Best Sporting Events of All-Time

[BlueintheFace]

This has been talked about on a few other threads, so I thought I might give it it's own thread. I think it is particular relevant on the heels of the final four and with the masters coming up.

Okay, I'm going to try my hand at this. First, one initial thought

- Big events with lots of neutral fans just don't cut it. EX: The olympics are awesome, but there just isn't enough atmosphere 99% of the time to make a top 10 list. Fan's make the events truly great. With that said, here we go...


10) Stanley Cup Game 7
9) British Open at St. Andrews or Masters at Augusta
8) NBA Finals Game 7
7) New Zealand (All Blacks) v Australia (Wallabies) Rugby
6) Barcelona- Real Madrid at Camp Nou or Rangers-Celtic
5) Michigan-Ohio St College Football
4) Il Palio Horserace in Siena
3) World Cup Final
2) Red Sox- Yankees Playoff Game 7
1) Duke-Carolina at Cameron Indoor

Notes-
Olympics- Great event, but not enough fervor around one particular event
No NFL??- The obvious choice here would be the superbowl, but there are just too many casual fans without unbridled passion for a team.
Two soccer matches?- It is just undeniable that soccer fans as a whole are crazier than any other sport's fan base. That's just the way of the world, and since this is about best sporting events with regard to atmosphere...
Il Palio??- The most fervent atmosphere in sports since everyone is packed in to one little piazza and everybody there has a horse that they would kill for. It's borderline terrifying (not joking).
Duke- Obviously I'm biased...
Where's the Final Four- Arena's are too big and if you aren't a fan of one of the teams it is good but not great

What are your thoughts

[Channing]

I'll add two:

(1) Daytona 500. Regardless of whether you like NASCAR or not, the atmosphere is electric. It is awesome.
(2) Glasgow Rangers v. Glasgow Celtic in soccer. The passion behind religious differences is channeled through to the soccer field, and the entire city is on edge.

[BlueintheFace]

(2) Glasgow Rangers v. Glasgow Celtic in soccer. The passion behind religious differences is channeled through to the soccer field, and the entire city is on edge.

It's in there... look again

[ugadevil]

I'd say Alabama/Auburn is as intense as Michigan/Ohio State. The schools aren't as big, but the hatred is as strong as anything. I honestly think the people from both schools genuinely look down on the other as inferior human beings. I think they'd make each other their slaves if they legally could.

[hurleyfor3]

6) Barcelona- Real Madrid at Camp Nou or Rangers-Celtic


Isn't Atletico/Real a bigger deal?

[DukieInKansas]

I would add the slopes of Alpe d'Huez or Mont Ventoux for Le Tour de France. Talk about crazy fans and excitement. It appeals to multiple nationalities and generations.

[davekay1971]

Where's Duke-UNC football? The passion, the excitement, the history, the clash of traditions of excellence, the national title implications?

[Lotus000]

No Ping-Pong China v. USA--these colors don't run!!

No Halo tournaments?

No Badminton?

That list is a joke.

[bfree]

It's in there... look again

The Old Firm match should definitely be in there, but if you're looking for another alternative you need to look to a different Spanish speaking country: Argentina. River Plate Boca Juniors is maybe the only rivalry that approaches Rangers Celtic in my opinion.

[Cameron]

My top five American sporting events:

5. The U.S. Open (Golf) - Arguably the greatest and deepest collection of golfers all together at once, vying for the one of the most distinguished honors in American sports. Winner take all

4. Ohio State-Michigan at Ohio Stadium - When Keith Jackson would roll out the ole "On the Olentangy River" you knew you were watching greatness. Ohio Stadium is one of the all-time sporting venues. Like Cameron, it breathes mystique

3. ACC Men's Basketball Tournament in Greensboro - There is nothing else quite like the Grand Daddy when it's being played in the birthplace of ACC Basketball, the state of North Carolina, in the legendary Coliseum. The city becomes the basketball capital of the world when the ACC moves into Greensboro

2. Duke-North Carolina, Durham, North Carolina - Best rivalry in sports, inside the most historic basketball gymnasium in the United States. Any game inside Cameron Indoor Stadium is an event, but, when Carolina comes to town, the gothic hoops cathedral becomes Heaven

