The past 12 months have been chastening to say the least, but fortunately sports has provided an outlet for us to get away from the monotony of day-to-day life. In fact, there is an argument to make that 2021 could be the best year of sport ever.
With jam-packed schedules and tournaments postponed from 2020 on the horizon, the sporting calendar looks fuller and more entertaining than ever before. In this article we’ll cover the upcoming sporting events that you might want to write down in your diary. Read on to find out what’s in-store for the rest of the year.
World Sporting Events
The Summer Olympics
Where? Tokyo, Japan
When? Friday, 23rd July – Sunday, 8th August
Will there be fans? Potentially
The 2020 Summer Olympics were an unfortunate casualty of the madness of last year, but fortunately the event has not been cancelled, just put on hold to July of this year
The Olympic torch relay will begin on 25th March in Fukushima and end at the National Stadium in Tokyo on the night of the opening ceremony. The tournament, which will be the second held on Japanese soil will also play host to a range of Olympic discipline debutants.
Sports climbing will make a first appearance at the Tokyo games, along with surfing, and karate whilst men’s and women’s softball will return after a brief hiatus.
There is good news regarding crowds at the games as well, with rumours circulating that the Japanese government will be in a position to allow at least 50% capacity crowds at all events.
Unfortunately, however, it appears that only domestic fans will be allowed to attend the games with rumours abounding that Committee President, Seiko Hashimoto is poised to make an announcement on overseas fans in the coming days.
(Surfing fans will be watching the Tokyo Games with a keen interest this summer.)
Euro 2020
Where? All over Europe, from Baku to Dublin, or maybe not…
When? Friday 11th June – Sunday, 11th July
Will there be fans? Potentially
This time last year France and Belgium were the favourites in the live sports betting for Euro 2020, however with a potential change of venue on the cards, England could find themselves heavily backed ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Originally, the tournament was scheduled to be held all over Europe with games being played in cities ranging from Rome to Madrid and London to Athens. However, that type of travel is causing headaches for European governments, with some suggesting that the tournament be held in one country.
The UK, which is currently leading the vaccine rollout in Europe by some way, has been suggested by many as the ideal place to host this year’s Euros. A recent announcement by Boris Johnson’s government stating that crowds could return to football stadiums by 17th May has further added weight to England’s host credentials.
If UEFA do indeed decide to host their tournament in England, a packed-out crowd singing Three Lions will surely push England on to glory, surely?
(Could Euro 2020 be held in England? Three Lions fans are certainly hoping so.)
American Sporting Events
The Masters
Where? Augusta, Georgia
When? Monday 5th April – Sunday 11th April
Will there be fans? Yes
Nothing signifies the beginning of spring quite like The Masters, which made last year such a shame as the tournament was postponed until the fall. Luckily though, that reduced the time that golf fans had to wait for the next iteration, with this year’s tournament starting in just under a month’s time.
Back in January, Augusta club chairman Fred Ridley confirmed to the New York Times that this year’s Masters Tournament would be open to a limited number of fans.
Whilst there might not be the same amount of noise when a long putt drops into the hole, it will still be refreshing to hear the cheers of fans this year.
Bryson DeChambeau is the favourite with the pundits to take the Green Jacket at this year’s tournament, followed closely by Holywood-born Northern Irish golfer Rory McIllroy, who will be looking to end his Augusta hoodoo.
(Rory McIllroy appears to be cursed when it comes to Augusta, can he put his disappointments at the course behind him this year?)
Indianapolis 500
Where? Indianapolis, Indiana
When? Friday 28th May – Monday 31st May
Will there be fans? Yes
This year’s NTT IndyCar Series has been put back a month later than usual, but from April to September the calendar will be pretty non-stop. The highlight of which will be the Indianapolis 500, due to be held at the end of May.
Last month an IMS spokesperson confirmed that there would be fans in attendance at this year’s event, but refused to be drawn on how many fans exactly, would be allowed in to stadia.
Ahead of the tournament, Scott Dixon, Alexander Rossi and Marco Andretti appear to be the favourites to romp to victory.
MLB All-Star Game
Where? Atlanta, Georgia
When? Tuesday 13th July
Will there be fans? Yes
The Atlanta Braves and Truist Park were delighted to announce earlier this year that they will be hosting the MLB All-Star Game this summer.
This annual tournament is a quintessentially American event and will most likely be watched by a vociferous crowd according to the latest media reports. Major League Baseball is in no shortage of talent this season so the competition to be included in the All-Star Game will be as heated as ever.
If you’re a fan of baseball and live anywhere near Georgia, keep your eyes peeled for tickets to what could prove to be one of the best All-Star Game’s in recent history.
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