London is one of the sporting capitals of the world. Not only does it have seven Premier League teams in football, but there are also professional teams in a range of sports, including basketball, cricket, and rugby union.
If you are looking to attend a new sport for the first time this autumn, here are three events you should consider giving a go.
British Champions Day – Ascot
Ascot is one of the closest racecourses to London, as you can hop on a train at one of the capital’s mainline stations and arrive at the Berkshire venue in just 50 minutes.
In October, Ascot hosts British Champions Day, a meeting where the best Flat horses face off at an end-of-season showdown. This is a great opportunity to see some of the leading thoroughbreds in the sport.
BAAEED makes it 10 from 10 and absolutely demolishes the field in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York and for William Haggas and Jim Crowley. WHAT A RACE. 🏆@yorkracecourse @JimCrowley1978 @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/o9D9VyxpiD
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) August 17, 2022
One of the horses likely to feature on British Champions Day in 2022 is Baaeed. He will be one of the popular racing tips today for that fixture as he is highest rated racehorse in the world. The William Haggas-trained colt is 1/3 to maintain his 100% record in the Champions Stakes.
As well as great racing, the atmosphere on British Champions Day is something to savour. If you want to make the day special, you can even book some of Ascot’s world-class hospitality.
NFL International Series
The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most recognised sports leagues in the world. The league has been playing regular season games in London since 2007 and they return in 2022 with three more games.
On October 2, the Minnesota Vikings take on the New Orleans Saints at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Then seven days later, the hugely popular Green Bay Packers play in London for the first time when they come up against the New York Giants.
“For me, every day I think about the legacy of it all.”
𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲: @DangeRussWilson poised to continue impressive career in Denver » https://t.co/JKHHPd9SD5 pic.twitter.com/P6BByfaFV4
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 11, 2022
Finally, the Denver Broncos meet the UK’s adopted team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, on October 30 at Wembley Stadium. This will be the chance to see one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in action as Russell Wilson joined the Broncos earlier this year.
Darts
London is home to the annual PDC World Darts Championship, an event that seems to grow every year. It takes place at the Alexandra Palace in December, and it includes the best players in the world as they bid to lift the most prestigious trophy in the sport.
The atmosphere inside the Alexandra Palace for this event is described as electric by many of those who have experienced it. Spectators are encouraged to sing and have a great time throughout the session.
This year’s tournament will see Peter Wright defend the title he won back in January. He is bidding to win the competition for a third time when it returns on December 15. Challengers to the Scotsman include Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, and Michael Smith, three players who go into the tournament in great form.
Have a great time if you are attending one of the above three sporting events this year, and as always, do check the venue’s official website for more information on tickets and travel advice.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!