Every year there are thousands of events that make the landscape every year. Year after year, sporting events will transform the landscape for many. These major sporting events are just part of what makes each year so special.
The beginning of 2009 began like every year with the New Year. No New Year will begin until the ball drops in Time Square in New York City. As the ball falls from the flagpole at the top of Time’s Square, a million people gathered to celebrate the year. It is estimated that more than a billion people around the world watched this year as they celebrated the New Year.
The first major event of the year was the Super Bowl on February 1, 2009. The eyes of the world focused on Tampa, Florida, as that year’s best in the world squared off on the field of play. This year those two teams were Arizona and Pittsburgh. Unlike most years, this game came down to the final minutes. In the end, Pittsburgh won in a play that will make all comers famous forever.
After the Super Bowl, all eyes turned to the NCAA college basketball season. The year of 2009 saw many teams trade for the number one ranking on earth. North Carolina was the favorite early in the season, but battled with UConn, Louisville and others to keep the number one title. The tournament took off this year with everyone filling in their brackets, including President Obama. The NCAA Tournament may not have had the cliffhangers in the past, but a Cinderella was born. Michigan State raced through the tournament heading home to Michigan for the Final Four. The nation supported Michigan State and the troubled Michigan State as they reached the Final Four. Ending up in the finals for North Carolina and Michigan State provided the buzz everyone expects each year. In the end, Michigan State was unable to contain the North Carolina attack and provided the favorite to do it all this year.
The 2009 calendar has been full of events during the first quarter of the year. There is more to come from the sports world this year. In April we will see the return of Tiger to the Masters to move on. Augusta for most is the best place in the world to play golf. This year with the return of Tiger Wood to golf all eyes will be even more on Augusta to see what happens.
Also in April will be the start of the NBA Playoffs and the NHL Playoffs. Each one provides drama like no other playoff tournament can. Both involve fighting seven-game series where stars become legends in each sport. Both sports have stars looking to move to the next level. In the NBA can LeBron win a ring? In the NHL, two great young stars are still looking for their first Stanley Cup. Will Sydney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin engrave their names on the Cup?
As summer approaches, favorite sports from Europe and the United States step into the spotlight. In the United States we see baseball begin. No other sport in America has as much tradition as baseball in the country. In Europe, the beginning of summer brings with it the end of the season for the Union of European Football Associations. On May 20, 2009 we will see the UEFA final in Istanbul this year. Then, on May 27, 2009, the season concluded with the Champions League final in Rome.
In June, the world will return to Wimbledon to focus on tennis. While there are other races, Wimbledon is the one that still captures the world’s imagination.
In 2009 we expect and will see the British Open and the US Open to satisfy the taste of golf. New seasons of college football and the NFL will also greet us. With the World Series still on the line after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic, we will have a new debate about the best baseball in the world. 2009 has many past and coming events that will be marked forever.
