City Event Guides

2009 Final Four ---

The NCAA Divison 1 College Basketball Tournament is one of the top sporting events in the United States, and the world.  The single elimination tournament dubbed "March Madness" traditionally is always an extremly popular event, mostly becasue of the unpredicability of the tournament.  Filling out tournament brackets has now become a staple in American sports culture.  The tournaments long tradition began in 1939, consisting of only eight teams. The current tournament structure for 64 teams came into play in 1985. 

The term "Final Four" referes to the remaining four teams in the Tournament, and typically provides some of the best games, as they tend to feature some of the top ranked teams in the country.  The 2008 Final Four was held in San Antonio, Texas, and concluded with the Kansas Jayhawks winning their third National Championship, defeating the Memphis Tigers. 

In 2009, the Final Four will be held in Detroit, Michigan at Ford Field, the home of the NFL's Detroit Lions.  Ford Field is one of the newest and most prestigious stadiums in the United States, as it hosted the Super Bowl in 2006.  Costing an estimated $450 Million, Ford Field is expandable up to 80,000 seats and has a very modern design, with lage windows allowing sunlight to enter this indoor facility. 

Ford Field, along with Comerica park, the home of MLB's Detroit Tigers, were planned together with hopes to revamp Detroits downtown area, as well as to bring the Lions back to Detroit, who had played their home games in Pontiac, MI since 1975. 

Don't miss any of the excitemnt of the 2009 Final Four.  Sports Traveler provides many different travel options to the Final Four, including Final Four Tickets and Final Four Travel Packages including event tickets, hotel stay, and event transfers. Also available are Final Four Hotel Rooms for travelers seeking just lodging in the Detroit area.

2009 NHL All-Star Game

 

The 2009 NHL All-Star Game will be held at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  The game was given to Montreal to celebrate the 100^th year of Montreal Canadians hockey.  The NHL’s top players will be in Montreal as the Eastern Conference takes on the Western Conference.  There is much more to the All Star Weekend then the game.  The young stars game, skills competition and a star-studded concert featuring some of the most popular acts in the world kick off the weekend of events. The skills competition is typically a fan favorite at NHL All-Star weekend, it includes: fastest skater, hardest shot, shot accuracy, and a puck handling obstacle course. 

2010 Winter Games - February 12 – 28, 2010 - Vancouver, BC Canada which is approximately 100 kilometers north of Vancouver

Sporting events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games are divided among four locations, Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.  The sporting events held in Vancouver include ice hockey, curling, figure skating, short track speed skating. The town of Richmond will host long track speed skating. Richmond is located 9 miles south of Vancouver. West Vancouver will host the Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard including the popular Aerials and snowboards Halfpipe. The remaining sporting events at Whistler are alpine skiing, Nordic sports (cross country skiing, ski jumping, and biathlon), sliding sports (bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton). 

 
By going to the 2010 Olympics Winter Games, you will not only get to witness some of the very best in the world of sports, but you will get to see beautiful Vancouver.  A combination of mountains and waterways surround the city.   It is a lively metropolis with many attractions and entertainment.  Popular nearby sites include Shannon Falls, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and more.  This is a spectacular opportunity, so don’t forget to make your reservations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver!    

 

In the summer of 1894, the first modern Olympic Games were held, and the event has been growing strong ever since.  Skating became one of the sporting events in 1908.  Although it was possible to keep the ice rinks cold enough, it seemed more logical to hold this winter sport during the season of winter.  This lead to the creation of the first Olympic Winter Games, held in 1924 in Charmonix, France.  That original game involved 247 male athletes and 11 women, coming from 16 different nations to compete in 16 events.  For the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, there will be an estimated 2, 500 athletes from over 80 countries coming to compete in 90 events.  All athletes are competing to win the gold, silver, and bronze medals.   

Founder Pierre de Coubertin made the Olympic Games not only concentrated on sports, but also on the culture of the host country.  His purpose in creating the Olympic Movement was to have peace, education, understanding, and unity to be a part of this worldwide event.  The cultural Olympiad will be displaying a variety of arts, music, dance, theatre, literacy, street entertainment, and more.  Thirty venues will be featuring the Arts Festival, set up in Vancouver and Whistler with some ticketed and free events.  The mission of 2010 Olympic Games is “to touch the soul of the nation” which is sure to explore Vancouver and all of its culture.  This movement has brought more cultural awareness, as well as providing more to view, inform, and entertain. 

 

A huge attraction that is expected to attract nearly 55,000 viewers is the Opening Ceremony.  It’s a spectacle that will marvel every viewer.  During this ceremony, the gathering of countries is recognized and appreciated.  The opening ceremony is a way of welcoming and setting a positive atmosphere for the games to begin.  Equally exciting is the closing ceremony.  To conclude the games, the closing ceremony honors all of the athletes, volunteers, and the host community.  The 2010 ceremonies in Vancouver will be the first to be held indoors at BC Place Stadium which will allow for greater effects with lighting, screen projection, and sound.          

  

There is a great deal of preparation that goes into the Olympic Games.  Construction began as early as 2005 for sites of the events (before the previous Olympic Games had even taken place).  Around 25,000 volunteers are recruited to help with bringing all of the elements of this enormous event together.

Observation teams visited the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino and are scheduled to view the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, allowing them to gain knowledge of how the event is organized.  Also, there are numerous sponsors that make this event possible.   

 

Another tradition and celebration of the Olympic event is honored through the Torch Relay.  It takes place over 100 days with 12,000 torchbearers covering 25,000 kilometers over 13 provinces and territories.    

 

Athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the winter games, and their time outside of the games is spent in training for these types of events.  Winning an Olympic medal is a dream come true for many Olympiads, but being a part of the Olympic Games is an honor of its own.  At the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, the country to win the most medals was Germany and the United States came in second.   Join in on the 2014 Winter Games to witness the most outstanding athletes in the world, and see who goes home with the gold, silver, and bronze at your favorite sporting events.   

      

 

The tickets for the 2010 Winter Olympics Games go on sale 12 – 18 months prior to the start date on the 12^th of February.    

