One of America’s favorite pastimes is watching a sports game – on television, live at the stadium, or in the park. Football and baseball are the most popular in the U.S., but there are many other options from professional, minor league, and college sports teams, like soccer, hockey, basketball, and tennis.
Women’s sports are also a major part of American sports culture. From the WNBA and NWSL to college athletics, there are great opportunities to see world-class competition. NASCAR is also a hugely popular sport in certain parts of the United States, particularly in the Southeast and Midwest areas.
Check out the Sports & Recreation section of each state in our Cultural Compass guide to learn more about sports in your area, and consider trying out some favorite American sports for yourself!
Football
American football is one of the most watched sports in the U.S. Note that it is very different from what most of the world calls football (soccer). Games are a major social event, and the Super Bowl is one of the most watched television broadcasts of the year.
- Super Bowl (NFL), February
- Rose Bowl (college football), New Year’s Day
- Army-Navy Game (college football), November/December
Basketball
Basketball was invented in the United States and remains one of its most beloved sports. College basketball has an especially passionate fan base, and the NBA is one of the most globally recognized sports leagues in the world.
- NCAA March Madness (men’s college basketball), March
- NCAA Women’s Tournament (women’s college basketball), March
- NBA Finals (men’s professional basketball), June
- WNBA Finals (women’s professional basketball), September/October
Soccer
Soccer, known as football almost everywhere else in the world, has grown rapidly in popularity in the U.S. over the past two decades. Both the men’s MLS and women’s NWSL have passionate fan communities across the country.
- MLS Cup (men’s professional soccer), November
- NWSL Championship (women’s professional soccer), November
Baseball
Baseball is often called America’s pastime and has been part of U.S. culture for over 150 years. Attending a live game with hot dogs, peanuts, and a relaxed pace is a classic American experience worth having at least once.
- World Series (baseball), November
Tennis
Tennis has a long history in the U.S., and the US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments that define the sport globally. It takes place in New York City and draws some of the world’s best players every year.
- US Open (tennis, men’s and women’s), August
Golf
Golf is deeply woven into American leisure culture, and the U.S. hosts several of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments. The Masters, held in Augusta, Georgia, is considered one of the most iconic events in all of sports.
- The Masters Tournament, first full week of April
- US Open, June
Hockey
Ice hockey is especially popular in the northern U.S. and in cities with cold climates. NHL games are fast, physical, and known for their electric atmosphere. It’s a great live sports experience even if you have never watched hockey before.
- Stanley Cup, June
Racing
Motorsport has a devoted following in the U.S., particularly NASCAR, which has deep roots in Southern culture. The Kentucky Derby, while a horse race, is also one of America’s great sporting traditions — as much a cultural event as an athletic one.
- Daytona 500 (NASCAR), February
- Indianapolis 500, May
- Kentucky Derby (horse racing), May
Running
Road racing has a strong culture in the U.S., with thousands of races held every year from local 5Ks to major marathons. The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious races in the sport.
- Boston Marathon, third Monday in April
Surfing
Surfing is a major part of coastal culture in California and Hawaii. The US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California draws world-class competitors and is free to watch live on the beach.
- US Open of Surfing, July
Whether you catch a game live or watch from your host family’s living room, American sports are one of the best ways to experience U.S. culture firsthand. Cheer loud! Americans always do.
