For North Central Missouri Pirates fans, the thrill of live sports transcends time and place, offering unforgettable moments on the world's biggest stages. From the electric atmosphere of the Super Bowl to the elegance of Wimbledon, each sporting event in this guide has its own story, traditions, and legendary athletes. Whether you're a fan of fast-paced auto racing or classic tennis matches, these iconic events offer something for everyone. Be sure to use the TicketSmarter promo code PIRATES5 for special ticket discounts to all these world-class events.
Kentucky Derby Tickets
Known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the U.S., having first taken place in 1875. This horse race, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is the opening jewel of the Triple Crown. The Derby draws over 150,000 spectators each year, many donning elaborate hats and sipping mint juleps. Past champions include the legendary Secretariat, who won in 1973. The excitement in the lead-up to the race is palpable, and the traditions that accompany the Derby make it a truly unique event.
CWS Tickets
Held each June in Omaha, Nebraska, the College World Series is the pinnacle of NCAA Division I baseball. Since 1950, this double-elimination tournament has brought together the top eight college teams to compete for the national title at TD Ameritrade Park, which holds 24,000 fans. Schools like LSU and Texas have become synonymous with CWS success, each boasting multiple championships. The CWS offers a mix of thrilling baseball and a festival-like atmosphere, drawing baseball lovers for a week of intense competition.
US Open Tennis Tickets
The US Open is one of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments, held annually in late August and early September at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. First held in 1881, the US Open attracts over 700,000 spectators, making it the most-attended tennis event in the world. The tournament is known for its electrifying night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which seats over 23,000 fans. Champions like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have made their mark here. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows have produced some of the most memorable moments in tennis history.
Daytona 500 Tickets
The Daytona 500 is the most prestigious race in NASCAR and kicks off the racing season every February. First run in 1959, this 500-mile race takes place at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida and attracts over 100,000 spectators. The Daytona 500 is part of the NASCAR Cup Series and has seen legendary drivers like Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon claim multiple victories. With speeds exceeding 200 mph and dramatic finishes that often come down to the final lap, the Daytona 500 is one of the most exciting events in motorsports.
College Football Playoff Championship Tickets
The CFP Championship is the culmination of the NCAA Division I football season, determining the national champion. Established in 2015, this game replaced the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and features a four-team playoff format. The championship rotates between NFL stadiums like AT&T Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium, with capacities exceeding 70,000 fans. Programs like Alabama and Clemson have dominated the early years of the CFP, creating intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. Held every January, the CFP Championship offers college football fans the chance to witness history being made.
Masters Tickets
Every April, Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia hosts The Masters, one of golf's four major championships. Established in 1934, The Masters is known for its beautiful scenery, challenging holes like Amen Corner, and the prestigious green jacket awarded to the winner. Golf legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have dominated the tournament with multiple victories. With a limited number of attendees, the intimate atmosphere at Augusta National makes The Masters a must-see event for golf enthusiasts. The lush green fairways and towering trees create an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
FIFA World Cup Tickets
The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, is the biggest international soccer tournament in the world. Since its inception in 1930, the tournament has brought together the best national teams from across the globe, with 32 teams competing in the month-long event. Brazil holds the record for the most World Cup titles with five. The tournament's final is typically held in a stadium with a seating capacity of over 80,000 fans. The World Cup is famous for its passionate fans, intense rivalries, and iconic moments, making it the pinnacle of the soccer world.
Super Bowl Tickets
As the climax of the NFL season, the Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in America, with over 100 million viewers tuning in each February. First held in 1967, the Super Bowl pits the champions of the AFC and NFC against each other in a winner-take-all battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The event is also famous for its star-studded halftime shows and extravagant commercials. Super Bowl games are hosted in rotating stadiums, such as SoFi Stadium and Raymond James Stadium, which hold over 70,000 fans. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots have become synonymous with Super Bowl success, each claiming multiple championships.
US Open Golf Tickets
The US Open Golf Championship is one of the four major championships in professional golf and is known for its tough courses and dramatic finishes. First held in 1895, the tournament is played at different venues each year, with iconic courses like Pebble Beach and Shinnecock Hills hosting in recent years. The US Open attracts around 35,000 spectators per day, with golfers battling narrow fairways and thick rough to claim the prestigious US Open Trophy. Past champions like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka have left their mark on this tournament, which is often considered one of the most difficult tests in golf.
World Series Tickets
Since 1903, the MLB World Series has been the ultimate championship series in professional baseball, with the American League and National League champions competing in a best-of-seven series. The games are held in some of baseball's most iconic stadiums, such as Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium, with over 50,000 fans in attendance for each game. Teams like the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals have dominated the World Series, but each October brings new stories of underdogs and upsets. The World Series is a celebration of baseball and its rich history.
Wimbledon Tickets
Wimbledon, held at the All England Club in London since 1877, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and part of the Grand Slam series. Played on grass courts, Wimbledon is known for its traditions, including the all-white dress code for players and the consumption of strawberries and cream by spectators. Centre Court hosts the tournament's most important matches, with a seating capacity of 15,000. Legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams have dominated Wimbledon, making it one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.
Indy 500 Tickets
The Indianapolis 500, known as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," is held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. First run in 1911, the Indy 500 is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport and features 33 drivers racing 500 miles at speeds of over 230 mph. The Speedway has a seating capacity of over 250,000, making it the largest sporting venue in the world. Traditions like the winner drinking milk in Victory Lane and the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" before the race add to the allure of this historic event. The Indy 500 is held every Memorial Day weekend.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Tickets
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the ultimate showdown in professional hockey, with the top 16 teams from the NHL competing in a grueling tournament to claim the Stanley Cup. First awarded in 1893, the Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North American professional sports. The playoffs feature intense rivalries, overtime thrillers, and the tradition of the post-series handshake. Teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings have won multiple championships, while every year brings new surprises and unforgettable moments. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are held every spring, leading up to the finals in June.
Final Four Tickets
The NCAA Men's Final Four is the culmination of the March Madness tournament, where the last four teams compete for the national championship. First held in 1939, the Final Four has grown into one of the biggest events in college basketball, often played in large arenas or football stadiums with seating capacities exceeding 70,000. Programs like UCLA and Duke have dominated the tournament, while every year brings new Cinderella stories and buzzer-beating shots. The Final Four takes place in early April, and the excitement surrounding the event makes it a must-see for basketball fans.