Event: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Event Dates; June 11, 2010 – July 11, 2010
Event Location: 10 Stadiums in 9 cities throughout South Africa

Come to South Africa in 2010, and experience the most popular sporting event the world has to offer. The world’s 32 best soccer playing nations will descend upon South Africa as it becomes the first African nation to host this incredible international tournament. The world was watching in July of 2006 when Italy beat France on penalty kicks in a game that would turn out to be just as famous for Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt of Italian defender Marcello Materazzi. Italy goes into the 2010 World Cup as one of the favorites once again, along with other perennial powers Brazil, Argentina, England, South Korea, and Euro 2008 champion Spain. But there's much more to see than just the these stalwart clubs. The World Cup is famous for its upsets, every team in the field of 32 has a chance of winning. Join millions of other soccer fans from around the world, and show support for your native land at the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is FIFA World Cup soccer.

Of course, soccer is not all that should be on your agenda on your trip to this African nation. South Africa offers some of the largest national parks in the world, which are home to some of the most diverse and exotic animals. Kruger National Park is the largest of these national parks, covering a land mass roughly the size of the country of Wales. Spot exotic game such as cheetahs, lions, the rare white and black rhinoceros, and many more at this nature reserve.

Take a side trip to the Western Cape Province towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl and taste some of the finest wines the continent has to offer while taking in the lush countryside of southwest South Africa, with a climate comparable to the southern Mediterranean. If you’re feeling very adventurous South Africa offers surfing glorified the world over, offering pristine blue waves that tower above you.

The World Cup is about much more than the sport of soccer. The slogan for Germany 2006 was, “A place to make friends.” The World Cup is a unique opportunity to meet fellow passionate fans from nations all over the world, creating a unique environment. Even if you can’t catch every game, cities and towns will have jumbotrons set up to provide a gathering place for all the football fanatics. Also 2010 will be the celebration of South Africa’s 100^th year as an independent nation. You can never say that you’ve lived a full and complete life until you’ve experienced at least once the excitement and passion that is the FIFA World Cup.

Information on cities that are hosting World Cup Matches:

Johannesburg (Soccer City)

Johannesburg is the largest and most populous city in South Africa, with over 3,000,000 inhabitants. As the economic and financial hub of the country Johannesburg boasts an expansive downtown with an abundance of shopping centers, banks, and luxury hotels. Make sure to visit the Apartheid and Hector Pieterson Museums to gain a better understanding of South Africa’s dark past. Also, art museums such as the Museum Africa and the Johannesburg Art Gallery add to the city’s rich culture. The metro railway allows you to travel the city with ease, as well as connecting you to the city of Pretoria.

The Soccer City complex was built in 1987, and is newly upgraded for the 2010 World Cup. With an expanded seating capacity of up to 104,000 it is easily the largest stadium on the African continent. Its design is based off of traditional South African pottery, and will be home to the final, championship match scheduled for July 11, 2010. Other matches here include five first-round matches, one second-round match and one quarterfinal.

Johannesburg (Ellis Park Stadium)

Ellis Park Stadium is the other Johannesburg venue where World Cup matches will be held. Built in 1927, it will be the oldest venue in use during Cup play. Seating roughly 60,000, and located on the outskirts of downtown Johannesburg, the stadium fits snugly into the urban environment that is sure to be filled with fans from all over the world. Ellis Park will host 5 first-round matches, 1 second-round match, and 1 quarterfinal.

Cape Town (African Renaissance Stadium)

The oldest city in South Africa; formed in 1652 as a British colonial outpost. Cape Town is the third largest town in the country. Cape Town is a top tourist destination because of its overwhelming beauty. Much of the city is enclosed in an amphitheatre-like bowl, bordered by picturesque Table Mountain. Located on the eastern-most point of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers the visitor miles of beaches Cultural destinations include the Two Oceans Aquarium, which is a meeting of sea creatures from the Indian and Atlantic Oceans,. Be sure to make note of the architecture as you walk around town, the Cape Dutch style is unique to this area of the world.

African Renaissance Stadium is a new stadium being constructed for the 2010 World Cup. It replaces an older 18,000 seat Green Point Stadium. African Renaissance Stadium will be able to seat 68,000 World Cup fans. It will be located near the Victoria and Alfred (V & A) Waterfront, which is the city’s harbor. Ground was broken on this stadium in 2007 which will host 6 first-round matches, 1 second-round match. 1 quarterfinal, and one semifinal match.

Durban (King Senzangakhona Stadium)

Durban is the second largest city in South Africa, with a population of 3.2 million people. It is located along the southeastern coast, and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. Within Durban’s borders lies the busiest sea port in all of Africa. Durban is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa thanks in large part to its tropical climate, and proximity to many beaches. While in Durban you’ll want to spend most of your time away from the pitch at the Golden Mile. This is a one mile stretch of luxurious beach property, aptly named for the golden-brown sand that dominates the land. Also found on the Golden Mile is one of the world’s largest aquariums/amusement parks, uShaka Marine World, which contains five different aquatic-based sections.

King Senzangakhona Stadium (named after King Shaka’s fathery) is a state-of-the-art stadium under currently under construction. Slated to open in 2009 for the World Cup’s predecessor, the Confederations Cup, Senzangakhona Stadium will be able to seat nearly 80,000 fans, and includes a to the gorgeous beach. The stadium will also contain a sporting museum, sports institute and a new transport station. It will host 6 first round matches, 1 second round match, and 1 semifinal.

Pretoria (Loftus Versfied Stadium)

Take in the sights and sounds of South Africa in the historic city of Pretoria. This bustling city of almost 2 million is renowned throughout the continent for its universities and academic culture. Learn the history of South Africa in museums such as the Transvaal Museum, Kruger House, and the Voortrekker Monument are all located here in the city that is full of war history.

Soccer has been played at the site of Louis Versfield Stadium since 1906. The stadium was built in the 1920s, and frequent upgrades have been made throughout its history. Minor upgrades are being instituted at the stadium currently. With a seating capacity of 45,000 Loftus Versfield will be ready for international play by early 2009, and will undoubtedly prove to be one of the most interesting venues South Africa has to offer in 2010. It will play host to 4 first round matches, and 1 second round match.

Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)

Port Elizabeth is located on the southern coast of South Africa, between Cape Town and Durban. Located at the end of South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route, Port Elizabeth has miles of interesting coast waiting to be explored. Sandwiched between two mountain ranges and the Indian Ocean, the southern coast of South Africa offers some of the most beautiful scenery the continent has to offer. Make sure to visit the Donkin Reserve park and monument, and the King George XI Art Gallery, The ocean offers lush sand beaches, as well as the brand new Boardwalk waterfront complex, which offers numerous shops, restaurants and a great atmosphere to the World Cup fan.

The construction of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is under way, and will be one of the most picturesque stadiums in use during the Cup. It will be situated along the coast of North End Lake in the heart of Port Elizabeth. It is a five tier structure which will seat around 48,000 people. It was the first of the five new stadiums to begin construction, and will play host to 5 first-round matches, 1 second-round match, 1 quarterfinal match, as well as the Third-Place game on July 10.

Bloemfontein (Free State Stadium)

This exciting small South African city of nearly 400,000 attracts visitors with its quaintness. In poems Bloemfontein has been called “the city of roses,” and in the South African indigenous language, Sesotho as, “Mangaung,” meaning place of cheetahs. Bloemfontein has a rich history as it was the former capital of colonial South Africa’s Orange Free State; today it serves as the judicial capitol of South Africa. Bloemfontein is located in central South Africa in the Karoo region. It was the birthplace and home to Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, and is the perfect destination for any World Cup fan history buff.

Free State Stadium was built in 1952 with a capacity of 35,000. Its upgrade for the 2010 World Cup was completed in June of 2007. This upgrade added a second-tier to the stadium, increasing capacity to nearly 50,000, also included in the upgrade was a new electronic scoreboard, a new sound system, and revamped flood lights. Free State Stadium will host 5 first-round matches and 1 second-round match.

Nelspruit (Mbombela Stadium)

Nelspruit is a North-Eastern South African town, located on the Crocodile River. It is the starting point for most safaris to Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in the country. Get an adventurous taste of the past at Dinosaur Park and cultural center, or go spelunking at the nearby Sudwala Caves. Also, explore the many hiking trails that make Nelspruit a South African destination for travelers of all sorts.

Mbombela Stadium is currently under construction in Nelspruit where it will serve as an international soccer venue for the 2010 World Cup. It is located seven miles north of Nelspruit’s town center. Because of Nelspruit’s close connection to the wildlife of South Africa the roof supports at Mbombela Stadium will resemble a giraffe. This will be the first international soccer venue in Nelspruit, and the state-of-the-art design will be sure to keep people coming back well after the World Cup leaves town. Mbombela Stadium will play host to 4 first-round matches.

Polokwane (Peter Mokaba Stadium)

Polokwane is the capitol of the Limpopo region of Northeast South Africa. It is a large, rural township with much of the population living in tribal districts and scattered urban settlements. This area is popular both for its cultural history as a land of myths and legends, and for its game viewing and hunting opportunities.

Peter Mokaba Stadium was built in 1976 with a capacity of 40,000 seats. It is getting a facelift for the World Cup. Before renovation Mokaba Stadium consisted of one main grandstand and three grass embankments for seating. The upgrade will place 20 rows of seating where the grass seating once stood. Mokaba Stadium will play host to 4 first-round matches.

Rustenburg (Royal Bafokeng Stadium)

Rustenburg is located in the Northwest region of South Africa, nestled at the base of the Magaliesberg mountain range. Rustenburg boasts of great ecotourism opportunities as well as numerous cultural heritage sites, such as the Rustenburg Museum, which depicts local history and archeology. Rustenburg was recently cited as the fastest growing city in all of South Africa. Another interesting Rustenburg fact: it is home to the world’s two largest platinum mines, as well as the largest platinum refinery, therefore, 70% of the world’s platinum originates in Rustenburg.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium was originally constructed for the 1995 World Cup of Rugby, and has been well maintained up to the present-day. Minor upgrades and seat expansions have already been completed, making Royal Bafokeng a 42,000 seat venue. Only a 90 minute drive from Johannesburg, Rustenburg is a great early-round getaway, as it hosts 4 first-round matches and 1 second-round match.

Atlanta Motor Speedway

The NASCAR season takes fans down to the Peach State for the Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the fastest track in NASCAR.  Jeff Gordon is the only active two-time winner of the race, so fans should be prepared for a wide-open race.  Located 20 miles south of the city in Hampton, GA, the Atlanta Motor Speedway is a 1.5 mile track that is packed with speed. That’s right, this track, constructed in 1960, was reconfigured in 1997 from a standard oval track to a quad oval track, and now average lap speeds hover around 190 miles per hour, and often exceed 200 MPH.

Choose where you want to stay with a Sports Traveler racing package, and see Atlanta for yourself. Take a walk through the Centennial Olympic Park, which was the cornerstone of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Special events are hosted here throughout the year and the memorial to the Olympic bombings is a must-visit attraction. The King center is a tribute to legendary civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, and it offers tours throughout the year, and still provides active community service in the Atlanta metro area. Atlanta also boasts one of the top aquariums in the world, and features numerous large sea mammals and exotic fish.

Before you get to the track, make sure to watch Smokey and the Bandit II, as the movie’s opening scene takes place at the speedway.  So come on down to Hotlanta for some hot auto action, just in time for the racing season to kick into full gear.

The 2009 Fedex BCS Championship game will be held on January 8th, 2009.  The game will be played at Dolphins Stadium, in Miami, FL. The game will feature the #1 and #2 teams in college football, as determined by the BCS rankings, to decide the 2009 BCS National Champion. 


Dolphins Stadium has been home to the Miami Dolphins since 1987 and the Florida Marlins since 1993, and is the new home to the University of Miami Hurricanes football team.  In addition to the regular scheduled events at Dolphin Stadium, it has been host to 4 Super Bowls, and 2 World Series, and will host Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. 

The Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area is one of the most popular vacation destinations and densely populated areas in the United States. Highways in the area often have backups so leave yourself plenty of time when attempting to travel from one destination to another. Heading to the many area beaches is a popular thing to do, especially on the weekends.

