Nearly 30 per cent of Aussies want to travel for sport - here's where you can go
The rise of 'behind-the-scenes' sports shows like Netflix's Drive to Survive, Break Point and Full Swing are bringing sports to new audiences like never before, fuelling a growth in sports travel to experience these events and destinations in real life.
In fact, travelling to watch sporting events has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry, and destinations are answering the call, leveraging sports tourism to boost their travel offerings.
According to Skyscanner, 28 per cent of all Australian travellers plan to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025.
So if you've got sport on your mind, here are some destinations to add to your travel list.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans is a city that mixes old-world charm with modern excitement. With its cultural diversity, lively atmosphere, mouth-watering cuisine, and historic charm its a must-visit destination.
Whether you're exploring the French Quarter, indulging in Cajun dishes, enjoying a live jazz performance, or simply soaking in the local vibe, New Orleans has a unique vibe you have to experience at least once.
Plus, this year, the vibrant city plays host to 'The Big Game'.
The National Football League's championship game, Super Bowl LIX, takes place Feb. 9 in New Orleans, with hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show.
Super Bowl LIX will mark the 59th edition of the National Football League's championship game, a matchup between the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) champions. This event will crown the 2024-2025 NFL champion.
Philadelphia, USA
The FIFA Club World Cup will bring 32 soccer teams from around the world to play 63 matches in the USA from June 15 to July 13 2025.
One city to include in your travels is host city Philadelphia, just outside New York City, where the final game will be played in MetLife Stadium.
Philadelphia is the perfect stop for the sport fanatics. Think classic USA baseball games, soccer games, ice hockey and much more. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the sporting scene whilst exploring one of the most progressive cities on the East Coast USA.
Explore the diverse neighbourhoods and get stuck into the local culture, rich in more history than you'd believe. Dine at delicious restaurants and walk the streets filled with sensational art.
The club tournament takes place a year before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Brazil
2027 brings the year of FIFA Women's World Cup, and after the excitement held here in Australia and New Zealand back in 2023, we are so ready for Brazil's turn in 2027.
It will be the first edition to be held in South America, so make sure you plan your South American travels for 2027!
It's one of the biggest sporting events for women's sports globally, drawing attention for its high level of competition and ever-growing viewership, and we couldn't be more excited, who are you cheering on?
England
The Rugby World Cup is a nail-biting premier event for rugby union, held every four years. And this year, it's the Women's turn.
England, a rugby powerhouse, will host this tournament, ensuring fierce competition and a global audience, and to make it even more exciting, this will be the 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup, and it is expected to draw massive international attention so get involved for a sporting extravaganza.
Women's RWC 2025 will get underway on 22 August, 2025 as two previous winners, hosts England and USA, go head-to-head at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
And what better time to go than peak English summertime? The pubs will be buzzing!
Los Angeles
Despite the devastation of the recent wildfires, LA has an incredible way of bouncing back, and spending your tourist dollars in the city will only help the recovery.
As for visiting for sport, you're in luck... It's going to be a good one. The future host state of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is a showground for the biggest sporting events in the world, including the multi-billion-dollar National Football League (NFL), ice hockey (NHL), basketball (NBA), baseball, Grand Prix.
