Sport

2016 preview: 10 must-see sporting events in the UK

Being at a live game is so much more than watching sport on the telly. From the highly charged atmosphere to the cheering crowds, you’re guaranteed an experience to remember.

And 2016 promises to be a year packed with pulse-pounding action in the UK. Here are 10 of the events to get you excited. To view a full schedule or net yourself some tickets, check out our Sports Guide.

UCI Track Cycling World Cup

1. UCI 2016 Track Cycling World Championships

If you’re a cycling enthusiast, then this will be right up your street. The UCI 2016 Track Cycling World Championships are heading to the Lee Valley VeloPark in London on 2 – 6 March. Several medals and world titles are up for grabs. See an array of individual and team disciplines like the sprint and pursuit in the city’s famous velodrome. Two highlights are sure to be the women’s omnium, an event made famous by Laura Trott, and the men’s madison, which was won by Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish the last time this event was held in Britain.

Book tickets for the UCI 2016 Track Cycling World Championships.

WWE Live

2. WWE Live WrestleMania Revenge Tour

The British go berserk for wrestling. Last December’s NXT UK Takeover Tour was proof of that. The WWE will invade the country again this year with their unique blend of sport and entertainment. On 16 – 23 April, the WrestleMania Revenge Tour hits arenas in Birmingham, Nottingham, London, Manchester, Belfast, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sheffield and Glasgow as well as in Dublin. Watch your favourite Superstars – Sheamus, Roman Reigns, Ray Wyatt, Ryback, The Dudley Boyz, Demon Kane and many more – clash in the ring.

Book tickets for WWE Live’s eight-day WrestleMania Revenge Tour.

HSBC London Sevens

3. HSBC London Sevens

The 10th and final tournament of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be staged on 21 – 22 May at Twickenham Stadium. Expect tense times and tough competition from the 15 participating teams, with an overall champion being crowned as the season comes to a close. In the last 16 years of the World Rugby Sevens Series, New Zealand have claimed the trophy in 12 times – although they lost out last year to Fiji. Current standings have Fiji and South Africa tied for the top spot, with Argentina and the US following close behind.

Book tickets for HSBC London Sevens.

AVIVA Premiership Rugby Final 2016

4. AVIVA Premiership Rugby Final 2016

The countdown is on. There are only 130 days until the most competitive domestic rugby union matchup takes place. The AVIVA Premiership Rugby Final 2016 is being held at Twickenham Stadium on 28 May. Once again it’s likely to be played in front of a sold-out crowd. The Saracens are the reigning champions, but the rivalry this season is already fierce. Nothing more needs to be said, except… be there!

Book tickets for the AVIVA Premiership Rugby Final 2016.

Old Mutual Wealth Cup 2016

5. Old Mutual Wealth Cup

Can’t get enough of rugby? Head back to Twickenham Stadium on 29 May to watch another thrilling contest. The Old Mutual Wealth Cup pits the men’s teams from England and Wales against each other. This match is sure to be filled with hard hits and spectacular plays.

Book tickets for the Old Mutual Wealth Cup.

2016 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix

6. 2016 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix

Calling all motorcycle speedway enthusiasts! The British SGP is returning to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on 9 July for what promises to be another frenzied, free-wheeling night of racing. Last year Niels-Kristian Iversen triumphed, edging out Chris Holder and Peter Kildemand for first place. Who’ll win this year? We’ll be cheering for British riders Tai Woffinden and Chris Harris.

Book tickets for the 2016 Adrian Flux British FIM Speedway Grand Prix.

The Open 2016

7. The Open 2016

Come see top golfers in full swing. The 145th Open will be held 10 – 17 July at Royal Troon Golf Club. Founded in 1878, its prestigious greens lie along the awe-inspiring coastline of western Scotland. There’s just nothing like lining Troon’s fairways while 156 of the world’s best players compete for the historic Claret Jug and the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.

Book tickets for The Open 2016.

America's Cup World Series

8. Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth

Watching the America’s Cup is another experience not to be missed. You’ll discover a passion for sailing as six teams race each other from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. They race in 45-foot-long, high-speed catamarans that just seem to fly. The America’s Cup circuit will visit a number of locations in 2016, but Portsmouth was the first event of the series that the British team led by Ben Ainslie won. Although Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing fell to third place on the leader board at the end of 2015, the team will definitely be looking to defend their title on 21 – 24 July.

Book tickets for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth.

London Anniversary Games 2016

9. London Anniversary Games

The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will host one of the most electrifying events in athletics on 22-23 July. The London Anniversary Games not only serves as the finale for the British Athletics season, but it also attracts top global athletes. You’ll be able to see Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, along with Paralympic stars like David Weir, Jonnie Peacock and Hannah Cockroft before they head to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Book tickets for the London Anniversary Games.

International Series 2016

10. International Series 2016

The NFL playoffs are underway in the US, with Super Bowl 50 (featuring Coldplay in the halftime show!) less than three weeks away. Last year, the International Series hosted not one, not two, but three big sell-out games at Wembley Stadium. The NFL will be back in London in 2016 with three more mighty matchups – including one held at Twickenham Stadium. The teams scheduled to compete are the Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars on 2 October, New York Giants v St Louis Rams on 23 October and Washington Redskins v Cincinnati Bengals on 30 October.

Season tickets for the International Series 2016 are on sale now. Premium tickets for individual games are also on sale now – all other tickets go ons ale at 10:00 on Thursday 21 January.

Don’t forget, you can view a full schedule and book tickets now via our Sports Guide.