Highly recommended is South Beach, home to the Art Deco buildings, shops, clubs and hotels. And of course the famous South Beach, itself with blocks of sand and walkways to explore. At night the beach becomes one the world's party destinations. Clubs from Reggae to Jazz have live bands playing until the wee hours of the morning.

Definately try Larios, a Restaurant and club owned by Gloria Estefan for great lunches, dinners and hot hot Latin music all night long. Also fun is Mango's Tropical Cafe for some "interesting" singers and dancers and Caribbean, American food.

In last years BCS Championship game, held in the Louisiana Superdome, in New Orleans, LA, the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against the #2 LSU Tigers.   LSU won the game 38-24, and was awarded the AFCA National Championship Trophy.

Reservations are now being accepted for 2009 BCS Championship Travel Packages and BCS Championship Game Tickets.

Announced in April of 1982 by leading Thoroughbred owner and breeder John R. Gaines, the Breeders' Cup has served as a positive step toward not only promoting racing, but uniting the industry itself. Breeders' Cup Limited enjoyed immediate and widespread support from the industry through annual nomination payments for stallions and one-time nomination payments for those stallions' offspring.

Since the inaugural running at Hollywood Park 24 years ago, the Breeders' Cup has established itself as the season-ending championship of Thoroughbred racing. It is now firmly entrenched in American racing lore with a history and tradition all its own. The Breeders' Cup World Championships has also served as a deciding factor in Eclipse Award voting. The Eclipse Awards, which honor Horse of the Year and other champions in the sport, are voted on annually by representatives of Daily Racing Form, the National Turf Writers Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. In 2006, we witnessed every Eclipse Award winner (including Steeplechase Champion McDynamo) participate in the Breeders' Cup, something not ever achieved previously.

With each Breeders' Cup race worth $500,000 and up to $5,000,000, the day has been a magnet for the most outstanding equine competitors in the world. American champions such as Azeri, A.P. Indy, Alysheba, Cigar, Personal Ensign, Ferdinand, Sunday Silence, and countless others have demonstrated greatness at Breeders' Cup. Last year's Championships at Churchill Downs were no exception — we saw Ouija Board win her second title in three years in the Filly & Mare Turf, as well as Invasor, whose exceptional performance in the Classic brought him Eclipse honors as both outstanding older male and Horse of the Year.

Information courtesy of http://www.breederscup.com/

Bristol – Sharpie 500

As the Chase for the Championship begins to take shape the NASCAR season takes you to Bristol, Tennessee and one of the most exciting racetracks this country has to offer. Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the shortest tracks on the NASCAR circuit, checking in at only one half of a mile. Don’t be turned off by slower speeds, as Bristol’s bumper-to-bumper action makes this race possibly the most exciting of the NASCAR schedule.  With banked turns reaching up to 36 degrees, Bristol stakes its claim as the fastest of all of NASCARs short tracks.

Bristol straddles the state line between Tennessee and Virginia, and serves as a quaint home to 25,000 Volunteer state residents. Officially recognized as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Bristol offers travelers the chance to visit the site where artists such as Jimmie Rodgers, Uncle Charlie Osborne, as well as the Carter family all got their start. Their work and the work of many others is showcased at the Cultural Heritage Center, which also holds musical performances throughout the year.

As you take in the race, impress your friends with this bit of trivia: Bristol Motor Speedway is the largest amphitheatre in the world. The completely enclosed venue seats 165,000 fans, which creates an atmosphere that is recognized throughout the racing world as one of the most electric in the country.  Early in his career, Jeff Gordon dominated on this track, but recently Kurt Busch has been the man to catch, winning five races in all at this track since 2002. One thing is certain; a race at Bristol is a unique and unforgettable experience, see for yourself at this year’s Bristol Sharpie 500.

About the 2008 Food City 500:
"Racin' the way it ought'a be" is the slogan that this 1/2 miles bull ring with 36 degree banking known as Bristol Motor Speedway uses. The shortest track with the highest banking makes for exciting racing. Join us for our Spring Bristol Bash at Bristol Motor Speedway to understand why it is the most popular racing facility.

Travel information to the Bristol, TN Area:

The Bristol Motor Speedway is located in the heart of the in the Appalachian foothills in eastern Tennessee, about six miles south of the Virginia border. The track is 115 miles east of Knoxville, and 160 miles west of Winston-Salem, NC.

Unless you are planning on camping, Sports Traveler recommends the purchase of a race ticket and hotel travel package as all available hotel room space in the Bristol area is sold out year's in advance. Hotel and travel packages include Bristol tickets, hotel accommodations in the area, track transfers (bus transportation to and from the hotel and track), as well as optional track tours and VIP hospitality.

2009 British Open Championship -------

The Britiish Open, also called "The Open", is the oldest of the four major championships in professional golf.  Out of the major championships, it is the only one held outside the United States.  The British Open is played durring the third weekend of July, and is the third major played annually.  The Open is played at one of nine courses in the United Kingdom.  

With its rich history beginging in 1860, it has evolved quite a bit since than.  Its payout for the winner was originally nothing in the first year of the tournament.  In 1863, the purse increased to about $50 dollars for the winner.  Today its payout is almost $2 million for the winner, and has the largest payout of any major tournament. 

The tournament is known for its breathtaking courses, as The Open is played at some of the most spectacular courses in the world.  The 2009 British Open will be played at the Ailsa Course at the Westin Turnberry Resort July 16 - 19, 2009. This Open venue, which is on the edge of the River Clyde with a most recognizable vista to the Ailsa Craig and in the shadows of the esteemed Turnberry Hotel.  This was the stage in 1977 for arguably the greatest 36 hole drama between  Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson whose famous “duel in the sun” was settled by a single shot.

Don't miss any of this incredible event.  Packages are now available through Sports Traveler.

California Auto Club 500
Come down to sunny southern California to enjoy NASCAR’s west coast premiere. The Auto Club Speedway in Fontana is a modern super speedway which houses two NASCAR events annually as well as numerous other racing events. Located just 40 miles outside of Los Angeles, Fontana is perfectly nestled in California’s valley region and makes for the perfect end of February get-away.

