Wednesday, April 29Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Events

British Horseracing Authority: jump racing in the UK suspended until July 
Events, Sports Business

British Horseracing Authority: jump racing in the UK suspended until July 

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed that jump racing in the United Kingdom is suspended until the beginning of July.  However, detailed proposals are being developed for a resumption of flat racing from 1 May, if possible, with meetings held behind closed doors. The BHA added: “Racing will begin on the flat and behind closed doors to minimise demands on emergency services.” Newsletter: sign up for a weekly update from Sports Tourism Media Richard Wayman, chief operating officer of the BHA, said in a statement: “The decision to lose jump racing until July was not one which was taken lightly and we are very conscious of the impact this will have on many across our sport.  “We are working closely with the horsemen, racecourses and Levy Board to ensure the sport is ready...
Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 
Events, Sports Business

Wimbledon cancelled: official statements from the All England Club 

The All England Club (AELTC) has confirmed that this year’s Wimbledon Championships are off.  London’s grand slam event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis and tennis fans will have to wait until the summer of 2021 to watch the world’s best players compete on the grass courts in SW19.  The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021. Official statements Ian Hewitt, AELTC chairman “This is a decision that we have not taken lightly, and we have done so with the highest regard for public health and the wellbeing of all those who come together to make Wimbledon happen.  “It has weighed heavily on our minds that the staging of The Championships has only been interrupted previously by World Wars but, following thorough and extensive consideration of al...
MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off
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MLB London Series 2020 cancelled: St Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs matches are off

The 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) London Series has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.  St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs were scheduled to go head-to-head at the London Stadium in June but the two matches are now off.  MLB has confirmed that ticket holders will receive a full refund.  A statement said: “As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Mitel & MLB Present London Series 2020 has been cancelled.  “The decision has been taken in line with the UK Government’s actions stopping public gatherings and the need to focus emergency services resources on combating the pandemic.  “While we understand that this news is disappointing, we are faced with an unprecedented situation worldwide and nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, e...
‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics
Events, Sports Business

‘A light at the end of this dark tunnel’: 2021 dates confirmed for Tokyo Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach believes the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will provide a light at the end of the “dark tunnel” that is the coronavirus. This summer’s mega-event was postponed for one year because of the pandemic and the new dates for 2021 have now been confirmed.  The summer Olympic Games will take place in Japan’s capital city from 23 July to 8 August and the Paralympic Games will be held from 24 August to 5 September.  IOC chief Bach said: “I want to thank the International Federations for their unanimous support and the Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees for the great partnership and their support in the consultation process over the last few days. I would also like to thank the IOC Athletes’ Commission, with whom we ...
Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July
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Daniel Dubois vs. Joe Joyce: all-British boxing bout now set for 11 July

Promoter Frank Warren has confirmed that the all-British heavyweight boxing bout between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will now take place on Saturday 11 July at The O2 in London.  The original fight had been scheduled for April at The O2, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both undefeated fighters hail from the UK’s capital city and the "Seek and Destroy" event promises to be one of the biggest boxing bouts this year. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and AXS. “Dynamite” Dubois, 22, said: “This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world.  “I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s...
Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Events, Sports Business

Australia wins right to host the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup

Amid the cancellations and postponements of many major sporting events in 2020, there is some good news from the world of women’s basketball.  FIBA, the sport’s global governing body, has announced that Australia will host the Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2022.  Basketball Australia and the Russian Basketball Federation were the two candidate countries vying to host the flagship tournament. Following a video conference it was confirmed that Australia will host the event for a second time. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held for ten days in September and October 2022. A total of 38 matches featuring 12 international teams will be played in two venues in Sydney’s Olympic Park. Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What the officials said  Hamane Nian...
Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels
Events, Guides

Chestertons Polo in the Park 2020 London: new dates, event guide, tickets, hospitality, hotels

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the dates for the 2020 Chestertons Polo in the Park have been amended. The London event will now take place at Hurlingham Park in Fulham from 4-6 September and tickets are on sale.  This year’s three-day spectacular will feature International Friday, Ladies Day and Finals Day. A firm fixture in the social calendar, the world-class polo event is not just about the sport, but also fashion, food, fun and family.  Here we look at the event details, travel information and the ticket and hospitality options. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Friday 4 September: International Friday An action-packed day to kick-start the tournament, including the Frasers Engl...
‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed
Events