1. Thursday and Friday, NCAA Tournament First Round - Nothing in American sports can come close to the drama and excitement of the NCAAs opening rounds. Nothing. Back to back days of 12 hour basketball on national television. From unforgettable names such as Valpo and Bryce Drew to everlasting performances such as "The Show's" 36 first rounders in '99, the NCAA opening round games are bigger than the Super Bowl. An event that literally brings a country together, these are the two best days in sports

Honorable-Mention: The Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs - As sappy as it may be, My Old Kentucky Home is about as touching a sports moment as there is. And the race itself is one of the most classic and tradition filled events in all of sports. A truly amazing gathering

[Lotus000]

5. The U.S. Open (Golf) - Arguably the greatest and deepest collection of golfers all together at once, vying for the one of the most distinguished honors in American sports. Winner take all



I agree that the U.S. Open is a great event, no doubt, but...if you're going to roll the golf route, I have seven words for you:

"The Masters, a tradition unlike any other."

[bfree]

I agree that the U.S. Open is a great event, no doubt, but...if you're going to roll the golf route, I have seven words for you:

"The Masters, a tradition unlike any other."

I think you're both wrong. The Ryder Cup trumps them both. There is something incredible about athletes representing more than just themselves. It can be peers (college sports), religions (The Old Firm), class (Boca/River is about rich/poor), or nations (Olympics, Ryder Cup, etc.). If you're looking for a common theme, in my opinion, that is it.

[BlueintheFace]

I thought about Boca v River Plate, and I almost put it down, but I left it off because the venues for Barca-Real and Rangers-Celtic are so much better than La Bombanera or El Monumental...

[Cameron]

I agree that the U.S. Open is a great event, no doubt, but...if you're going to roll the golf route, I have seven words for you:

"The Masters, a tradition unlike any other."

Words are overrated.

IMO, nothing comes close to the historic U.S. Open, the oldest golfing tournament in the United States. The event is an institution. Jim Nantz's little poem is nice, but I think the Masters' are a bit overhyped. I think the best golf is played at other events--The U.S. and British Opens, and the possibly even the Ryder Cup, as mentioned above.

Don't get me wrong, Augusta National is an amazing place, but I just happen to enjoy the U.S. Opens' "anyone can win" mystique the best.

[blazindw]

5. NCAA subregional (2004, 2008...also regionals in 2000)
17. Michigan-Ohio State football (numerous times)
20. The Stanley Cup playoffs (Game 2, 2002 Stanley Cup Finals)
27. Tailgating in the SEC (Tennessee-Duke game, 2003)
42. An NBA game from courtside (Pistons)
43. Baseball All-Star Game (Texas, 1995)
62. Midnight Madness (Lights, Cameron, Action 2003)
64. Camp out for tickets (duh!)
88. "Monday Night Football" (Detroit Lions)
91. Little League game (duh again)
92. A Permian High School football game (haven't been to one of these, but any high school football game in Texas on a Friday night is a must-see)

Notes:
-Barca-Real Madrid is much much bigger than Atletico-Real. I'd love to see one of these, but as a Real fan, I'd see it at the Bernabeu.
-the Iron Bowl is intense, but nothing like Michigan-Ohio State, IMO. My mom is from Alabama, and I spent much of my childhood vacations in rural Alabama...it's intense, but a Michigan-Ohio State hatred it is not.
-The Final Four should definitely be on the list. I've been to the Women's FF in 2003 and the Men's FF in 2004.
-Went to MLS Cup 2007 here at RFK Stadium. A very fun game to attend if you're a fan of soccer. Plus, the tickets are very reasonable. I got 2 tickets 15 rows from the field for $50.
-I've always wanted to go to England and catch an EPL match. I'm determined to cross a couple games off the list this fall by going to London and catching a couple games.

[Lotus000]

Words are overrated.
I just happen to enjoy the U.S. Opens' "anyone can win" mystique the best.

OK, I'll accept this as a more-than-valid reason. The fact that it's an 'open' tourney and amateurs are there competing in hardcore fashion IS pretty dang awesome. I do really enjoy that aspect of it.

...ugh, I can't believe you guys are all talking about soccer. El gross.

