend any of my top sporting events and inspire them too to make that booking.
Thanks for reading,
Sports Travel Tom.
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