The first weekend in April, the first weekend in May, Memorial Day weekend, Father's Day weekend, and Labor Day all stand out as strong sports weekends.
First Weekend in April
For sheer quantity, the first weekend in April may be the best weekend in all of sports. There is the Final Four, Opening Day in Major League Baseball, the upcoming NFL Draft, and plenty of NBA and NHL action. Fans of both college and pro sports have something to cheer for during this time. This is also the time that the weather starts gradually getting better in the northern part of the United States, so this plethora of sports action is timed nicely to coincide with the end of winter.
There is also a fairly predictable element to this weekend. It's an established fact that the Final Four will begin on Saturday and end on Monday. The intervening Sunday is usually home to baseball's Opening Night, while the next day is that most sacred of days for baseball fans, Opening Day. For fans of both college hoops and pro baseball, there is nothing more fun than watching baseball all day then coming home to watch college hoops. And while the NFL Draft is usually a few weeks away at this point, it's close enough that conversations about have been started. And let's not forget the playoff pushes in the NBA and NHL.
First Weekend in May
The signature event here is the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May. What's more is that baseball's season is now in full swing, and that both NBA and NHL playoff series are at full tilt. Maybe this weekend is a bit less intense than the first weekend in April, but on the other hand, it is more manageable, and still offers plenty to do.
Memorial Day Weekend
Again, this weekend is filled mostly with regular season baseball and playoff hoops and hockey. But there is one big, annual event that takes place on Sunday--the Indy 500. Not only has the 500 been around for close to a century now, but it's been joined by another big race in a different type of car that takes place during the weekend--NASCAR's 600-miler at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. So while you spend your time barbecuing and frolicking by the pool, just know that there are plenty of options for sports fans during this long weekend.
Father's Day Weekend
Lots of dads like sports, and there is a lot to like about this particular weekend, starting with the U.S. Open golf tournament. Baseball is nearing mid-season at this point,and the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup playoffs may still be going, at least during some years. All in all, a good weekend to crack a cold one and watch some sports.
Labor Day Weekend
This one is all about baseball and football--both college football and pro. Baseball is entering its stretch drive towards the playoffs at this point, while football is just getting going. Most years, the football season hasn't started yet, but it's just around the corner, and the fates of their favorite teams is foremost in most football fans' minds. In baseball, the contenders have been separated from the pretenders, and this month begins the final playoff drive. So this particular weekend isn't the busiest in sports, but it's a great stage-setter for the fall and winter.
What is the Best Sports Weekend?
Really, it comes down to preferences. For fans who like a lot of sports in a short time, the first weekend of April probably can't be beat. The first weekend of May and Memorial Day offer signature events, as does Father's Day. Labor weekend closes the book on summer and opens the book on fall. No matter which weekend fans chose at the best, it's hard to go wrong with any of them.
Tim Healey - I am a freelance writer specializing in sports and automotive interests. In my spare time, I run, listen to good music, explore my city. ...