[DevilHorse]

I'll cast my vote for any horse race where there is a big unsettle question on the line. That usually is the Kentucky Derby every year or going for the Triple Crown when eligible. I have attended the following events and would list them in order:
1) Ruffian vs. Foolish Pleasure Match Race - Amazing build up. People wearing Him/Her buttons days in advance. Soupy atmosphere weatherwise. Packed, Standingroom only at colossal Belmont. Coal Black filly vs. Male Hope. Unforseen, Poignant, Unforgettable End to Fabled Career.
2) Affirmed vs. Alydar Belmont to win Triple Crown - neck and neck for 3 furlongs. Alydar's only chance to win is if Affirmed didn't see him coming. Affirmed had an amazing will to win evidenced by making up 15 lenghts on Sensitive Prince in the Jim Dandy later that year. Tough Horse.
3) Spectacular Bid goes for Triple Crown - and is defeated by a safety pin and a Peter Panish horse named Coastal.

In Harness Racing, all folks agree that a trip to Delaware Ohio to see the "Little Brown Jug" is a must. A small town swells to accommodate the best pacers in the world on a "Thursday" to run a triple crown race. Not run in a commercial sweet spot, but amazingly well attended and loved race.

Watching any Duke Basketball Player in a game of HORSE has to be included on this list; obviously :)

Larry
DevilHorse

[colchar]

(2) Glasgow Rangers v. Glasgow Celtic in soccer. The passion behind religious differences is channeled through to the soccer field, and the entire city is on edge.

Being Scottish, and being from just south of Glasgow (about 45 minutes on the train), I'd call it religious bigotry rather than religious differences. Just the stories from my own family would make you shake your head and cause you to think that the whole Duke-Carolina thing is nothing more than a mild misunderstanding. At least when they play and I am there I can avoid wearing either team's colours and fall back on being from Canada to keep myself from getting dragged into anything.

[colchar]

...ugh, I can't believe you guys are all talking about soccer. El gross.

I agree. Soccer is the second most boring team sport in the world. Cricket is the worst. Baseball comes in third.

[colchar]

I'd say Alabama/Auburn is as intense as Michigan/Ohio State. The schools aren't as big, but the hatred is as strong as anything. I honestly think the people from both schools genuinely look down on the other as inferior human beings. I think they'd make each other their slaves if they legally could.


Dude, we're talking about Alabama here. Don't give them any ideas.

[BlueintheFace]

I agree. Soccer is the second most boring team sport in the world. Cricket is the worst. Baseball comes in third.

Sounds like a NASCAR fan to me... (wink wink)

[dukeENG2003]

NBA finals game 7 behind a rugby match? Behind a horse race? Behind a non-World Series baseball game?

I guess if you're basing this on the FANS, then thats fine, but like it or not, the NBA is the greatest basketball in the world, and game 7 is as Fgood as it gets.

In addition, I know people bag on the super bowl sometimes, but did you SEE the last super bowl?

I guess I feel like the top title should be revised. Greatest sporting event CROWDS maybe, but BEST sporting events of all time means that the event itself has to be interesting as well.

For ME, that rules out soccer, baseball, horse racing, and rugby before the list even starts.

[colchar]

I agree that the U.S. Open is a great event, no doubt, but...if you're going to roll the golf route, I have seven words for you:

"The Masters, a tradition unlike any other."

Oh please. Neither the US Open nor the Masters measures up to the British Open.

[colchar]

Sounds like a NASCAR fan to me... (wink wink)

I've only recently started watching Nascar. I like Indycar (or Champ-Car or whatever the heck they were calling themselves before they settled the dispute with the IRL) but never really got into F1 or Nascar until this year. I watched a couple of races with my former roommates and, although I'm not hooked yet, I do find myself looking forward to raceday.

[dukeENG2003]

Warning, off topic rant:

NASCAR is racing designed to be competitive, and they do a good job at it. However, for me, its boring as crap, b/c the cars are junk. I'd rather go see the local track late models run instead. Its just as arbitrary.

F1 on the other hand, is the fastest cars in the world, driven by the best drivers in the world. Jimmie Johnson can't hold a candle to the talent of a Fernando Alonso or a Kimi Raikonen.

[colchar]

I think you're both wrong. The Ryder Cup trumps them both. There is something incredible about athletes representing more than just themselves. It can be peers (college sports), religions (The Old Firm), class (Boca/River is about rich/poor), or nations (Olympics, Ryder Cup, etc.). If you're looking for a common theme, in my opinion, that is it.

I agree that the Ryder Cup is amazing - I am glued to the TV the entire time. But I think the British Open is better because of the tradition/history, the courses, the field, and the fact that it is played every year. Then again, not being played every year is one of the things that makes the RC so special.

[BlueintheFace]

NBA finals game 7 behind a rugby match? Behind a horse race? Behind a non-World Series baseball game?

