With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in June and Summer Olympics on the horizon (after February’s Winter Olympics), the growth and popularity of once-in-lifetime sports travel is sure to continue for Canadians, even as fans continue take in all manner of annual sports, from hockey to baseball, football, basketball and golf in roadtrip excursions across the continent.
For over 30 years, Winnipeg-based boutique sport travel firm Roadtrips has packaged prime sporting events around the world, from Stanley Cup finals to the Ryder Cup, with company founder and president Dave Guenther, observing, “Fans are no longer choosing between a great trip and a great game. They’re intentionally blending both – travelling farther, staying longer and turning marquee sporting events into once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.”
With this in mind, Roadtrips examined client inquiries and recent bookings to produce this list of events it expects to lead the way in sports travel this year and beyond.
Roadtrips packages event tickets with prime hotel access, onsite an onsite host team available to assist at major events, and a long list long list of extra. Customers are assigned a pre-travel specialist who takes care of all the details.
- World Cup:This will be the largest World Cup in history, with a record 48 teams playing 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Fully customizable packages are available for any of the dates to any of the 16 host cities, with the opportunity for fans to follow their favourite team throughout the tournament.
- Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California:The biggest sporting event in the United States takes place Feb. 6-9 at Levi’s Stadium, in Northern California. Roadtrips packages include first-class hotels and preferred tickets to the big game on Feb. 8, as well as admission to the NFL Fan Experience, with options to add exclusive VIP hospitality and a pre-game tailgate party.
- Masters in Augusta:Top golfers will compete at Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club, home to the iconic Masters Tournament, from April 6-12. Fans can put together a personalized itinerary, choosing from a range of first-class accommodations, enjoying a premium hospitality package with gourmet food and beverages, and playing a round of golf at one of the area’s premier courses.
- Kentucky Derby in Louisville:Horse-racing fans can book a custom four-day package from April 30 to May 3, culminating in the famed “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs, with preferred seating, a choice of the best hotels in downtown Louisville, behind-the-scenes access to stables and tours of horse farms, and invitations to the most popular Derby parties.
- Summer Games in Los Angeles:Known as a global entertainment capital, there’s no doubt that L.A. will put on a spectacular show when the world’s top athletes converge on Southern California from July 14-30, 2028.
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