‘Inaccurate’: Ryder Cup 2020 postponement reports dismissed

Ryder Cup 2020 organisers have denied speculation that the event is set to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. A number of media outlets reported on Wednesday 18 March that the team golf spectacle would be called off and rescheduled for 2021.  This year’s Ryder Cup competition between Team USA and Team Europe is set to take place from 22-27 September at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. And according to the Ryder Cup USA and Ryder Cup Europe Twitter accounts that plan remains in place.  The tweets said: “Reports that the 2020 @RyderCup is expected to be postponed are inaccurate.” ‘Wow, it really is made-up stuff’ In an interview with Irish radio station Today FM Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington also dismissed the reports.  Harrington said: “Septembe...
Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns
Events

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey writes open letter to F1 fans over 2020 season concerns

Following the postponements of the grands prix in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China, there’s major uncertainty over the Formula 1 2020 schedule.   F1 CEO Chase Carey has written an open letter to fans to provide some thoughts and perspectives in addressing the coronavirus pandemic.  Carey said: “First and foremost, our priority is the health and safety of the fans, teams, and organisations of Formula 1, as well as wider society. We apologise to those fans affected by the cancellation in Australia, as well as the postponement of the other races to date.  “These decisions are being made by Formula 1, the FIA, and our local promoters in rapidly changing and evolving circumstances, but we believe they are the right and necessary ones. We also want to extend our thoughts to those a...
Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 
Events

Euro 2020 and Copa America postponed to 2021 – Uefa and CONMEBOL statements 

Two of the biggest tournaments in international football, the European Championships (Euro 2020) and the Copa America, have been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak and will now take place in the summer of 2021.    Both tournaments were scheduled for 12 June to 12 July 2020 but the pandemic has forced European football’s governing body Uefa and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) to take drastic action.  Euro 2020 will be held in 12 cities across the continent while the Copa America’s host countries are Argentina and Colombia.   Proposed dates for both tournaments are now 11 June to 11 July 2021. Statements from the organisers  Uefa “The health of all those involved in the game is the priority, as well as to avoid placing any...
2020: a huge year for football in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires
Events, Guides

2020: a huge year for football in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires

With Copa America fixtures at River Plate's stadium and two major milestones for Boca Juniors on the calendar, 2020 promises to be a huge year for football fans in Argentina’s capital city Buenos Aires. Argentina and Colombia co-host the 47th edition of the Copa America, the equivalent of Europe’s Uefa European Championship, and Buenos Aires will be the location for four matches.   On 12 June the iconic El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, home of River Plate, will host the opening match of the tournament between Argentina and Chile in group A. As well as the opening match, the 70,000-capacity El Monumental will also host Argentina’s group A fixtures against Paraguay and Australia and a quarter-final on 5 July.  Players such as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Sergio Aguer...
Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev: London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host June title fight 
Events

Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev: London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host June title fight 

British boxing star Anthony Joshua has confirmed a homecoming fight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday 20 June. After bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York and Saudi Arabia, champion Joshua will now defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles against Bulgaria's mandatory challenger.  The title fight, live on Sky Sports Box Office, is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment. Ticket information for the 20 June event will be announced soon. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter and magazine: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What the fighter say  Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) “On 20 June, I am defending my heavyweight world titles. ...
2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  
Events, Guides

2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  

The sporting world will be watching Aintree as the famous Liverpool racecourse hosts the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival for three days in April.  Starting with Liverpool’s Day on Thursday 2 April, the opening day of the festival is described as “one of the region’s best kept secrets” and a popular choice for racing fans and couples alike.  Day two at Aintree, #FabulousFriday (3 April), is Ladies Day. As well as four Grade One races on the track, fashion and style is the order of the day off the track. The final day of the festival, Saturday 4 April, is the big one as the Grand National is held at 5.15pm (UK time). Millions around the world will be watching the £1m Grade 3 handicap steeplechase as the horses jump 30 fences around the 4-mile-2.5-furlong circuit.   Here we loo...
March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more
Events, Guides

March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more

A popular sporting event on the March 2020 calendar is horse racing's Cheltenham Festival. Taking place from 10-13 March, the festival is known as the "most prestigious jump racing event of the year" and includes races such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, World Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other major sporting events in March 2020 include the Six Nations rugby championship, the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, British Basketball League (BBL) Trophy Final in Glasgow, Six Day Manchester cycling and F1's first grand prix of the season in Australia. Here we look at what's on in March... 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for update...
Silverstone Classic 2020: ‘greatest hits’ race card to mark 30th anniversary
Events

