From the breathtaking view at a ski station in the French Alps to a horse race that "stops the nation" Down Under to the wackiest golf hole in the Arizona desert — make that the entire planet — sports fans will find the party.
Pardon us "Field of Dreams," but if someone promotes it, they will come.
Some of the world's most popular sports events, be it the Tour de France, the Melbourne Cup, the — we're not making this up — Waste Management Phoenix Open draw on their reputation as THE PLACE to be for the day. Eat, drink, drink a little more and cheer like hell for your country, your horse, your team, your favorite player.
While most of us feel confident we're on top of the big sports party scene, we've conducted an informal spot check and compiled a list of spots worth checking out:
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In this July 22, 2011 file photo, Bauke Mollema of The Netherlands climbs Alpe d'Huez during the 19th stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Alpe d'Huez, Alps region, France. (AP Photo / Christophe Ena ) |
TOUR DE FRANCE
Who wouldn't love the Alpe d'Huez ski station located 3,000 meters up on the snow-covered French Alps along the route of the Tour de France? Known as "Dutch Corner," it's one of 21 hairpin turns to the station. The scene: a combination Woodstock, Munich beer festival and orange-clad Dutch fans in costumes (nuns, animals, superheroes). As exhausted riders in crazy-colored suits carefully weave their way through inebriated fans who have camped out for days waiting for this moment, they are doused with beer, and forced to inhale fumes from smoke bombs and flairs, not to mention cigarette smoke. All in the name of a party several thousand strong.
