Home runs, photo finishes, checkered flags and game-winning touchdowns — all these thrills give us the love of the game and keep sports fans coming back year after year. Millions of viewers tune in to watch some of the world’s greatest sporting events on their televisions, but experiencing them in person is a bucket list item for many.
Some of the most iconic events occur annually in set locations around the country and are open to groups. Whether they’re avid fans or casual observers, any group will jump at the opportunity to experience these exciting, one-of-a-kind sporting events around the country.
Kentucky Derby
Louisville, Kentucky
Every year on the first Saturday of May, a crowd of more than 150,000 spectators at Churchill Downs stands to sing “My Old Kentucky Home.” Then, with the ring of a bell, the gates open and the most anticipated horse race in the world begins. The Kentucky Derby has been running for an impressive 150 consecutive years. It was also watched by a record-breaking 17.7 million viewers in 2025, cementing its reputation as “the greatest two minutes in sports.” The culture surrounding the event is as notorious as the race itself, with bright dresses, elaborate hats and mint juleps saturating Churchill Downs and watch parties around the country.
Taking a group to Louisville to watch the Kentucky Derby in person provides them with the opportunity of a lifetime. While group travelers can enjoy tours of Churchill Downs year-round, as well as special group enhancements on any other race day of the year, a visit to the track on Derby is a highly exclusive experience. Derby Experiences is the official ticket package provider for Derby-day admissions and gives groups access to hospitality suites at different locations around the track. They’ll also have access to trackside gourmet dining options, exclusive Derby parties during the week of the Derby and tours of Churchill Downs. They can even book lodging and transportation to the track through Derby Experiences. Groups can dress up to watch the event in style, bet on their favorite horse and sip a bourbon cocktail for a truly Kentucky experience.
Cactus League Spring Training
Phoenix
For baseball fans, few experiences can rival spring training, which combines the casual atmosphere of a team’s practice with the opportunity to see their favorite players up close. Cactus League Spring Training takes place in and around Phoenix before the start of baseball season, from the third week of February through the end of March. Thanks to Arizona’s mild climate, the weather during spring training provides a pleasant escape for many visitors from around the country.
Training takes place across 10 facilities in the Phoenix area. Many of the stadiums even incorporate the team’s culture by serving different beer or food that comes from their home markets. Each stadium has its own offerings for visiting groups, from behind-the-scenes tours to private group suites. Or, for a more laid-back experience, groups can bring their own chairs and sit on the lawn or in the stands to watch a game. Each experience is very adaptable, and all kinds of travel groups, from college spring breakers to family reunions and baseball enthusiasts, are sure to enjoy.
Whether visitors are following one specific team or want to stay a few days and catch several games, they can purchase group tickets directly from each stadium beginning in September. In addition to letting groups catch games before the season even starts, it also allows them to interact with their favorite teams.
“There’s nothing like it in professional sports,” said Bridget Binsbacher, executive director of the Cactus League. “To be able to watch baseball up close and personal during spring training is such an intimate experience. There are opportunities to get autographs, watch practices, watch them working out in the side practice fields, and to get up close and personal with these ball players.”
Indy 500
Indianapolis
Each year, an estimated 300,000 people descend upon Indianapolis over Memorial Day weekend to watch the Indy 500, the world’s single largest sporting event. Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the race has been a time-honored tradition for 109 years. In 2025, the event sold out for the second time ever.
Groups will feel especially at home attending the Indy 500, thanks to a group sales representative and full-service planning team, who help plan memorable outings. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. They have their choice of seats, whether infield, in the stands or in premium suites. Another popular way to get the full experience, even on the weekend of the race, is to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which recently underwent a $61 million renovation. It’s located within the track itself and offers custom ticketing for groups larger than 15. In addition to race memorabilia and extensive exhibits, the museum facilitates track tours, though these are subject to track availability.
“Visiting the weekend of the Indy 500 is the best way to see our city on display,” said Clare Clark, senior communications manager at Visit Indy. “It’s approaching 110 years as a tradition, and the energy that goes into putting on the largest single-day sporting event is really felt in everything we do. Indy is a great sports city that loves to put racing on an international stage. We see this as a bucket list event for not only racing fans, but those that love our nation and love to travel.”
In addition to the race itself, Indy puts on a spectacular display of fun and fanfare throughout the entire weekend, from concerts to pre-race events involving practices and activities with the drivers.
Rose Bowl
Pasadena, California
One of the most exciting traditions for ringing in the New Year is the Rose Bowl Game, an annual college football game held every year on January 1 (January 2 if the first of the month falls on a Sunday) in Pasadena, California’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. The Rose Bowl Game has been played since 1902, making it the oldest bowl game in the country. It’s usually played between Big Ten and Pac-12 conference champions, and the winner receives the Leishman Trophy. The stadium is a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1922.
The Rose Bowl encompasses more than just a football game. It’s a daylong experience known as the Tournament of Roses, beginning with the Rose Parade, a beloved Pasadena tradition that kicks off at 8 a.m. It features floral floats, marching bands, equestrian units and other entertainers.
Tour operators can arrange for their groups to attend the Rose Parade by contacting Sharp Seating Company, the official grandstand seating and ticket company for the Tournament of Roses. Another ticket provider known as On Location sells ticket packages that include Rose Bowl Game tickets as well as Rose Parade tickets. These packages can include behind-the-scenes tours, a private reception, hotel accommodations and transportation to and from the stadium on game day.
