With a coronavirus vaccine on the way, it’s looking a little brighter when it comes to watching sport in 2021. Yes, after a year of postponements and events behind closed doors, we could finally take our seats back in the stands in what looks set to be a remarkable year for sport.
Across the world there are dozens of huge events taking place, from regattas to the biggest sporting event of all – the Olympics.
Of course, we’d certainly recommend travelling in style, and when it comes to hospitality, there are plenty of events to give you a five star sporting experience too.
If fans are allowed to watch live sport from the turn of the year, whether at full capacity or reduced, here are our top events you should be watching in style over the upcoming 12 months…
Cheltenham Festival 2021
While Royal Ascot is the event where you truly have to wear a top hat and tails, Cheltenham festival offers far more excitement and could be one of the first major UK events to allow fans through the gates next year.
It’s always a thrilling four days, with Gold Cup Day and St Patrick’s Day the two biggest days, and ones you really shouldn’t miss out on. The Gold Cup is expected to be a cracker next year, with some impressive horses lined up at this early stage.
Al Boum Photo, the winner of the last two Gold Cups, is the current favourite and could make it a hat-trick, with the horse priced around 4/1.
Visiting Cheltenham is all about the betting, and there have been some big wins down the years. As well as looking smart, it’s important to bet smart too, taking advantage of the promotions on offer, with many websites already having a Cheltenham Festival offers page where you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Then of course there’s the totes by the track, where you can back every race, from the Gold Cup, to the Stayers’ Hurdle, Champion Chase and many more. There’s no horse racing event like it for atmosphere, and it’s one you certainly shouldn’t miss out on.
Olympic Games
Of course, then there’s the Olympics too. Rescheduled from 2020, the Tokyo Games will take place in July and August of next year and the IOC have released a statement to say they are very confident that fans will be in the stadium.
As well as a few weeks of incredible sporting action, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and exciting countries on the planet, with Japan having a rich history and fascinating natural beauty right across it.
The USA and China will be among the top medal contenders once again, and it will be interesting to see what countries come out on top in the five new events, which includes surfing, climbing and skateboarding.
Lions Tour to South Africa
International rugby was severely affected by the pandemic, so many fans will be itching to get back to watching, and what better way to do it than to follow the British and Irish Lions on tour to South Africa.
They will embark on an eight match tour from July through to the beginning of August, taking in cities such as Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
The tours are always fun events to be part of, with a friendly atmosphere and a place to well and truly make friends for life. You can do it in real luxury too, with plenty of five star hotels across the country, with the opportunity to even take in the likes of a safari.
The Ashes
Coming towards the end of 2021 and into 2022 is The Ashes, which kicks off at the Gabba. There’s the experience of the Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which also shouldn’t be missed on, and is the pinnacle of any cricket fans’ viewing.
It’s always a feisty series but in the stands it remains friendly and there’s nothing better than being with the Barmy Army working your way across the likes of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and beyond.
The Australians currently hold the Ashes and haven’t lost on home soil since 2011. Can England do it over a decade on from that?