I guess if you're basing this on the FANS, then thats fine, but like it or not, the NBA is the greatest basketball in the world, and game 7 is as good as it gets.

In addition, I know people bag on the super bowl sometimes, but did you SEE the last super bowl?

I guess I feel like the top title should be revised. Greatest sporting event CROWDS maybe, but BEST sporting events of all time means that the event itself has to be interesting as well.

Yah, I take your point... I was really going for greatest event meaning greatest environment. That is to say, if somebody were to step back from their biases (ex: i hate horse racing and baseball, basketball is life etc...) and look at all the major sporting events in the world as a general fan of sporting competition... which would be the 10 best events to take part in....

[colchar]

Warning, off topic rant:

NASCAR is racing designed to be competitive, and they do a good job at it. However, for me, its boring as crap, b/c the cars are junk. I'd rather go see the local track late models run instead. Its just as arbitrary.

F1 on the other hand, is the fastest cars in the world, driven by the best drivers in the world. Jimmie Johnson can't hold a candle to the talent of a Fernando Alonso or a Kimi Raikonen.

I'd also love to see Nascar drivers turn the other way for a change...

[BlueintheFace]

I'd also love to see Nascar drivers turn the other way for a change...

here, here!!

[Lotus000]

Warning, off topic rant:


F1 on the other hand, is the fastest cars in the world, driven by the best drivers in the world. Jimmie Johnson can't hold a candle to the talent of a Fernando Alonso or a Kimi Raikonen.

Alonso? Surrriously? Man I am SO glad he got busted back to Renault. Kimi, however, is awesome...(listen for his 'fer sure' in every press conference). I'm also tremendously glad that the idiot JPM is in NASCAR instead of F1 now, where he can spin people out that have a cage around them.

Back to other things...

Yeah, soccer is tremendously boring. I don't see how the Europeans like it, but they do. That being said, as far as 'best sporting events....' I would go see a World Cup match just to see those weirdos cheer.

[BlueintheFace]

I don't see how the Europeans like it

ummm, a more accurate statement there might have been, "I don't see how the rest of the whole world likes it."

[Lotus000]

ummm, a more accurate statement there might have been, "I don't see how the rest of the whole world likes it."

Yeah, I forgot how much the southern half of North America and all of South America like it.

Still, the good ol' US of A is right to hate it! These colors don't run dadgum!

[BlueintheFace]

Yeah, I forgot how much the southern half of North America and all of South America like it.

Still, the good ol' US of A is right to hate it! These colors don't run dadgum!

Roy??

[bfree]

I agree. Soccer is the second most boring team sport in the world. Cricket is the worst. Baseball comes in third.

I totally forgot! This should absolutely be on the list!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ashes

[RelativeWays]

If its Huckleberry Hound then I guess those colors are the red and blue of KU.





dagnabbit

[godukecom]

Where's Duke-UNC football? The passion, the excitement, the history, the clash of traditions of excellence, the national title implications?

Haha you made me laugh :D

Having been to games at both duke and unc, i can say that it comes down to:
WHO SCREWS UP LAST? or WHO SUCKS LESS?

unfortunately that has been Duke for the last few games

[Lotus000]

If its Huckleberry Hound then I guess those colors are the red and blue of KU.





dagnabbit

I dun told you these colors don't run dadgum!

http://fruitfly.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/huckleberry.gif

And anyways, it ain't Roy, it's me, it's me, it's Ernest T!

[colchar]

Yeah, soccer is tremendously boring. I don't see how the Europeans like it, but they do. That being said, as far as 'best sporting events....' I would go see a World Cup match just to see those weirdos cheer.

You wanna see soccer weirdos cheer? Go see an Old Firm match - I doubt much else compares.

[colchar]

I totally forgot! This should absolutely be on the list!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ashes

Cricket bores me to the point that I want to kill myself. Seriously. I'm not even kidding.


Worst. Sport.* Ever.



* I use the term 'sport' lightly when referring to cricket.

[BlueintheFace]

You wanna see soccer weirdos cheer? Go see an Old Firm match - I doubt much else compares.

It'd be hard to argue with you. Here is a link of what happens on the field... now just multiply that by 10 for the crowd and set up a huge divider between the fan bases and thats the kind of atmosphere there is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuF_ujlhM6c

or better yet, check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca454mmOAqs

[bfree]

The thing about cricket is that you absolutely must understand it to appreciate it. For a Yankee like me, that meant watching with a serious fan during my semester abroad. I would have 100% agreed with you prior to one afternoon of watching with a patient and knowledgeable friend.

