Top 10: Sporting Events I Want to Experience

Over the last couple weeks, SportsCenter has been running a segment called "Fan Feast". The idea is to take an ESPN personality, and he or she goes through some of the coolest experiences in sports (in his or her opinion). That got me thinking. I have seen a pretty diverse group of live sporting events: MLB games, NFL games, March Madness games, NBA games, NASCAR races, international and professional soccer matches, and some NCAA football. But what if I had to pick just ten? A top ten list of sporting events I've been to would be okay, but a list of sporting events I most want to see... that would be way cooler.

So without further ado, the Top 10 Sports Events I want to Experience:

We can start with those that just missed the list. Here's my Honorable Mention:

Sunday at The Masters, The Holy War (Utah-BYU football), Kentucky Derby, USA-Mexico Soccer, Summer Olympics, Army-Navy Football Game, Cubs-Cardinals at Wrigley

10. Florida-Tennessee, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN. A game at this venue in 2004 got me not only hooked on Vols Football but SEC sports as a whole. I was blown away with the passion of the fans in Knoxville. Several people I talked to said, "this ain't nothin'.... you should see when the Gators come to town....we HATE Florida." This is at the bottom of the list because I need Coach Kiffin to get things in order first, as this bitter rivalry has been pretty lopsided in the recent past.... Coach'em up Lane!

9. Final Four. If you want excitement, drama and passion, you don't have to look much farther than March Madness. The games I have experienced were opening round matches, and I couldn't imagine how awesome seeing the Final Four in person would be. The only down side? Not getting to see the tournament montage set to the tune of One Shining Moment after the championship game.

8. All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. I've already told Bri that we are going when the Mid-Summer Classic comes to Phoenix in 2011. She said she's down. There are no other all star games in major sports with the importance and tradition of MLB's. And you can talk about the slam dunk or three point contests all you want, there are no all star festivities that measure up to the Home Run Derby (pun intended).

7. Super Bowl. I would like to go see a lot of NFL games. In stead of picking between rivalries (Cowboys-Redskins, Vikings-Packers, etc.), I'll just go with the one that means the most. Judging by what Glendale went through last year, Super Bowl week is almost as much about the events as it is the game. With that being said, there is still no way I would turn down a chance to see America's biggest game.

6. UNC-Duke, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC. In my opinion, the NBA can't hold a candle to what college basketball can bring to the table. The electric atmosphere, rabid fans, and unbridled passion is embodied nowhere better than Cameron Indoor. The only word I could think of to describe what it would be like to watch this huge rivalry amidst "the Crazies" is.... INSANE. I would love to partake in this experience, even if it meant over nighting in Krzyzewski-ville.

5. FIFA World Cup. The biggest sport in the world's biggest event only comes around every four years and I would love to be able to take it in some day. I can't even begin to fathom what the atmosphere must be like at the World Cup. Imagine the weight of entire countries resting on the shoulders of 23 men, all vying for the world's greatest prize.

4. College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, NE. I never had a chance to go to Omaha during my playing days. From everything I've heard, there are few experiences like the CWS. Even though Rosenblatt's last year to host will be next year, my understanding is that the city of Omaha is what really makes this tradition what it has become.

3. Manchester United-Liverpool, Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Those that know me real well aren't at all surprised to see this so high on my list. I would love to see any English soccer game, let alone one with Man U, let alone one at "Theatre of Dreams", and let alone this derby (a "derby" is a big time soccer rivalry Dad). I may stick out like a sore thumb, and I may not know the songs to sing, and I may even offend some people with my "ignorant Yank" ways.... but holy crap would it be worth it. Glory, Glory Man Uniiiiiiited!!!

2. Red Sox-Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY. I hate the Red Sox. No, I mean.... I REALLY hate the Red Sox. Any game at Yankee Stadium would be a treat for me, but to get to be a part of this historical rivalry would just be awesome. My perfect scenario you ask? The Yankee bats come out swinging and rough up Josh Beckett. Jeter, Jorge, and Tex are the offensive stars in support of Joba, who throws 6 strong innings before he's ejected for hitting Kevin Puke-lys in his ugly chin. Enter Sandman blares when Mo comes in to close out the game. In a freak accident Nick Swisher is knocked unconscious and Paul O'Neill is forced to come out of the broadcaster's booth and play right field for the last inning of the Yankees win.

1. World Series. Ever since I was a kid, there was no favorite month of the year for me than October (even with my birthday and Christmas in the same month). I've always loved the playoffs and World Series, even if my Yankees aren't partaking. The history and tradition this sporting event holds is practically unmatched. I could die a happy man if I was able to be on hand to experience a Fall Classic.

So that's my list. Some of it's pretty predictable, I know. I would love to hear some thoughts on this topic as well. Is there anything I missed? Does it closely resemble your list? Does it look nothing at all like your list? Let me know.