Silverstone Classic 2020: ‘greatest hits’ race card to mark 30th anniversary

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, this summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature a spectacular “greatest hits” showcase of retro races.  Harking back to when Silverstone hosted the UK’s first-ever race meeting dedicated entirely to historic racing - a trend-setting milestone in motor sport history - no fewer than five of the grids for 2020 actually featured on the original 1990 race card.  Thirty years ago the two-day festival - staged, as today, two weeks after the Formula 1 British Grand Prix - presented a wide-ranging 12-race programme including showdowns for historic Grand Prix cars, 50s sports cars, historic Formula Junior, SuperSports as well as round 4 of the FIA European Challenge for Historical Touring Cars. Iconic races and cars on show This year’s Classic includes ...
February 2020 sports events: F1 pre-season testing, Wilder vs. Fury II, Women’s T20 cricket
Events, Guides

February 2020 sports events: F1 pre-season testing, Wilder vs. Fury II, Women’s T20 cricket

The sporting year ramps up in February with Six Nations rugby union, a world heavyweight boxing title contest and the ICC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup on the schedule.  It’s also a big month for motor sport. NASCAR’s Daytona 500 takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Florida while Formula 1 returns with two pre-season testing sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Here we look at the February 2020 sports events calendar. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details February 2020 sports events   2020 Ladbrokes Masters  What: PDC darts event featuring the world’s top 16 players  When: 31 January-2 February 2020 Where: Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes Tickets: See Tickets Australian Open 2020 What: first tennis gr...
Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more
Events, Guides

Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more

As a travel destination Italy is one of the most popular in the world. It may be famous for its culture, architecture, fast cars and food, but Italy is also a big favourite for sports fans.   The European nation has a thriving sports industry with major events held throughout the year. Events to look forward to in Italy in 2020 include the Rome Marathon, Giro D’Italia cycling race and of course the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.  Also this year, football’s European Championship kicks off with the opening match between Italy and Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Here we look at the top sporting events in Italy in 2020... Newsletter: sign up for the latest updates from Sports Tourism Media Italy sports events in 2020 Rome Marathon When: 29 March 2020 Website: maratonadiroma.it Abou...
Rugby union in England 2020: international fixtures, Twickenham events, tickets
Events, Guides

Rugby union in England 2020: international fixtures, Twickenham events, tickets

After finishing runners-up in the Rugby World Cup in Japan Eddie Jones’s England team will go into 2020 hoping to impress in the Six Nations championship.  Featuring England, Wales, France, Italy, Ireland and Scotland, the 2020 Six Nations starts on 1 February and finishes on 14 March.  It’s not just the Six Nations England rugby fans have to look forward to this year, there’s also the women’s Six Nations, autumn international fixtures, London Sevens, The Clash and the Premiership final.   Here we take a look at the major rugby union events taking place in England in the next 12 months.  2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Guinness Six Nations 2020  What: international rugby union cha...
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London: 2020 sports events and venue guide
Events, Guides

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London: 2020 sports events and venue guide

London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) is gearing up for a huge 2020 with many national and international sporting events on the agenda.  Home to venues such as the London Stadium, Copper Box Arena and London Aquatics Centre, QEOP’s 2020 sports calendar includes Premier League football, Tokyo 2020 qualifiers and Major League Baseball.     Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at QEOP, said: “In 2020 we will have a fantastic array of sport on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with something to inspire everyone. Not only do we have four different Olympic qualifying events but fans can also watch the world’s best athletes play netball, hockey and baseball – all in fantastic venues set in over 500 acres of wonderful parkland.” QEOP factfile Opened: April 201...
Formula 1 2020 season calendar to feature 22 races
Events, Guides

Formula 1 2020 season calendar to feature 22 races

Formula 1 has revealed the draft calendar for the 2020 FIA F1 World Championship - and it will feature a record-breaking 22 races.  The 2020 season, which marks F1’s 70th anniversary, starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 15 March and finishes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 29 November. There’s no German Grand Prix on the schedule but F1 will go to two new destinations in 2020. The Vietnam Grand Prix will be held on the streets of Hanoi on 5 April then on 3 May the Dutch Grand Prix returns with the race at the Zandvoort circuit. Formula 1 2020 provisional calendar  15 March: Australia  22 March: Bahrain 5 April: Vietnam 19 April: China 3 May: Netherlands 10 May: Spain 24 May: Monaco 7 June: Azerbaijan 14 June: Canada 28 June: France ...

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