Every year there are 1,000′s of events that make the landscape each year. Year after year sporting events will transform the landscape for many. These top sporting events are only part that make each year so special.
The beginning of 2009 started off like every year with New Years. No New Years will ever start until the ball drops at Time Square in New York City. As the ball drops from the flagpole on top of Time’s Square one million people gathered around to celebrate the year. It estimated that over a billion people across the globe 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 the world’s best that year squared off on the gridiron. This year those two teams were Arizona and Pittsburgh. Unlike most years this game went down to the final minutes. In the end Pittsburgh won on a play that will make all participants famous forever.
After the Super Bowl all eyes focused on the NCAA College Basketball season. The year of 2009 saw many teams trade of the number one ranking in the land. North Caroline was the early season favorite but fought with UConn, Louisville and others to keep the title of number one. The tournament took off this year with everyone filling out their brackets including President Obama. The NCAA Tournament might have not have had the thrillers in the past but a Cinderella was born. Michigan State dashed through the tournament heading home to Michigan for the Final Four. The nation got behind Michigan State and the struggling state of Michigan as they reached the Final Four. Ending up in the final North Carolina and Michigan State provided the buzz everyone expects each year. In the end Michigan State could not hold of the North Carolina onslaught providing the favorite to will it all this year.
The 2009 calendar has been eventful during the first quarter of the year. There is more to come from the sporting world this year. In April we will see Tiger’s return to the Masters to keep us going. Augusta for most is the best place in the world for golf. This year with Tiger Wood’s return to golf all eyes will even be more fixed on Augusta to see what happens.
Also in April will be the start of the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs. Each provides drama like no other playoff tournament can. Both involve struggles of seven game series were stars become legends in each sport. Both sports have stars looking to take the next level. In the NBA can Lebron win a ring? Over in the NHL two great young starts are still looking for their first Stanley Cup. Will Sydney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin engrave their name on the Cup?
As summer comes upon us Europe and America’s favorite sports come enter the spotlight. In the United States we see baseball starting. No other sport in America has as much tradition as baseball in the country. In Europe the start of summer brings in the end of the Union of European Football Association season. On May 20, 2009 we will see the final of the UEFA in Istanbul this year. Then on May 27, 2009 the season concludes with the Final Champions League in Rome.
In June the world will turn to Wimbledon to focus on Tennis. While other majors exist Wimbledon is the one that still captures the world’s imagination.
In 2009 we wait and see the British Open and US Open to satisfy are golf taste. We will also be met by new NFL and college football seasons. With the World Series still out there after the conclusion of the World Baseball Classic we will have a new debate on the best baseball in the world. 2009 has many events past and to come that will be marked down forever.