A Tradition Like No Other

Most of you know that The Masters is my favorite week of the year; a week that begins this morning as the players and patrons head out for the first day of official practice rounds.  My first trip to Augusta was on a rainy Tuesday back in 2003.  My dad won 4 practice round badges in the lottery that year so myself and 3 buddies from college drove over from Athens.  In 2004 I was lucky enough to be invited by my good friend Ross to attend the final round, where we watched Phil charge from behind to capture his first major title.  That Easter Sunday in 2004 was probably the greatest sporting event I've seen live.

So with The Masters upon us, I would like to turn attention to a sports bucket list of sorts.  Here is my top 10 list of sporting events to see:

1.  BCS National Championship Game involving UGA:  I would prefer it to be in the Rose Bowl, but I'm not that picky I guess.  I would just love to see the dawgs win it all in person.  My Bama friends said it was amazing to see their team win it last year in Pasadena.

2.  Men's Wimbledon Final:  As far as tennis goes, this is the granddaddy of them all.  How many people do you know that have been to the Wimbledon final?  Exactly, I can't think of any either.

3.  USA in the World Cup Finals:  After the excitement generated by the American squad this past summer in South Africa, I would love to be on location in a hostile environment rooting on the yanks.  The next opportunity is in 2016 down in Brazil, which would be cool on a number of levels.  It would be even more amazing if they were to somehow make the finals.

4.  Rangers baseball in Fenway Park:  As one of the two remaining iconic baseball stadiums along with Wrigley Field, I would love to see my team beat up on the Sox like they did this past weekend, but of course on their turf.  I have heard that not only is it a cool park, but there are so many bars and restaurants around Fenway, that make you wonder what the heck they were thinking when they built Turner Field.

5.  Braves baseball in Wrigley Field:  See above

6.  Kentucky Derby - From a Box:  Notice the specifics I highlighted:  "From a Box".  Any idiot with $60 can get a ticket to the infield where the youth of America go to get sleazy.  I can do that any night of the week, I don't have to go to Louisville to find such tomfoolery.  I want to go to a box, sit up there with some rich guys and some hot women with big hats.

7.  British Open:  I have seen a lot of live golf, which is why I am just now getting to it here on my list.  That being said, I would love to go to the British Open, preferably at either St. Andrews or Royal St. George.

8.  Champions League Final featuring Aston Villa:  For those of you who don't know, some friends and I all started following English top flight soccer this winter.  We all chose teams and have followed them into the spring and then beyond.  My club of choice is Aston Villa out of Birmingham, and I would love for them to qualify for the Champions League final someday and play in the finals (hopefully in Wembley Stadium).  If you haven't checked out the EPL, I recommend you take a look at it.  I have really enjoyed following soccer this winter/spring, and I look forward to being more knowledgeable when the 2011/2012 Premier League season begins in the Fall.

9.  & 10.  I literally can't think of a 9th or 10th event.  I have no desire to ever go to the Super Bowl, nor do I care much about going to the Final Four or a World Series game.  I could care less about the Dayton 500 or Indy 500 as well.  I guess that about wraps it up?  What events would be on your top ten list?