Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, many non-sports fans may think the days of watching televised sports events are done until next February. But this is not so. Here are some of the most anticipated upcoming sporting events and why you should be excited for them!
1. Sochi 2014, Feb. 7-23: The Winter Olympics often get a bad rep. The Summer Olympics may be more glamorous, with more standout stars, American victories and recognizable sports. Yet, there’s something pretty magical about snow sports, in that the sports are unique, arguably more challenging and extremely diverse. What to look forward to: Shani Davis in speed skating, Ted Ligety in skiing, Lolo Jones in bobsled and snowboarding’s golden boy, Shaun White. Additionally, look out for the Jamaican bobsled team, which has qualified for the Olympics this year, women’s ski jump, which is now an event, and human rights activism caused by the harsh LGBT laws in Russia.
2. The NBA All-Star Game, Feb. 16: Even more anticipated in professional basketball than the championship is the All-Star Game, where the league’s greats will all come together in The Big Easy this year for an outstanding showing of talent and entertainment. What to look forward to: The unbelievable display of skill that will be shown by players such as Kyrie Irving of the Cavaliers, Paul George of the Pacers, Blake Griffin of the Clippers, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks and of course, Lebron James of the Heat.
3. March Madness, beginning March 18: To many basketball fans, March Madness is the high point of the year, between both professional and college-level play. So start readying your fantasy rosters, and brackets, because with all of the talent in college this season, March Madness can ensure excitement and fierce competition. What to look forward to: While many of the teams as a whole are fantastic, specific star players such as Duke’s Jabari Parker, Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis and Kentucky’s Julius Randle are definitely players to watch.
4. Golf Masters, April 10 to April 13: The world’s greatest golf players will once again unite in Augusta, Ga. in the hopes of winning the coveted green jacket. What to look forward to: Many sportscasters believe that Tiger Woods has a chance to win his first Masters since 2005, which would become his fifth overall win.
5. FIFA World Cup, beginning June 12: Four years ago, nearly half of the world’s population tuned in to watch the World Cup that took place in South Africa. This year, the World Cup will take place at one of the most anticipated locations for the event: Rio, Brazil. With the world as its stage, the tournament will be sure not to disappoint. What to look forward to: Crazy soccer fans, in addition the heavily favorited Brazilian team, which has the chance to win on their home court.
So don’t fret too long, sports fans, because as long as we have something to look forward to, we can forget that Bruno Mars was the best part of Super Bowl XLVIII.