Top 5 Sporting Events I’ve Been a Part of or Witnessed Live

In addition to traveling, The Travel Oracle is also pretty passionate about sports. Runner_dad has been fortunate to see some pretty epic sporting events live. Here’s a little trip down memory lane with his top five. 

1 – Packers vs Lions Oct 5, 2024 – Thursday Night Football, Ford Field. Lions win 34-31

 First football game for Savanna, Connor’s first Lions’ win. A heavyweight slugfest. The fourth and one gamble. Field goal by Jake Bates to win the game as time expired!! Total playoff atmosphere. This comes in at number one because I know that 30 years from now the kids will still remember this day, just as I remember number four on my list from 30 years ago. 

2 – Chicago Marathon Oct 8, 2023 – Streets of Chicago Kiptum sets World Record

After pacing the 4:00 group to a a 3:59:06 finish, found out that Jill got to see Kelvin Kiptum cross the finish line and break the men’s World Record in 2:00:35, becoming the first to run under 2:01 in a record eligible race. He crushed Eliud Kipchoge’s time of 2:01:09, set in 2022 in Berlin. Kelvin would unfortunately pass away four months later as he prepared to chase the first sub 2:00 marathon in history.

Jill was also at the finish line in Berlin in 2018 when Kipchoge set the then record of 2:01:39. I ran a 3:13:08 that day. She must be good luck because she also witnessed Brigid Kosgei set the women’s World Record in 2019 in Chicago in a time of 2:14:04 on a day that I ran a 3:03:27. 

3 – Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox Oct 11, 2021 – Game 5 ALDS, Fenway Park. Red Sox win 6-5

A Covid filled sold out Fenway. Sweet Caroline. The whole crowd chanting “Fuck You Yankees” even though the Yankees weren’t playing. The Sox up 5-0 and squander the lead. Walk off series clinching sacrifice fly by Kiké Hernandez. This after completing the Boston Marathon earlier that day and the Chicago Marathon the day prior.  

4 – Norway vs Mexico June 19, 1994 – Group Stage FIFA World Cup, RFK Stadium. Norway wins 1-0

First World Cup in the USA.  I know I could have stayed close to home to see a game at the Pontiac Silverdome but when given a chance to take an amazing road trip with my best friend, I just couldn’t resist. I drove down to West Virginia to pick him up before heading to DC. Seats at midfield in my first ever World Cup game seen live. The World Cup is returning to North America in 2026 and I highly recommend finding a way to see a game in person!!

5 – Pistons vs Pacers May 24, 2004 – Game 2 Eastern Conference Finals, Conseco Fieldhouse. Pistons win 72-67

The Block by Tayshaun Prince. Epic last minute road trip.  Dinner with the Pacer cheerleaders pregame. On court for delivery of the game ball. Seats at mid court behind the Indy 500 drivers, sitting next to Peyton Manning. Blowing up Jim Gray’s halftime interview. A great steak at historic St. Elmo’s Steakhouse before the drive back home. A whirlwind 18 hour adventure. 

Thanks for going on this stroll with me. Even though I only touched briefly on them, I could tell stories for hours about each and every one of these amazing experiences. If you have the chance to make memories like this, don’t hesitate to take them!! Subscribe today for free to follow the Travel Oracle on past and future adventures.