If you're interested... start poking around the blog posts between Ross Douthat and Alex Massie.

http://debatableland.typepad.com/the_debatable_land/2008/03/the-greatest-ga.html


Cricket bores me to the point that I want to kill myself. Seriously. I'm not even kidding.


Worst. Sport.* Ever.



* I use the term 'sport' lightly when referring to cricket.

[pete89]

NBA finals game 7 behind a rugby match? Behind a horse race? Behind a non-World Series baseball game?

I guess if you're basing this on the FANS, then thats fine, but like it or not, the NBA is the greatest basketball in the world, and game 7 is as Fgood as it gets.

In addition, I know people bag on the super bowl sometimes, but did you SEE the last super bowl?

I guess I feel like the top title should be revised. Greatest sporting event CROWDS maybe, but BEST sporting events of all time means that the event itself has to be interesting as well.

For ME, that rules out soccer, baseball, horse racing, and rugby before the list even starts.

You probaly have never been to a rugby game even in the US let alone an All Blacks game. Having been to one and the UNC-Duke games, I gotta tell you, NZ-AUS gives UNC-Duke a run for their money

[Cameron]

Oh please. Neither the US Open nor the Masters measures up to the British Open.


I wasn't wrong, as my list's title was "Greatest American Sporting Events." Lotus was the completely wrong person;)

I would agree that, worldwide, the British Open is numero uno in terms of golfing events. The Open Championship is the oldest tournament of the four majors, and Scotland is the birthplace of golf. When the event is played on St. Andrews' Old Course, the oldest links in the world, nothing can compare to it. (Except maybe the ACC Tournament Final in Greensboro, Duke vs. North Carolina:).)

[colchar]

It'd be hard to argue with you. Here is a link of what happens on the field... now just multiply that by 10 for the crowd and set up a huge divider between the fan bases and thats the kind of atmosphere there is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuF_ujlhM6c

or better yet, check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca454mmOAqs



Here are links to the second and third parts of the second link you provided:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U443jJQTQ9U&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vWREE7mIto&feature=related



The sectarian BS that exists between these two communities drives me nuts. And I have to put up with it within my own family.

My mother's family is Catholic but isn't all that concerned about religious differences - they are kind of anti-protestant but aren't really over the top about it (just some mild comments here and there...like the time I was over there and we were drinking in a bar that used to be a church - I commented that, despite not being religious myself, drinking in a former church just seemed wrong somehow. They replied that it was alright because the place used to be a protestant church so it had never been a 'real' church anyway).

My Dad's family, on the other hand, are protestant and most of them take the religious divide very seriously. My Dad's father died when my Dad was only 15 so my Dad's oldest brother was considered the man of the family. When my Dad married my Mom his best friend (from the time they were 5 years old) refused to be his best man because he was marrying my Mom in a Catholic church. In the end, he didn't even attend the wedding. My Dad's Mom also refused to go to the wedding until my uncle physically (and I do mean physically) forced her out of the house and to the church. Family meant more to him than religion and he and his wife have always been great (their son is also pretty cool and I stay with he and his family while I am over there). But the rest of my Dad's family are ridiculous and none of his other brothers attended the wedding (my Dad is the youngest of 5 brothers).

One of them has a son who lives in California (that son doesn't care about religion either and always comes to the house when he has a stop-over on his way to or from Britain for Man U matches) and that uncle refused to ever come to our house when he had a stop-over on the way to California despite our house only being five minutes from the airport. He described it as a "Catholic house" and flatly refused to ever set foot in it. If my Dad wanted to see him he had to go to the airport to do so.

Another of my Dad's brothers went even further. My Dad went to see him during a stop-over at the airport because he knew his brother, who he hadn't seen in 20+ years, would never come to our house. When my Dad approached him and said hello his brother looked at him and said "Who the F-bomb are you?" My Dad was left to just walk away.

The last brother was even worse and my Dad didn't even bother trying to speak to him at the airport - my Dad just went to the airport and sat about 50 feet away with tears in his eyes (hadn't seen this brother in over 20+ years either) because he wanted to see his brother but knew there was no point in even trying to speak to him. As my Dad got up to go back out to the car I walked over to my uncle and laid into him (I'm 6'1" 225lbs and am far from a shrinking violet). I let him have it with both barrels and told him that I was ashamed to have his blood in my veins (that is the censored version of what I said). His only response to me was that I should "take my Catholic arse and p**s off." It took every ounce of self-control I had not to b***h slap the guy right there in the airport. Being arrested for doing so would have been worth it.

