From track side to court side, in epic stadiums or revered gardens, Travel Associates can help you score the best ticket packages for the many of 2016's most exciting games and events around the world.
If North America or Europe are on your radar next year, we can get you tickets to the hottest games in Major League Baseball (April through September), NFL gridiron (September through January), NBA basketball (October through April) and the English Premier League (September through May).
There are some games and events, however, that only occupy the world's attention for mere minutes – selling out just as quick – and worth travelling for in their own right. Here's our events guide to 2016 (and a little further beyond) giving you plenty of notice.
March: Australia Formula 1 Grand Prix
Start your engines! Celebrate 20 years of Formula One at Albert Park as Round 1 of the World Championship gets under way in Melbourne. Race dates are 17 to 20 March.
April: Golf and Rugby
April is a busy month for sport as rugby’s Hong Kong Sevens (8 to 10 April) and Singapore Sevens (16 & 17 April) kick off in each city.
On the other side of the world, see who takes home the green jacket at the 82nd installment of The US Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia (4 to 10 April).
Hong Kong Sevens kicks off 16 & 17 April 2016. Image: Keith Prowse Travel
May: French Open, Monaco Grand Prix and Chelsea Flower Show
From tennis to racing and a world famous flower show, it’s all happening in May.
One of four Grand Slam tournaments, witness the thrilling clay court action at the French Open (22 May to 5 June); feel the rush of adrenaline in beautiful Monaco at the world’s most prestigious auto race (26 to 29 May); or fill your days with colour at the famous flower show in Chelsea, London (24 to 28 May).
Chelsea Flower Show enchants visitors 24–28 May 2016. Image: Keith Prowse Travel
June: State of Origin
One of the biggest events on the Australian sporting calendar, New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head in this popular rugby league football match-up.
With matches in Sydney and Brisbane, there’s ample opportunity to take in a game and support your favourite team and rediscover the Queensland coast or Harbour City while you're at it (1 June at ANZ Stadium, 22 June at Suncorp Stadium, and the decider, 13 July at ANZ Stadium).
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July: Wimbledon and British Open Golf
The world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament takes place in London starting on 27 June and continuing through 10 July.
Not far away in Scotland, the world’s oldest golf tournament tees off. The 145th Open will be played at Royal Troon Golf Club from 14 to 17 July.
August: Edinburgh Tattoo and US Open Tennis
With the imposing silhouette of Edinburgh Castle in the background, military bands display their talents as they march and perform along the historic esplanade. Taking place between 5 and 27 August, the traditional event is filled with music, dance and fireworks.
On the other side of the Atlantic, tennis fans will want to catch the fourth and final Grand Slam event of the year at Flushing Meadows in New York City (29 August to 11 September).
Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place 5–27 August 2016. Image: Keith Prowse Travel
September: Singapore Grand Prix
The auto racing thrills of the Singapore Grand Prix take place on the Marina Bay Street Circuit from 16 September. The 5 kilometre long track winds its way around the posh harbour side setting well known for its glamorous hotels (Singapore Sling at Raffles anyone?) the and high-end shopping venues.
Singapore Grand Prix revs up 16–18 September 2016. Image: Keith Prowse Travel
October: Football Grand Finals
With the NRL and AFL Grand Finals taking place in October, sports fans have ample opportunity to take in a game and cheer on their favourite team. Being two of the biggest events of the year however means tickets and airline seats go fast. With football fever in full effect, fans will want to plan ahead for these must-see games.
November: Melbourne Cup Carnival
From the fashions and the marquees to the jockeys and majestic thoroughbreds, the Melbourne Cup is an Australian event like no other. This prestigious horse race takes place every November on the first Tuesday of the month and pays out millions to the winner.
Melbourne Cup gates open 7 November 2017. Image: Keith Prowse Travel
Beyond 2016...
Australian Open Tennis
Held in Melbourne over the last fortnight of January, the Australian Open is the first of four international Grand Slam tournaments held each year. See all the tennis greats and they vie for the winning title in men’s and women’s single and double match-ups.
Australian Open Tennis is served up the last fortnight of January 2017. Image: Keith Prowse Travel.
NFL’s Super Bowl
As sporting events go, the “big game” is not ironically one of the biggest. The event is so huge that the day of the game is considered to be an unofficial U.S. holiday. Close to 120 million viewers tune in from around the country to see who takes home the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The game is held in a different NFL city each year with Super Bowl LI (51) scheduled for 5 February at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
