Best Sporting Events To Take A Date To In California
Sporting events aren’t just for the boys anymore, and California has an abundance of pro teams, college teams and awesome venues. The bustling and exciting environment makes for a unique date that is sure to impress. Depending on what season it is, and what area you live in, tickets can be pricey and difficult to get. So surprising your special someone with a fun pre-game plan and spectacular seats will score you major relationship points for sure.
BASKETBALL
Both Southern and Northern California have awesome NBA teams. Lakers and Warriors tickets are well worth the money and the closer you can get to floor seats, the better. The Lakers have one of the most star-studded fan bases in all pro sports. Not only will you get to watch LeBron on the court, you may end up sitting next to Kobe Bryant, Beyoncé or Jack Nicholson.
The Warriors are the basketball dynasty of the decade so the tickets can be hard to get, and they never fail to excite. Steph Curry and company are some of the biggest ballers in the league. The Lakers play at Staples Center, which is surrounded by restaurants and bars and only an Uber ride away from many hot LA neighborhoods, like Santa Monica and Hollywood, so the date doesn’t have to end at the buzzer. The Warriors play at Oakland Arena, so you can plan to head back over the bridge into the city for dinner and drinks for a more sophisticated end to a casual and fun date.
FOOTBALL
If you’re in NorCal, the choice is easy when it comes to NFL tickets. The San Francisco 49ers have a stellar, high tech new stadium in Santa Clara, Levi’s Stadium. Nestled in an upscale neighborhood just outside San Francisco, you can feel the Silicon Valley influence as soon as you walk in. Impress your date by watching the game in style from one of the Luxury Suites, complete with upscale food, drinks and service.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you have a choice between the LA Rams and the LA Chargers. The Rams seem to be the team that locals have really embraced and once the new stadium is finished, the accommodations will rival Levi’s Stadium in terms of luxury amenities. If you are a fan of a different team, like the Packers or the Saints, buy a ticket for when they play the Chargers. Your team will have a great chance of winning, and the Chargers are known for the seats being filled with visiting team fans, so you’ll feel like you’re at a home game.
BASEBALL
California has some beautiful and iconic baseball parks. Starting in San Diego, Petco Park is situated on the waterfront in picturesque downtown. If you are a craft beer lover, you will be in heaven at this stadium. The food is unbelievable as well, with many of San Diego’s top restaurants serving up their award-winning fare all throughout the park.
It is easy to keep the night going as fans spill out directly into San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Angel Stadium in Anaheim has a long-standing tradition as one of baseball’s most beloved stadiums. Head in early and watch your favorite players take batting practice. After you enjoy the game, take your date to stroll through Downtown Disney. If you are in LA, there are not many stadiums as iconic as Dodger Stadium. No trip to a Dodger game is complete without a Dodger dog and a beer. Hit up a restaurant in Korea Town or Downtown LA after the game for more sophisticated fare.
Finally, is Oracle Park, home to the San Francisco Giants. The Giants have already won three World Series titles since relocating back to SF, and the beautiful views of the water from the park make for an awesome backdrop for a championship team and a romantic date night.
COLLEGE SPORTS
College games have a different vibe than pro games and a lot of people like the laid back, party atmosphere, filled with college kids and alumni. California has some amazing college teams across lots of different sports. You can watch up and coming athletes before they go pro and relive your college days through epic tailgate parties, all at the same time.
If you’re in San Diego, catch a baseball game at Tony Gwynn stadium or a basketball game at Viejas Arena. People flocked to watch Stephen Strasburg, who just led the Nationals to a World Series championship, pitch during his last season at State. Kawhi Leonard drew huge crowds during his college days, before he went on to win an NBA championship with the Spurs.
In the Los Angeles area, UCLA has a cult following for many of their teams, especially basketball and football. Many pros stop at UCLA on their road to greatness, including superstars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Troy Aikman, both UCLA alumni. If you have never visited the Stanford campus, treat yourself and that special someone to a home football game. The campus is breathtakingly beautiful and is in Santa Clara County, in the Palo Alto area. Make a weekend of it so you have time to tour the campus, especially if it’s your first visit. Special events, like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and the Holiday Bowl in San Diego are also fun holiday traditions for the couple who loves sports.
MORE
There are also places in California where you can catch other pro sports like soccer, tennis and hockey. Sacramento has a pro hockey team, the Kings, and San Diego has the Gulls. Carlsbad in San Diego hosts the annual La Costa Open tennis tournament. The LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes are great tickets for soccer lovers. Torrey Pines in La Jolla hosts the annual Farmers Insurance Golf Tournament against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world.
Whatever sporting event you chose to take your date to, it is bound to be a great change from the normal dinner and drinks. So, get out and enjoy the amazing California weather and scenery, along with your favorite team and your favorite person.