So make no mistake - nothing, and I do mean nothing, compares to the Celtic (Catholic)/Rangers (Protestant) rivalry. Nothing else even comes close.

[colchar]

The thing about cricket is that you absolutely must understand it to appreciate it. For a Yankee like me, that meant watching with a serious fan during my semester abroad. I would have 100% agreed with you prior to one afternoon of watching with a patient and knowledgeable friend.

If you're interested... start poking around the blog posts between Ross Douthat and Alex Massie.

http://debatableland.typepad.com/the_debatable_land/2008/03/the-greatest-ga.html

My parents both watch it and have tried to educate me about the game but it is no use - I still can't stand it.

[colchar]

I wasn't wrong, as my list's title was "Greatest American Sporting Events." Lotus was the completely wrong person;)

I would agree that, worldwide, the British Open is numero uno in terms of golfing events. The Open Championship is the oldest tournament of the four majors, and Scotland is the birthplace of golf. When the event is played on St. Andrews' Old Course, the oldest links in the world, nothing can compare to it. (Except maybe the ACC Tournament Final in Greensboro, Duke vs. North Carolina:).)


I had missed the "American" part of your post.


The county I am from in Scotland is home to three courses from the Open rotation. Prestwick, where the Open was first played (for something like 12 out of its first 15 years) but this course is no longer used. Royal Troon, which is still used. And Turnberry, which is still used. Nowhere in the world beats Ayrshire when it comes to golf.

[Master Shake]

Here are links to the second and third parts of the second link you provided:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U443jJQTQ9U&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vWREE7mIto&feature=related



The sectarian BS that exists between these two communities drives me nuts. And I have to put up with it within my own family.

My mother's family is Catholic but isn't all that concerned about religious differences - they are kind of anti-protestant but aren't really over the top about it (just some mild comments here and there...like the time I was over there and we were drinking in a bar that used to be a church - I commented that, despite not being religious myself, drinking in a former church just seemed wrong somehow. They replied that it was alright because the place used to be a protestant church so it had never been a 'real' church anyway).

My Dad's family, on the other hand, are protestant and most of them take the religious divide very seriously. My Dad's father died when my Dad was only 15 so my Dad's oldest brother was considered the man of the family. When my Dad married my Mom his best friend (from the time they were 5 years old) refused to be his best man because he was marrying my Mom in a Catholic church. In the end, he didn't even attend the wedding. My Dad's Mom also refused to go to the wedding until my uncle physically (and I do mean physically) forced her out of the house and to the church. Family meant more to him than religion and he and his wife have always been great (their son is also pretty cool and I stay with he and his family while I am over there). But the rest of my Dad's family are ridiculous and none of his other brothers attended the wedding (my Dad is the youngest of 5 brothers).

One of them has a son who lives in California (that son doesn't care about religion either and always comes to the house when he has a stop-over on his way to or from Britain for Man U matches) and that uncle refused to ever come to our house when he had a stop-over on the way to California despite our house only being five minutes from the airport. He described it as a "Catholic house" and flatly refused to ever set foot in it. If my Dad wanted to see him he had to go to the airport to do so.

Another of my Dad's brothers went even further. My Dad went to see him during a stop-over at the airport because he knew his brother, who he hadn't seen in 20+ years, would never come to our house. When my Dad approached him and said hello his brother looked at him and said "Who the F-bomb are you?" My Dad was left to just walk away.

The last brother was even worse and my Dad didn't even bother trying to speak to him at the airport - my Dad just went to the airport and sat about 50 feet away with tears in his eyes (hadn't seen this brother in over 20+ years either) because he wanted to see his brother but knew there was no point in even trying to speak to him. As my Dad got up to go back out to the car I walked over to my uncle and laid into him (I'm 6'1" 225lbs and am far from a shrinking violet). I let him have it with both barrels and told him that I was ashamed to have his blood in my veins (that is the censored version of what I said). His only response to me was that I should "take my Catholic arse and p**s off." It took every ounce of self-control I had not to b***h slap the guy right there in the airport. Being arrested for doing so would have been worth it.

So make no mistake - nothing, and I do mean nothing, compares to the Celtic (Catholic)/Rangers (Protestant) rivalry. Nothing else even comes close.

