Let the Games Begin: New Book Reveals the Ultimate List of Live Sporting Experiences

Sports travel guru Robert Tuchman ranks the Top 100 events — from the Masters to the Little 500 — and tells readers how to get the most out of them

NEW YORK, April 15 /PRNewswire/ — What do running with the bulls in Pamplona, watching contestants scarf down record numbers of Nathan’s hot dogs and witnessing the newest Vince Lombardi trophy recipient at the Super Bowl all have in common? According to Robert Tuchman, they all belong in his new book, “The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime,” published by BenBella Books this month.

As president of Premiere Corporate Events, Tuchman spends most of his year traveling to a sports fan’s ultimate wish list of events conducting corporate outings. He spent two years researching details for the 337-page book, a veritable Frommer’s guide for sports travel fanatics who want to delve into a pilgrimage of live sports events but don’t know where to start.

By including extensive details on ticket brokers, travel and hotel recommendations and even the best on-site hospitality and celebration locations, Tuchman can reel in even the most dedicated sports couch potatoes — and those who love them.

“It doesn’t matter how large a screen fits into your living room,” says Tuchman, a 15-year veteran of the sports travel industry. “Absolutely nothing compares to the raw energy and excitement you’ll feel when you’re there live, cheering alongside thousands of fans.”

Using live appeal as the main criteria, Tuchman breaks down one hundred events in more than 30 states and 15 countries into an easily readable list format. His pick for the top place? This month’s buttoned up Masters golf tournament in Augusta. In the 100th spot? A no holds barred Ultimate Fighting Championship in Las Vegas. Others in between include the Tour de France (#13), the Rose Bowl (#26) and a basketball game at Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park (#76).

The book’s features include:

• A checklist of all the events to monitor one’s progress and compare with friends
• Names of key athletes and MPVs
• The history of and traditions associated with each event
• A website including a forum in which sports fans can debate each event’s ranking and a section highlighting those fans who have attended the most events on the list
• Chances to win tickets to some of Tuchman’s favorite picks, including the Kentucky Derby and the Masters

Tuchman also includes six honorable mentions–such as the Cheerleading Nationals in Orlando — and a list of the top 10 cities for hosting a major sporting event, with Miami leading the pack.

“It doesn’t matter if you eat, sleep and breathe sports or only learned what the Iditarod was during last year’s presidential campaign,” says Tuchman. “There’s something in here for everyone.”

“The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live: An Insider’s Guide to Creating the Sports Experience of a Lifetime,” is published by BenBella Books and available for a $17.95 retail price at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon.com.

Robert Tuchman

Robert Tuchman lives in New York City, where he is president of Premiere Corporate Events, a division of Premiere Global Sports. A global leader in sports and entertainment promotion, Premiere Global Sports acquired the company Tuchman founded, TSE Sports & Entertainment, in 2006. He is a contributing writer for ESPN.com and has been a featured sports travel guru in media including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, and Your World with Neil Cavuto.

For more information, please visit www.100sportingevents.com.

              Robert Tuchman's Take on the Top Ten Live Sporting Events

    1. Masters -- "This is the one golf tournament you have to see at least
    once in your lifetime. Heck, this is the one event you have to see,
    period. It's magical, and that's why it's Number One."

    2. World Cup -- "The entire world stops to watch this one. The passion I
    witnessed in the streets is unparalleled."

    3. Super Bowl -- "The Granddaddy of American sports, the pinnacle of live.
    events."

    4. Summer Olympics -- "Countries root for their athletes with nearly as
    much passion as they root for their World Cup teams. The immersion into
    the whichever local culture hosts this event every four years makes it
    truly memorable."

    5. Army vs. Navy Football Game -- "They might not be the best teams in
    the country but they're some of our best citizens playing one another in
    a game that oozes with history."

    6. New York City Marathon -- "My personal, number one favorite event.
    There is nothing like the emotion of being part of millions of people
    cheering on thousands of runners trying to achieve their lifelong dreams."

    7. World Series -- "Even today, this event holds a special place for
    people around the world. There's nothing like baseball on a crisp October
    evening and the excitement you feel in the stands."

    8. Winter Olympics -- "Another event that the countries stop to watch no
    matter what is of interest locally. Newer sports, such as snowboarding,
    make the Winter Olympics increasingly more relevant."

    9. Red Sox vs. Yankees at Yankee Stadium -- "You can feel the gravity of
    this game regardless of how many times they play each other each year and
    the fact it might just be another game in the standings. As far as
    rivalries go, nothing tops Yankees versus Red Sox."

    10. UNC vs. Duke Basketball Game at Cameron Indoor Stadium -- "If you
    want to see what hatred and anger look like up close, you only need to
    sit in the stands at this game and see it in the faces in the crowd. This
    games means everything to everyone in the stadium and entire state."

    Contact:   Rebecca Rosenberg
               Parchita Media
               (646) 295-4722
               Rebecca@parchitamedia.com

SOURCE Robert Tuchman