Your US Road Trip to Major Sporting Events in 2023
By
Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor Updated: 09 March 2023
Lisa Spencer Senior Editor
As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.
We may not be far into 2023, but chances are the daily grind is already making a lot of people fantasize about their next vacation. If you’re a sports fanatic with a love for the open road, why not join us on this virtual road trip through some of the US’s most anticipated sporting events?
Spanning ten states and nine months, we’ve packed in attractions and events to appeal to every possible sports fan from sea to shining sea. Without further ado, let’s get started and check out our first stop on the trip!
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Stop #1 – NCAA Women’s Final Four, Dallas TX
Our US sporting event road trip kicks off in the lone star state. From March 31st until April 2nd, you can catch the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Dallas, Texas. The event takes place in the American Airlines Center and sees the nation’s best female basketball teams duke it out for the championship.
That’s not all Dallas has to offer, though. During your stay, you might also want to check out The Sixth Floor Museum, which covers the life and assassination of JFK. Reunion Tower is also a must-see Dallas landmark. There are also plenty of Texas treats to enjoy, from rodeos to barbeque joints.
Stop #2 – NCAA Men’s Final Four, Houston TX
After the NCAA Women’s Final Four, you’ll be sticking in Texas but heading on over to Houston to check out the Men’s Final Four, which runs from April 1st until April 3rd. There’s some overlap there with the former event, so be sure to plan accordingly.
While in Houston, we recommend you spend some time in the Space Center, which boasts 400 artifacts relating to the US space program and all things intergalactic. If you’d prefer something a bit more down to earth, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is your best bet.
Stop #3 – NFL Draft, Kansas City MO
As we wave goodbye to Texas, we head on over to Missouri for the NFL Draft in Kansas City. The 2023 draft takes place from April 27th until April 29th, giving you plenty of time to hit the road and even take in some roadside attractions along the way.
While in town, you might want to get a closer look at the Liberty Memorial, one of the most recognizable sights along the Kansas City skyline. The Memorial is also the location of the National WWI Museum.
Stop #4 – Kentucky Derby, Louisville KY
There are few horse racing events as popular and well-known throughout the US as the famed Kentucky Derby. Running from May 6th in Louisville, you can enjoy all the fun of the races in the Spring sunshine and learn why they call this the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”.
Though the Derby doesn’t last long, there’s a lot else to see during your stay in Louisville. Chief among the city’s attractions is Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest mapped cave system. Additionally, you can celebrate past sporting heroes at the Muhammed Ali Center.
Stop #5 – Indy 500, Indianapolis IA
May really is the month for racing, and as we bid adieu to Kentucky and the Derby, we trade horses for cars and head on over to Indiana for the Indy 500. This event takes place on May 28th in the state capital of Indianapolis, and is the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
During your stay in Indianapolis, you can soak up all the knowledge the State Museum has to offer, gape at the masterpieces in the Museum of Art, and take a breather at the Lilly House and Gardens. There really is something for everyone.
Stop #6 – The US Open, Los Angeles CA
Next stop is a welcome change of pace in sunny California with the US Open. Taking place from June 15th until 18th, you can watch the nation’s most skilled golfers go toe-to-toe (or, rather, tee-to-tee) in one of the golfing world’s most anticipated events.
Naturally, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions in LA. From relaxing on Malibu’s beautiful beaches to strolling along the Hollywood walk of fame, you can see how the other half lives in one of the nation’s most glamorous cities.
Stop #7 – The Stanley Cup, Boston MA
After the chill vibes of golf on the West coast, it’s time to trek cross-country and trade golf clubs for hockey sticks as we attend the Stanley Cup in Boston, Massachusetts. Perhaps the most important hockey event of the season, the Stanley Cup takes place this year on June 18th.
While in Boston, you can enjoy the New England Summer weather in the Boston Public Garden. If you really want to feel fancy, you could grab afternoon tea at the Boston Public Library, or sample the epicurean delights at the Quincy Market.
Stop #8 – MLB All-Star Game, Seattle WA
And just like that, it’s time to bid farewell to the East coast and head back West. This time we’re Seattle-bound for the MLB all-star game on July 11th. While this isn’t our first foray on this coast, there’s plenty of regional delights to enjoy in this corner of the Pacific Northwest.
No trip to Seattle is complete without marveling at the Space Needle, the iconic landmark that graces the city’s skyline and the Frasier title card alike. We also recommend the Museum of Pop Culture, for information on everything from Star Trek to local legends Nirvana.
Stop #9 – MLS All-Star Game, Washington D.C.
Moving swiftly from one Washington to another, and swapping coasts once more, July 19th brings us to the nation’s capital for the MLS All-Star game. This is the event for soccer fans, and one you won’t want to miss – even if the journey from Seattle is long.
There’s more to Washington D.C. than just the White House, the National Mall and Capitol Hill. While visiting the city, you can take a look at the many exciting artifacts on display at the Smithsonian or stop and smell the roses at the Botanic Garden.
Stop #10 – US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach CA
The end of July sees us heading back to California, this time to catch the waves and enjoy the spectacle of the US Open of Surfing. This event, one of the biggest for surfing internationally, takes place from July 29th until August 6th.
If you don’t want to relax by the beach for the duration of your stay, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time while at Huntington Beach. You can take a boat ride along the Southern Californian coast, or rent a bike to take in the majestic views at your own pace.
Stop #11 – The US Open, Queens NY
Since we’re traveling to and fro across the continental United States, why not throw in another US Open for good measure? This time it’s the US Open for Tennis, taking place in Queens, New York from August 28th until September 10th.
While visiting the Big Apple, you’ll have no shortage of attractions to visit. If you’re keen to stay in Queens, we recommend checking out the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Alternatively, all the jewels of Manhattan and Brooklyn are a mere subway journey away.
Stop #12 NASCAR Cup Series, Phoenix AZ
There’s a considerable break between this stop and our last, so why not take this time for a pit stop and refuel? Then it’s back on the road for the NASCAR Cup Series in Phoenix, Arizona, which takes place on November 5th 2023.
Take in the raw beauty of the Arizona desert by making time to visit the Desert Botanical Garden during your stay. We also recommend the Heard Museum, which features pieces by indigenous people from all around the world.
The Road Less Traveled – Other US Sports Events
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and at the time of writing this guide there were many events that still have not announced dates for 2023. However, if you’d like to keep them in mind for any road trips, we feel it’s only right to name them here.
The NBA finals are due to take place in June of this year in Salt Lake City, Utah. So, in between basketball games, you can look forward to checking out all SLC has to offer, or even taking a day trip out to witness the majesty of Monument Valley.
For soccer fans who want a bit more action on this trip, and who don’t want to spend any downtime between August and November, you can keep an eye on the upcoming MLS Cup. This event is due to take place in October, with a location yet to be announced.
Finally, the 2023 World Series is scheduled to take place sometime in November, though a location has not yet been confirmed. Until then, you’ll have to sit tight and keep your travel plans as open as the road before you.