This story reminds me of a joke (not to make light of your family situation, however) they tell about Belfast:

A rabbi walks into a bar in Belfast. The bartender looks up suspiciously and says: "What are you?" "Me?" the man says, "I'm a Jew." "Right," says the bartender, "But are you a Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?"

[dukediv2013]

2007 Final Game between Cubs and Brewers at Wrigley Field where Alfonso Soriano hit the go ahead homer in the 8th inning!

Greatest game I have ever witnessed in person!

[colchar]

This story reminds me of a joke (not to make light of your family situation, however) they tell about Belfast:

A rabbi walks into a bar in Belfast. The bartender looks up suspiciously and says: "What are you?" "Me?" the man says, "I'm a Jew." "Right," says the bartender, "But are you a Catholic Jew or a Protestant Jew?"

The same joke applies in Glasgow.

[ugadevil]

I would agree that, worldwide, the British Open is numero uno in terms of golfing events. The Open Championship is the oldest tournament of the four majors, and Scotland is the birthplace of golf. When the event is played on St. Andrews' Old Course, the oldest links in the world, nothing can compare to it. (Except maybe the ACC Tournament Final in Greensboro, Duke vs. North Carolina:).)

I heard an interview yesterday between Tiger Woods and Scot Van Pelt. Van Pelt went to ask him his favorite courses and Tiger didn't even let him get the entire sentence out before he said St. Andrews. He said it's not even close, but Augusta is second.

[colchar]

It'd be hard to argue with you. Here is a link of what happens on the field... now just multiply that by 10 for the crowd and set up a huge divider between the fan bases and thats the kind of atmosphere there is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuF_ujlhM6c

or better yet, check this out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca454mmOAqs

I'm almost finished with the first portion of that video (your second link) and just realized that Dr. Tom Devine (a historian) is interviewed...I know him so that was particularly interesting.

Anyone who is curious about the ferocity of this rivalry should watch this video (all three parts). It should put to rest the debate about which is the biggest rivalry.

[calltheobvious]

I'd say Alabama/Auburn is as intense as Michigan/Ohio State. The schools aren't as big, but the hatred is as strong as anything. I honestly think the people from both schools genuinely look down on the other as inferior human beings. I think they'd make each other their slaves if they legally could.

There's no comparison between an intense inter-state rivalry and an intense intra-state one.

And having been to many of each, Auburn-Alabama football has to go ahead of Duke-UNC hoops simply because all of the emotion builds up to only one contest in football, whereas with Duke-UNC we know we're going to see them twice, and we all probably feel the chances are close to even that we'll see them a third time.

1995 UNC in Durham is my number one most devastated feeling leaving a sporting event. No other loss to UNC comes close, even though there have been some painful ones. A close Number Two on my list? Every time I've watched Auburn lose to Alabama (it's been a long while).

[ugadevil]

There's no comparison between an intense inter-state rivalry and an intense intra-state one.

And having been to many of each, Auburn-Alabama football has to go ahead of Duke-UNC hoops simply because all of the emotion builds up to only one contest in football, whereas with Duke-UNC we know we're going to see them twice, and we all probably feel the chances are close to even that we'll see them a third time.


Do you have a favorite memory from a particular Auburn/Alabama game? I have never been able to go, but it is one game that I'd really like to attend at some point (it makes me jealous that I'm marrying someone who has been). The past couple years, student tickets for that game have been between $200-$400! $400!!!!!!!! And you'd probably need to find a student id just to get in to the opposing team's student section.

[calltheobvious]

Do you have a favorite memory from a particular Auburn/Alabama game? I have never been able to go, but it is one game that I'd really like to attend at some point (it makes me jealous that I'm marrying someone who has been). The past couple years, student tickets for that game have been between $200-$400! $400!!!!!!!! And you'd probably need to find a student id just to get in to the opposing team's student section.

Definitely 2002 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama was cruising into the game around number six nationally, and Auburn was coming in off of a crushing defeat at the hands of your beloved Bulldogs (memories of that finish still evoke physical discomfort). After drilling Auburn at Auburn the year before, it looked like the ten-point favorite Tide would take their second in a row under Franchione and really wrest control of the rivalry. What made the build-up even richer was Franchione's refusal to even utter the word "Auburn" in public, instead referring to "that school down the road."

