Fred Faour: 5 must-see sporting events before you die

So, thanks to this site’s fearless leader, Mattress Mack, I was fortunate enough to get to go to the College Football Playoff National Championship this year. It was an amazing experience. There are so many great sporting events, but these are my five favorites. One of the benefits of being old (OK, just kinda old) and spending your life in media, you get to go to so many awesome places and see incredible things. As a lifelong sports fan, I have been fortunate enough to attend every major event.

If you are interested in going to one, these are my five favorites of all time:

5 – A World Series game. If you are in Houston, this one is easy because the Astros are there every year. If not? Get on a plane. A World Series game is intense, pitch by pitch, and amazing, no matter where you are. Yes, it is much better if your team is involved. If not? Pick a side, enjoy it and realize what a pleasure and honor it is to enjoy that atmosphere. (No one will fault you for adopting the Astros).

4 – A great boxing match. The sport is not what it once was but going to a big match is a fantastic thrill. I miss the days of Mike Tyson, but any Canelo Alvarez fight or any big heavyweight match in Vegas (or Madison Square Garden) is an unforgettable experience. The tickets aren’t cheap, but the moment is worth every penny.

3 – The Super Bowl. If your team is in it, it’s a no-brainer. If not? Still worth the effort. The Super Bowl is more about the parties leading up to the game, and even if you don’t go to the actual contest, you will enjoy yourself. If you skip the game itself, go for the weekend and appreciate all the events leading up to it. This is something you will never forget.

2 – The Final Four. It can be iffy now that everything is in big stadiums, but there is nothing like it in the world. Two games on Saturday, one on Monday. If your team is in, you HAVE to be there. If not? The intensity is through the roof. If the Final Four is in your city, buy tickets. You can thank me later.

1 – The Kentucky Derby. Yes, I am a horse guy. But this is about the event. There is so much leading up to a two-minute race. The parties all week. The Pegasus Parade. Oaks Day. You can walk through the paddock and see so many famous people … Maybe you only do it once, but if you go, you will never forget it. The walk over before the race … the pageantry. My Old Kentucky Home. If that doesn’t make you tear up, you are not human. Do it once, and if you don’t enjoy it, you can hate me forever.