The 2-mile oval shaped track provides fans with 250 laps of excitement on its low-banked corners. A seating capacity of nearly 92,000 allows this race to house racing fans from all over the west coast and beyond. Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson’s have fared well here, each has won multiple NASCAR races at the Auto Club Speedway.

If you’re worried about parking, have no fear as your Sports Traveler expedition will accommodate all of your needs. Included in your trip are Sprint Cup race tickets, a hotel stay of customizable length, transfers to and from all of the weekend’s activities, tickets to the Nationwide Cup race, commemorative ticket holders, programs, and more. Come discover the end of winter escape that you deserve by booking a trip to the Auto Club 500 today.

Candlestick Park

 

Candlestick Park has been the home to the San Francisco 49ers since 1971.  The park was originally built for the San Francisco Giants in 1960.  In remained the home of the Giants until 2000, when they moved into AT&T Park.  Candlestick has gone through a series of name changes in recent years, changing its name back to Candlestick Park in 2008.  The name ‘Candlestick Park” was given to the stadium because of its location in Candlestick Point, a small part of land in San Francisco Bay.  The ballpark was constructed when the New York Giants baseball team moved to San Francisco following the 1957 season.  Candlestick Park was the first modern baseball stadium, and is currently the only NFL stadium that was converted from a “baseball only” facility.  As a baseball stadium, Candlestick Park was known for its cold weather and strong winds. After a grandstand was built for the 49ers in the 1970s, which enclosed the ballpark, cutting down on the winds during football games. 

Candlestick Park has played host to many other historic events.  In 1966, The Beatles played their final concert together at Candlestick Park. 

Candlestick Park has a maximum capacity of just over 70,000.  Although its future is unknown, Candlestick Park is now one of the older stadiums in the NFL.  Sports Traveler has tickets and travel packages available for all San Francisco 49ers games. 

Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, FL
February 15, 2009

“The Great American Race” kicks off the NASCAR series each year in February.  It is the biggest, most prominent stock car race in the nation.  NASCAR (the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) has grown over the years and gained popularity from all over the United States.   The biggest race comes first in NASCAR.  This is a unique quality in sports, but the Daytona 500 gets the race fans revved up and ready for the season by starting off with a bang.  All the racers start off with all of their energy at this big event.         

This event is fast paced, with drivers traveling around 200 mph.  There is nonstop action which creates great entertainment and excitement for all spectators.  It all started because of a man known as “Big Bill” France.  France was a mechanic who not only worked on cars, but loved to race them.  In 1955 he presented the idea of constructing the Daytona Beach Motor Speedway.   The first official Daytona 500 race was held not long after that in 1959.    

Of all NASCAR races, this is the one with the best location, Daytona Beach.  Not only do you get to experience the best race, but you get a view of the ocean, palm trees, and everything else that beautiful Daytona has to offer.   

Come to see who crosses the finish line first to become the next Daytona 500 winner!

2008 Daytona 500 packages are available for stay in the Daytona Beach area or the Orlando area.

Packages with lodging in the Daytona Beach Area are perfect to enjoy the beach and the race. Tours include great Daytona 500 tickets, quality accommodations, track transfers to the race, plus additional options including Pit Pass Tours and Driver Appearances.  Many enjoy the Pre-Race pass which allows fans to walk across the track surface and onto Pit Road, plus gives a viewing of the garage area where teams are staging their cars prior to the race.  If you are interested in getting a little bit of history of previous races, then the Daytona 500 Experience (previously Daytona USA) is right for you!  The museum highlights past winners and record holders, along with much more.  Hospitality tents are great for entertaining with NASCAR celebrity appearances, games, door prizes, and food and drink provided.      

Other packages have similar features except with hotel accommodations in the Orlando Area.  These packages are perfect for anyone who wants to combine their tour with a trip to Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Studios!

Dolphins Stadium

 

Dolphins Stadium is one of the most prestigious venues in all of sports.  In addition to serving as home to the Miami Dolphins, Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Marlins, Dolphins Stadium has been the host of various Super Bowls and World Series.  Dolphins Stadium was built in 1987, and was originally called Joe Robbie Stadium, after the primary private sponsor for the stadium.  The stadium was designed with the hopes to be used as a baseball stadium as well, for a possible expansion franchise to the Miami area.  These hopes were realized in 1991 when Florida was awarded the expansion Marlins, who began play in 1993.  The maximum seating capacity of Dolphins Stadium is just over 76,000 for football, and just over 38,000 for baseball, as a large number of seats are not used in the upper deck of the stadium. 

            Dolphins stadium has been host to games in both the 1997 and 2003 World Series.  In addition, Dolphins Stadium has been host to four Super Bowls, the most recent in 2006 in Super Bowl XLI.  Dolphins Stadium is also slated to host Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.  

Fiesta Bowl  

    The 2009 Fiesta Bowl will be played on January 1st 2009, in Glendale Arizona.  The annual tradition of the Fiesta Bowl began in 1971, in an attempt to have an automatic bid for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Champion.  The association between the Fiesta Bowl and the WAC ended in 1978 when Arizona and Arizona State joined the Pacific 10 Conference. 
    Today, under the current BCS agreement, the Fiesta Bowl will play host to the Big 12 Champions.  In the 2008 Fiesta Bowl, the Oklahoma Sooners faced off against the West Virgina Mountaineers, with the Mountaineers coming out victorious, by the score of 48-28. 
    The 2009 Fiesta Bowl will be played at beautiful University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale Arizona.  In addition to currently hosting the Fiesta Bowl, University of Phoenix Stadium is also host to the Arizona Cardinals.  The stadium opened in August, 2006.  The stadium is the first in the United States to have a fully retractable natural grass playing surface.  An opening at one side of the stadium allows the field to move outside of the stadium, so the entire playing surface is able to receive sunlight when not in use.  In addition to the retractable field the stadium also has a retractable roof, providing relief from the desert heat.  The stadium has a permanent seating capacity of 63,400 and is expandable to just over 73,000.  In the venues short history, it has already played host to one of the biggest sporting events in the world, as it hosted Super Bowl XLII in 2008. 
   

