Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.
If we’ve learned anything in 2017, it is that millennials and baby boomers can agree on one thing: the value of unique experiences far outweigh the significance of material goods. With that consensus idea in mind, the Big Game Air team took a look at the top bucket-list experiences of 2018.
1. Super Bowl (Feb. 4 – Minneapolis, MN)
Regardless of who takes the field at Super Bowl LII, the scene will be a can’t miss spectacle. Brand-new U.S. Bank Stadium is a sight to see (and has roof so fans will be warm and comfortable at kickoff). If the hometown Minnesota Vikings end up making it to the big game, you can expect pandemonium — and the loudest Super Bowl in league history.
2. Kentucky Derby (May 5 — Louisville, KY)
The triple crown consists of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont. The three-race draw begins with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The Preakness follows two weeks later and the trifecta concludes three weeks after with the Belmont. All three races draw packed crowds fit with festive attire and plenty of cocktails.
3. Phoenix Open (Jan. 29 – Feb. 4 – Phoenix, AZ)
Dubbed “The Greatest Show on Grass” this PGA Tour event is heralded for its unmatched scenery and star power. Considered by many as the secret gem of the PGA tour calendar, spectators often use this tournament as a great winter vacation getaway.
4. NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 18 – Los Angeles, CA)
The best players in basketball collide in Hollywood. What makes this year so special? For the first time in league history, All-Star captains will pick their own teammates in a practice that is sure to draw plenty of conversation, which should build to one of the most competitive All-Star games in league history.
5. Final Four (March 31-April 2, San Antonio, TX)
The legendary Alamodome. The historic River Walk. Four top-notch college basketball teams and their passionate fan bases. What is not to love about this set up? Hard to find a better an experience for a college basketball fan.
6. The Masters (April 5-8, Augusta, GA)
Augusta National Golf Club is the center of the pro golf universe. These are sacred and hollowed grounds to any golf historian. This year features plenty of nostalgia (and who doesn’t love nostalgi?) as Tiger Woods and Ernie Els are expected to play at golf’s most prestigious major.
7. NBA Finals (May 31-June 17, TBD)
LeBron James. Kevin Durant. Steph Curry. Enjoy said. While we are really assuming a lot (the Cavs still need to handle the Celtics and the Warriors need to take care of the hot-handed Houston Rockets), a Cavs/Warriors Finals for the fourth time in as many years is a can’t miss experience. These teams feature three of the Top 50 NBA players of all-time and an opportunity to watch them go head-to-head in their prime should not be taken for granted.
8. U2 Tour
Formed in 1976 and still going strong to this day, U2 has a following like none other. An opportunity to see the world’s best-selling music artists in person is something we can assure you will never forget. Just ask the millions of fans who have already enjoyed this experience.
9. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April 13-22 – Indio, CA)
The Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. hosts this must-visit festival, which features musical artists from a plethora of genres mixed with incredible art ventures. The demand for this incredible experience builds by the year. In 2017, 250,000 people made it to the festival grounds for this can’t miss event.
10. UEFA Champions League Final (May 26 – Kiev, Ukraine)
The 63rd season of Europe’s premier league concludes at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in front of a capacity crowd of over 70,000 fans. Saying the crowd will be raucous is an understatement.
More Bucket-List Items to Consider:
- Wimbledon and the U.S. Open – Two of tennis’ four majors offering vastly different but very unique tennis atmospheres. Whether it’s the hard courts of New York City or the grass playing surface in England, both grand slams are unforgettable experiences.
- FIFA World Cup – Does it get much better than watching these clubs battle it out for bragging rights and soccer supremacy?
- Daytona 500 (Feb. 18 – Daytona Beach, FL.) – This 500-mile-long event is a NASCAR party from start to finish and features to biggest names in the sport. Set in beautiful Daytona Beach, what is not to love?
- Montreal Grand Prix/Austin Grand Prix – These, in essence, are the World Series events of Indy Racing. Both venues are remarkable and the enthusiasm of Indy Racing fans is unmatched.
- MLB Opening Day – If you are an old-school baseball fan, you can’t go wrong with opening day … anywhere. But in 2018, you’d preferably want to start at historic Yankee Stadium where we could be in line to see the next Yankee’s Dynasty in 2018.
Interested in making it to one of these bucket-list events in 2018? Big Game Air is happy to build you a fully customizable trip to your favorite event. We will handle every logistic from start to finish, including tickets, dinner/night life reservations or hotel accommodations.
