The InterExchange Top Cultural Picks in the U.S. > Guide to Sports in the U.S.

Just like our music and our hair metal bands, the U.S. likes its sports big and loud. Americans love their teams, both college and professional, and many of us have fathers (and mothers, too!) who had rooms dedicated to their favorite teams. Here at InterExchange, we love sports and think going to a game or joining a team while you're here is one of the best ways to experience American culture and make new friends. Whether you choose football, baseball, basketball, hockey, extreme sports, kickball or joining a running club, get out there and play!

Football

American football is perhaps the most popular spectator sport in the country and for good reason. The sport, similar to rugby but with helmets and pads, has fanatic fans for the NFL (the professional league) and college teams. Going to a game - and tailgating beforehand - is one of the best ways to spend a fall Saturday or Sunday. Speaking of tailgating: this is perhaps an American sport unto itself! Tailgating is when fans come a couple of hours before the game starts and hang out in the parking lot or side streets around the stadium. It sounds funny, but hours spent grilling, eating, listening to music and playing games is often as much fun as the actual game!

Baseball

Labeled "America's national pastime," baseball is a summer staple in the schedules of most American families. Going to a game, singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and buying an over-priced "frank" (another name for a hot dog) is one of those quintessential American scenes you simply have to try out for yourself.

Basketball

There is a debate among basketball fans about which is better: college basketball or the NBA (the professional league)? College basketball has the excitement of a whole university around it and the NBA has the big stars to watch. Go to both in your nearest city to find out which one you like better.

Hockey

Hockey is a stereotypical Canadian and northern United States sport and for good reason. It's cold up there! In Minnesota alone, winter weather often lasts until May - and that's not even as far north as Canada.  To stay warm or have an excuse to get out of the house on frigid days, many boys (and more girls than ever) like to hit the puck around the rink for fun. Northern universities love their hockey teams and if you live in a colder climate, it is the perfect chance to go to a game or even join a team and practice skating. Just watch out for the hockey parents who can be as competitive as the players!

Extreme Sports 

No one at InterExchange really knows who or in which country many of the sports classified "extreme" started, but they are very popular in the U.S. Surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, roller blading and biking are all common passtimes in both urban and suburban (rural too) areas. The X-Games, extreme sports olympics, are also a big draw. There is a whole culture surrounding these sports, even a lifestyle, and if you are into trying new things, go down to your local skate park or rent a board and meet some of the people in your area who are interested in the same thing.  Lords of Dogtown, a famous movie about the California skateboarding and surfing culture, is a great reference point.  Just wear lots of protective gear and play safe!

Running and Jogging

Maybe not the most exciting of pastimes. running and jogging are one of the most popular ways to exercise in the U.S. You will see runners in the parks and on the streets of any U.S. cities and neighborhoods. If you want to prepare for one of the many 3ks, 5ks, 10ks, halfs (marathon) or full marathons in your area, grab your running shoes and hit the pavement! 

NASCAR

NASCAR is a popular sport, with more fans from the South and Midwest of the U.S. The Indianapolis 500 is the most popular race of the year and if you're living or working in the southern part of the country, there are many races to attend during the warmer months.