                The Giants played their first game at Giants Stadium in 1976, ending in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.  The Jets moved into the stadium in 1984, after they moved out of Shea Stadium.  Because both New York NFL teams play at Giants Stadium, it surpassed Wrigley Field as the venue that has hosted the most NFL games.  Giants Stadium has hosted various other events throughout its history, none bigger than the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1995. 

                In 2010, Giants Stadium will be demolished when the New Meadowlands Stadium opens.  The New Meadowlands Stadium will also serve as the home for the New York Giants and the New York Jets.   The New Stadium will be a 50/50 partnership between the two teams, and will even change lighting colors to match what team is playing.  The new capacity will be 82,500, and will still rank 2^nd in size in the NFL, behind Fedex Field in Landover, MD.  The new stadium construction costs are estimated at $1.3 billion. 

Located in downtown Minneapolis, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, or simply The Metrodome, has been home to the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL, and the Minnesota Twins of MLB since 1982.  In addition the “roller-dome” as served as home to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. 

            The Metrodome has hosted various other major events such as, Super Bowl XXVI, games in the 1987 and 1991 World Series, the 1985 MLB All-Star Game, and multiple NCAA Final Fours.  The Metrodome is the only venue to ever host a Super Bowl, World Series, Final Four, and MLB All-Star Game.  In addition to sporting events, The Metrodome also hosts public roller skating, giving it the nickname "the roller-dome". 

            If you are driving to the Metrodome, The Metrodome is located at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Interstate 35W in downtown Minneapolis.  Public transportation is also available as the Downtown East/Metrodome stop on the Hiawatha Line is located right next to The Metrodome.  Bus service is also available through the University of Minnesota.

            The need for the Metrodome came to be when both the Vikings, and the Twins became dissatisfied with Metropolitan Stadium.  The Metrodome opened in 1982, and is approaching its end of use by its tenants.  The Minnesota Twins will vacate the Metrodome in 2010, when their new stadium is completed.  The Vikings are currently in the works to get a new stadium deal, but nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Indianapolis 500 ------
The Indianapolis 500, known as “the greatest spectacle in racing” is the largest single day sporting event in the world, as the track capacity is around 400,000.This historic event is held annually over Memorial Day weekend at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex was built in 1909 as a gravel-and-tar track and hosted a number of small events before the promoters decided to focus on just one major event. The track was then paved with 3.2 million bricks, urged by principal owner Carl G. Fisher after several deaths related to the unsteady racing surface. The creation of a 500 mile race allowed the track to rapidly acquire a privileged status for automobile races.

Racing has come a very long way in the last 100 years.The first "500" was held at the Speedway on Memorial Day, May 30, 1911.The spectators of this race totaled over 82,000 and admission was only 1 dollar.Many of the drivers rode along with mechanics, who checked the oil, and acted as a “spotter”.The Indianapolis 500 has such a long history that many pre and post race traditions have taken place.One of the most noted traditions is for the victor to drink a bottle of milk after the race.This tradition started in 1936 when race winner Louis Meyer asked for a glass of buttermilk.Today, the American Dairy Association now sponsors drivers who sip milk in victory lane.In addition to getting a cold glass of milk, the victor also gets their face, name, average speed, and date of victory on the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Sports Traveler has your tickets and travel packages for the 2009 Indianapolis 500.Not only can we provide you with a great selection of race tickets, we also can provide Paddock Penthouse upgrades, headsets, and much more.

Invesco Field at Mile High

 

Invesco Field at Mile High has been home to the Denver Broncos since 2001, after replacing Mile High Stadium.  Invesco Field is also home to the Major League Lacrosse team, the Denver Oulaws.  In 2008, Invesco Field was home to the Democratic National Convention.  The stadium was opened in 2001, with a concert by the legendary rock group, The Eagles.  The seating capacity is 76.125, and can be expanded to just over 77,000 for special events.  Invesco Field is working to create its own legends, as the predecessor, Mile High Stadium had on of the greatest home field advantages in all of professional sports. 

           The original Mile High Stadium opened in 1948, as the home to the minor league baseball team, the Denver Bears.  It was the home to the Broncos from 1960-2000.   In 2000, Broncos fans caused the world’s largest roar for 10 seconds, as it measured over 128 decibels.  Mile High was demolished in 2002, some reminisce of Mile High Stadium was used in the foundation for the parking lot for Invesco Field at Mile High.  Sports Traveler offers tickets and travel packages to any Denver Broncos game.   

Kinnick Stadium

 

            Kinnick Stadium, has been home of the Iowa Hawkeyes since 1929.  Kinnick Stadium has a maximum capacity of just over 70,000, which would be considered the fifth largest city in Iowa.  Named after Nile Kinnick, the only Heisman Trophy winner in Iowa Hawkeye history.  One of the unique features of Kinnick Stadium is its pink visitors locker room.  Head coach Hayden Fry started this, whose reasoning was the calming effect the color pink has.  Even after a recent major renovation of Kinnick Stadium, the visitor’s locker room was painted pink. 

Lambeau Field

 

Lambeau Field is one of the most historic venues in all of professional sports.  Opening in 1957, Lambeau Field was the first stadium built exclusively for an NFL franchise.  Lambeau Field provides one of the greatest home-field advantages for the Green Bay Packers, as its temperatures are around freezing for most of the season.  Nicknamed “the frozen tundra” for the “Ice Bowl” which was played in 1967 vs. the Dallas Cowboys, the harsh conditions make Lambeau Field one of the toughest places to play for visiting teams.  In 2007, Lambeau Field was voted “best game day atmosphere” on the NFL. In addition, Lambeau Field became the longest occupied stadium in the NFL, passing up Wrigley Field, the longtime home of the Chicago Bears. 

            The Packers continue to be one of the most popular franchises as they have sold out every game at Lambeau Field since 1960, and have almost 80,000 names on their season ticket wait list. 

            Sports Traveler offers tickets and travel accommodations for every game at Lambeau Field. 

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Week 3 – Las Vegas 400
As the NASCAR season heats up, why not got to one of the hottest cities in the United States? The Las Vegas 400 offers fans the unique opportunity to spend a weekend with great race action while enjoying one of the most unique cities on the planet. A package to NASCAR’s third race weekend of the year offers you just that.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway located minutes outside of famous Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the largest sporting venues in the world as it holds over 142,000 people. You can be sure that all these seats will be filled for the UAW Las Vegas 400. Jimmie Johnson has dominated this race in recent years winning three times in a row between 2005 and 2007.