Well, Auburn dominated the game from the start and pulled off the biggest pointspread upset in the series in the last twenty-five years (and probably forty), winning 17-7. A couple of weeks later Franchione left for College Station, Alabama chose a woefully unqualified Mike Shula as his replacement, and the Tide are still stuck on one victory versus Auburn this decade.

Many contend that the state of both programs might be wildly different today had that game turned out differently. I count myself among that number.

[BlueintheFace]

The only thing I would say is missing from Auburn/Alabama is dominance of the program. Every team I put up on the list is partly there because when they play their rivals they are playing for more than just bragging rights (championships, playoffs, international cups/awards, etc...), and that makes the atmosphere that much more amped. Auburn/Alabama is spectacular, but these aren't teams that vie for championships year in and year out...

[ugadevil]

The only thing I would say is missing from Auburn/Alabama is dominance of the program. Every team I put up on the list is partly there because when they play their rivals they are playing for more than just bragging rights (championships, playoffs, international cups/awards, etc...), and that makes the atmosphere that much more amped. Auburn/Alabama is spectacular, but these aren't teams that vie for championships year in and year out...

Sorry...I wasn't really referring to your list. Our threads were merged about best sports events, but I was hoping to hear about stories from people about their favorite sporting events they've been to. Or I'd like to hear stories about why people want to go to a particular event that they've never been able to attend. Besides, anyone's top 10 list of best sporting events of all time is opinion. I could have the opening day of 10 of UGA's sports teams as my ten best sporting events, and it's perfectly valid if it's that important to me. <---I work with a guy who is actually like this.

However, I would argue that there is usually a good deal at stake when Auburn/Alabama play. Usually, one of the two is competing for a spot in the SEC Championship game, which leads to a BCS Bowl.

[mgtr]

Well, if we are talking history, how about the 1969 NBA Championship series between the Lakers and the Celtics. Man, you had Russell, Chamberlain, Havlicek, West, Baylor -- everybody. And it comes down to the last shot in the seventh game. And this was the only time that the MVP was from the losing team (West). I was in Virginia, and listened to it on the radio -- Thrilling, even on the radio.

[Lavabe]

I'll cast my vote for any horse race where there is a big unsettle question on the line. That usually is the Kentucky Derby every year or going for the Triple Crown when eligible. I have attended the following events and would list them in order:
1) Ruffian vs. Foolish Pleasure Match Race - Amazing build up. People wearing Him/Her buttons days in advance. Soupy atmosphere weatherwise. Packed, Standingroom only at colossal Belmont. Coal Black filly vs. Male Hope. Unforseen, Poignant, Unforgettable End to Fabled Career.
2) Affirmed vs. Alydar Belmont to win Triple Crown - neck and neck for 3 furlongs. Alydar's only chance to win is if Affirmed didn't see him coming. Affirmed had an amazing will to win evidenced by making up 15 lenghts on Sensitive Prince in the Jim Dandy later that year. Tough Horse.
3) Spectacular Bid goes for Triple Crown - and is defeated by a safety pin and a Peter Panish horse named Coastal.
Watching any Duke Basketball Player in a game of HORSE has to be included on this list; obviously :)
Larry
DevilHorse

Well Larry, seems I didn't see you at #s 2 &3 back in the 70's. I was near the finish line in the grandstand for that whole stretch run w/Alydar & Affirmed. FWIW, Slew's Belmont win was better than entry#3.

Also, I will be moving to Lexington later this year. While scoping out neighborhoods 2 weekends ago, I encountered three streets side-by-side: Darby Creek Road, Alydar, and Affirmed Roads.

Having seen the last two Triple Crown Belmonts, I really hope we'll have a Triple Crown soon. Horse Racing needs it!

Cheers,
Lavabe

[Channing]

I spent a semester in Glasgow and I distinctly remember being told that if anyone asked who we rooted for we were to say the name of some neutral third team. On days where the two played we were advised to avoid going to bar or downtown. However, the highlight of my trip to Scotland was playing the Old Course. It was like an out of body experience that I vow to replicate some time.

[bfree]

I spent a semester in Glasgow and I distinctly remember being told that if anyone asked who we rooted for we were to say the name of some neutral third team. On days where the two played we were advised to avoid going to bar or downtown. However, the highlight of my trip to Scotland was playing the Old Course. It was like an out of body experience that I vow to replicate some time.

http://ptfc.co.uk/

???

The PPS program in Glasgow really is a gem. Did you have David Stansfield?