The speedway underwent massive redevelopment before the 2007 race adding many concourse amenities and providing fans with a faster track featuring “progressive banking,” a breakthrough in track engineering that allows for more exciting neck and neck racing action.

Sports Traveler offers packages placing fans along the Las Vegas strip in including marquee names such as The Bellagio, The Venetian, The Luxor, and more. These packages include all of your transportation from these hotels to NASCAR’s Sprint and Nationwide series races. With customizable stays in Las Vegas and the option to add features such as driver appearances, Neon Garage passes, prime seating upgrades, and much more.

What are you waiting for? Book your vacation to Las Vegas for the UAW 400 today!

Lincoln Financial Field

 

Lincoln Financial Field has been the home to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls since 2003.  Built to replace the longtime home of the Eagles, Veterans Stadium.  Although the maximum seating capacity changed little from that of Veterans Stadium, the number of luxury seats was doubled at Lincoln Financial Field.  In 2005, Lincoln Financial Field hosted the NFC Championship, as the Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons to advance to their first Super Bowl since 1980.

The Superdome

 

The Louisiana Superdome opened in 1975, and has been home to the New Orleans Saints ever since.  At its time of completion, The Superdome was the largest dome structure in the world, as its maximum capacity is just over 72,000.   The Georgia Dome in Atlanta, and the Millennium Dome in London later surpassed it.  In addition to serving as home to the Saints, The Superdome is home to Tulane University’s college football team, as well as the annual home to the Sugar Bowl.  The Superdome has been home to many other events throughout its history, including more Super Bowls than any other venue, hosting six.  The famed venue has also played host to four NCAA final four tournaments, the latest coming in 2003, as well as four BCS National Championship games, the most recent in 2008. 

Lucas Oil Stadium - Opening in the fall of 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium is the new home of the Indianapolis Colts. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, this state of the art facility features a retractable roof and “window wall”, which allows the Colts to play “outdoors”. The total building costs are estimated at $720 million. The maximum capacity for Lucas Oil Stadium is 63,000 and is expandable up to 70,000 for special events. Lucas Oil Stadium will be the host venue for Super Bowl XVI in 2012. The first game played at Lucas Oil Stadium was on September 7, 2008 where the Chicago Bears defeated the Indianapolis Colts 29-13. In addition to hosting the Super Bowl, the 2010 Final Four semifinals and final rounds will also be held at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Martinsville – Subway 500

Come and check out the sixth race in NASCAR’s Chase for the Championship series, the Subway 500. Martinsville is a short track, in fact, at only .526 miles around it is the smallest track used on the NASCAR circuit. Martinsville is one of the oldest raceways in use, as it was built in 1947. The Speedway boasts a seating capacity of 65,000, and is expecting a 20,000 seat upgrade to be completed within the next few years. With only half a mile of race track and twelve turns, racing at Martinsville is always a close competition with cars stacked on top of each other.

Martinsville has a rich history. It was founded in the 18^th century as a strategic barracks point for American revolutionaries. It gained economic autonomy when the DuPont Corporation built a chemical manufacturing plant there in 1928. Famous for its furniture building, Martinsville has moved into the 21^st century gracefully as it is now home to numerous technological development firms.

The city’s two NASCAR races are the highlights of the year, as the whole city gets out to celebrate. Jeff Gordon has won six races at the track since 1997, and is always a favorite on the short track of Martinsville. At the race choose between three different hospitality options. The Pepsi, Bud and Home Depot hospitality sections of the racetrack offer appearances including Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, and Tony Stewart. Martinsville is one of the most historic tracks on the NASCAR circuit, so come on down and see for yourself this October!

As the NASCAR season moves progressively north, Martinsville Speedway plays host to the Goody’s Cool Orange 500. Just like the Bristol track of the week before, Martinsville is a short track, in fact, at only .526 miles around it is the smallest track used on the NASCAR circuit. Martinsville is one of the oldest raceways in use, as it was built in 1947. The Speedway boasts a seating capacity of 65,000, and is expecting a 20,000 seat upgrade to be completed within the next few years. With only half a mile of race track and twelve turns, racing at Martinsville is always a close competition with cars stacked on top of each other.

Martinsville has a rich history. It was founded in the 18^th century as a strategic barracks point for American revolutionaries. It gained economic autonomy when the DuPont Corporation built a chemical manufacturing plant there in 1928. Famous for its furniture building, Martinsville has moved into the 21^st century gracefully as it is now home to numerous technological development firms.

The city’s two NASCAR races are the highlights of the year, as the whole city gets out to celebrate. Jeff Gordon has won six races at the track since 1997, and is always a favorite on the short track of Martinsville. At the race choose between three different hospitality options. The Pepsi, Bud and Home Depot hospitality sections of the racetrack offer appearances including Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, and Tony Stewart. Martinsville is one of the most historic tracks on the NASCAR circuit, so come on down and see for yourself this spring!

The Masters Tournament is one of four major tournaments held annually in professional golf. Unlike other major tournaments, the Masters is held at the same location every year, in Augusta, Georgia. The tournament is held at legendary Augusta National Golf Club. The Masters is a 72-hole, four-day championship held Thursday through Sunday with Practice Rounds held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the start of the Tournament.

The Masters history is rich in tradition as the winner not only receives a huge payday, but also receives a lifetime invitation to the Masters, and an automatic invitation to every major tournament in the next five years. Also, another tradition of the Master’s is the famed “green jacket” given to the winner of the tournament.

Masters event tickets are called Masters Badges. For the Practice Rounds the badges are paper and can be kept as souvenirs after the conclusion of the days rounds. For the Tournament Rounds on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Masters Badges are plastic pins that attach to your clothing. Tournament round badges cannot be kept and must be returned back to Augusta National after the conclusion of the event. For this reason, we charge a refundable deposit that you will get back after you return your Badge to us.

One of the most exciting days of the Tournament that has been growing in popularity is the Wednesday Practice Round and Par-3 Tournament. This event is a fun-filled day where the players interact with the patrons, take pictures and sign autographs followed by a Par-3 Tournament that is likely to include past PGA greats in the lineup.

Going to the Masters can be quite physically demanding. Expect to do a lot of walking on the course to see your favorite PGA players. Food and beverage service is also very limited while on Augusta National - with just the traditional Pimento sandwiches and canned sodas and beer available. We recommend adding a Masters Hospitality pass to your Masters travel experience to allow you and your guests a place to relax and get a full service meal. We offer the 1018 Club - an exclusive Masters hospitality venue offering a country club like atmosphere just steps from the pedestrian entrance of Augusta National Golf Course. Included in your admission pass are exceptional breakfast foods, omelet stations, hearty lunch buffet, full dinner buffet, non-stop grill featuring steaks, hamburgers and dedicated grill chef, top shelf liquor, and cigars. Enjoy HD TV's, live entertainment, and free massages onsite.

You are allowed to bring your camera and take unlimited amounts of pictures on all Practice Round days. Be sure to check out the "Ball Skipping Competition" at #16 where the players lineup and try to skip golf balls over the water onto the green during the Practice Rounds.

While touring in Augusta Georgia, be sure to visit the Augusta Museum of History and their exibit on past Masters Champions. Feel like playing golf instead of watching? With more than 10 major prestigious golf courses to visit, Augusta has become one of the most desired and exciting places for all golfers to vacation.Some include The River Golf Club, Persimmon Hill, Houndslake Country Club, Cedar Creek Golf Club, CoopersCreek and more.

Our Tips for relaxing Masters watching:

Do sit in the bleachers at Amen Corner (11,12) where you can see both tee offs and putting or sit by 15, 16, 17. Right after the golfers finish up their rounds on Practice Rounds and Tournament Rounds, they usually head to the driving range behind the main clubhouse to hit a bucket of balls. Watch them tee it up and work on their swings with their coaches from the bleachers and rest your feet.

Remember ladies, measure your purse before going in (must be 10″W x 5″H x 5″D). If it’s too big, you will have to check it.

Banned items at the Course: No cell phones, no pagers. Remember camera’s are ok on practice round days.

Sports Traveler provides many different options to the 2009 Masters, including Masters travel packages, Masters Badges, Masters Private Homes, and Masters Hospitality passes.

Orange Bowl

    The 2009 Orange Bowl will be played on January 1st 2009 at Dolphin Stadium, in Miami, Florida.  Dolphins Stadium has been home to the Miami Dolphins since 1987 and the Florida Marlins since 1993, and is the new home to the University of Miami Hurricanes football team.  In addition to the regular scheduled events at Dolphin Stadium, it has been host to 4 Super Bowls, and 2 World Series, and will host Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. 
    The Orange bowl tradition has lasted for almost 75 years, starting in 1935.  Throughout the history of the Orange Bowl has hosted the champions of many different conferences.  Today, under the current BCS setup the Orange Bowl now hosts the ACC Champion. 
    In the 2008 Orange Bowl, the Kansas Jayhawks ended their surprising season with a victory over the ACC Champion Virgina Tech Hokies 24-21. 

Qualcomm Stadium

 

            Formerly known as San Diego Stadium, and Jack Murphy Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium has been the home to the San Diego Chargers since 1967.  In addition to serving as home to the Chargers, it has also been home to the San Diego State Aztecs football team since 1967.  Qualcomm Stadium is also the regular home to the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, as well as the Poinsettia Bowl, both games are held annually in December.  Until 2003, the San Diego Padres also called Qualcomm Stadium home. 

            In addition to the regularly scheduled events at Qualcomm Stadium, the venue has been host to three Super Bowls, and has hosted games in two World Series.  Qualcomm Stadium is the only venue in history to host both a Super Bowl and a World Series in the same year, with the feat occurring in 1998. 

            Sports Traveler has your San Diego Chargers tickets for every game home or away.  Book your San Diego Chargers travel package today.

Quest Field

 

Opening in 2002, Quest Field is home to the Seattle Seahawks.  Since its opening, Quest Field has had one of the greatest home field advantages, as the stadium is typically one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.  Since 2005, the visiting team has committed more false start penalties than that of any other stadium in the NFL.  One of the major attractions of Quest Field is its unique design.  “The Hawks Nest”, a 13-story tower with a scoreboard at the top, as well as bleacher seating for 3,000 fans sits behind the north end zone.  In addition to the Hawk’s Nest, the overhanging roof design is also unique to Quest Field, as it keeps 70 % of the seats dry during Seattle’s rainy climate.  The maximum capacity of Quest Field is 68,000, and can be expanded to 72,000 for special events.  Starting in 2009, Quest Field will also be home to the MLS Franchise in Seattle, The Seattle Sounders FC. 

Soldier Field 

    Serving as a memorial to American soldiers who lost their lives in war, Soldier Field is rich in history.  Originally built in 1924, Soldier Field has been host to a variety of events including the 1927 Dempsey-Tunney boxing match, 1994 FIFA World Cup matches, religious events, and various concerts.  Serving as the home of the Chicago Bears since 1971, it has been host to many memorable football games including 3 NFC Championship games.
    Soldier Field also played host to the infamous "Fog Bowl", which was held on December, 31st, 1988.  The NFC Divisional playoff game was between the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles.  The game was impacted greatly by a dense fog, and reduced visibility down to less than 20 yards.  The Bears won the game 20-12 and advanced to the NFC Championship, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl Champions, the San Francisco 49ers. 
    Following the 2001 NFL season, the $600 million renovations on Soldier Field began.  The renovations were controversial because of the history of the stadium, and many felt the original stadium should be kept in tact.  Many referred to the Soldier Field renovations as "the mistake by the lake."  On September 29, 2003, "new soldier field" opened its doors.  The first game at the newly renovated stadium was a Monday Night Football contest, between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.  Despite its strange exterior, the interior of the stadium has been an overwhelming favorite among fans.  The New York Times ranked New Soldier Field as one of the top five new buildings of 2003. 
   Soldier Field is located on Museum Campus Drive, right off Lake Shore Drive.  This location adds to the atmosphere of the stadium, as it is in the heart of downtown Chicago.