#36 The Running Of The Bulls

When, Where, and How did it start:

The Running of the Bulls takes place from July 6th to July 14th annually. In Spanish, the nine-day festival is called Encierro, derived from the word ecerrar, meaning to lock/shut up. The event takes place in Pamplona and is called San Fermin, which is not the only Running of the Bulls, but is the most famous. Unlike bullfights, which are performed by professionals, anyone can participate in an encierro. Other Encierros are held in towns and cities throughout Spain and in some cities in Mexico as well as in southern France.

The Encierro, a.k.a. the Running of the Bulls, started in 1910 during a festival where drovers ran bulls  used in bullfights for the evening from their enclosure, through sectioned-off streets in Pamplona, and into the pens of the bullring, Plaza de Toros. Locals began the tradition of jumping in and running alongside the bulls. As time went on, they became more daring by running in front of the bulls.

Ceremonial rockets are fired from the upper balcony of Town Hall building to start the Encierro as thousands of people pop corks off bottles of Cava (champagne). The first is for the bulls. The second is for the runners. Dressed in white with red bandannas, the crowds sing songs and cheer San Fermin as the nine-day festival commences.

Today, six bulls and six steers weighing between 500 and 700 kg do anything but lumber through the streets. They move fast, covering the entire 830 meters in about three minutes. Running uphill along Santo Domingo takes about thirty seconds. With so little time, runners can ill afford to make any mistakes. Injuries from goring and trampling are all too common for both runners and bulls.

Sports Travel Insider’s Edge:

Best way to watch the action:

A boat load of euros will get you a rented balcony from a local resident. Those looking for renters will usually hang a notice from their balcony. Free seating is available in the bullring at the end of the run.

Best way to partake in the action and get up close:

Recognize the risks and dangers of running with the bulls. Appropriate clothing, particularly running shoes, is highly recommended. You must be over eighteen and it is recommended that you be sober and well rested. Have someone hold a purse or backpack for you. Keep running and be aware of your surroundings. Do not try to make contact with or distract a bull, as a lone bull is more dangerous than the overall herd. Finally, if you fall, lie still with your head covered. My advice if you definitely don’t want to deal with a horn in your leg is to watch instead of run. It’s certainly a little safer that way but then again it’s an experience…

Best travel tip:

Arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 A.M. to avoid the crowds and dress warm for the cooler Pamplona mornings.

# 76 Basketball Game at Rucker Park, Harlem, NY

In 1986, the Rucker Park Tournament became the Entertainers Basketball Classic. The league starts in late June and runs through August. Games are usually held between 6 and 10 p.m. each night of the week.

Significance

In the shadow of Yankee Stadium and right across the street from the Polo Grounds Houses where the famed Polo Grounds Baseball Stadium once stood, consider your search for the best “streetball” in the world over.

The Entertainers Basketball Classic was started in 1946 by Holcombe Rucker and had continued at its current site since 1965. It boasts the highest level of play on the traditional green and red painted court. While the talent level is considered the best in the nation, this is not your traditional basketball game. Make no mistake about it. This is “streetball” at its finest. The coaching style is relaxed as the players focus on what they do best. Basketball stars such as Allen Iverson, Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Irving have played in this annual event. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities such as Denzel Washington, Bill Clinton, David Stern, Fat Joe, Jay Z, and Snoop Dogg, who fields his own team. Basket MC’s provide play-by-play and a bit of trash talking to the players for all to hear. The games sometimes air on MSG Networks and ESPN.

Best way to watch the action:

There is only one way to watch ball at the Rucker. Get to Rucker Park early for a seat in the bleachers.

Best way to get up close:

The only way to get any closer than the bleachers at Rucker is to get in the game. If you really can play, we’re talking hang with the pros and your game has style, then you might have to grab a ball and hoop. It’s been done many times.

Best travel tip:

Insider’s will tell you that to see the best talent, show up on Monday and Thursday nights. Recent years have also seen the establishment of kids’ leagues during the day. This will give you a chance to spot the next Michael Jordan or Lloyd “Sweet Pea” Daniels. Female talent can usually be seen during the late afternoon on Wednesday, prior to the evening festivities.

#59 All Blacks Rugby Game

While there is no “official” stadium for the All Blacks, they play in various arenas in New Zealand and throughout the world. Their season begins on June 13, 2009 and runs through December. There is a lot of history involved with the sport of rugby and with some of the traditions used during the game. Because the season is starting this week, I though it would be fun to provide you with some history as well as some tips for the upcoming season.

Origin of the Haka

According to Maori ethos, Tama-nui-to-ra, the Sun God, had two wives, Hine-raumati, the Summer maid, and Hine-takurua, the Winter maid. The child born to him and Hine-raumati was Tane-rore, who is redited with the origin of the dance. Tane-rore is the trembling of the air as seen on the hot days of summer, and represented by the quivering of the hands in the dance.

Haka is the generic name for Maori dance. Today, haka is defined as that part of the Maori dance repertoire where the men are to the fore with the women lending vocal support in the rear. Most haka seen today are haka taparahi, haka without weapons.

More than any aspect of Maori culture, this complex dance is an expression of the passion, vigour and identity of the race. Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori, but was also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the haka (Hamana Mahuika).

Haka reflected the concerns and issues of the time, of defiance and protest, of factual occurrences and events at any given time.

 Haka History

The centrality of the haka within All Black rugby tradition is not a recent development. Since the original “All Black” team of “New Zealand Natives” led by Joseph Warbrick the haka has been closely associated with New Zealand rugby. Its mystique has evolved along with the fierce determination, commitment and high level skill which has been the hallmark of New Zealand’s National game.

The haka adds a unique component, derived from the indigenous Maori of New Zealand, and which aligns with the wider Polynesian cultures of the Pacific.

The All Blacks perform the haka with precision and intensity which underpin the All Black approach.

Significance of the All Blacks Rugby Game

The New Zealand National Rugby team, also known as the All Blacks, is recognized worldwide for its dominance and it ranks at the top of international rugby teams. Established in 1884, the All Blacks boast a winning record against all opposing teams throughout the world. They have held the Rugby World Cup while holding multiple World Cup records. The All Blacks compete every year against the Wallabies, the Australian Rugby Team, and South Africa’s Springboks in the Tri Nations Series. They also face Australia annually for the Bledisloe Cup. They are the 2006 International Rugby Board (IRB) Team of the Year and many team members hold membership in the IRB Hall of Fame.

Wellington provides an exciting and unique atmosphere for an All Black game. Game against the Wallabies or Springboks show the competitive nature between New Zealand and those countries. Simply put, the games are guaranteed excitement with All Black fans at their most fanatical. Australia is just across “the ditch,” South Africa provides strong opposition, making the competitive match one of the better to attend.

Sports Travel Insider’s Edge

Best way to watch the action:

Check the schedule to see when the All Blacks play their neighborly rivals, Australia. No matter how entertaining the game may be, the fans will be that much more entertaining with their cheers and jeers. This is All Blacks at its best!

Best place to get up close:

With the famed shape of the Westpac Trust Stadium, there is not a bad view in the “Cake Tine.” Wearing the opposing team’s colors is not recommended and could be hazardous to your health. In other words, wear all black. Get there early for the traditional haka (Maori posture dance) before each match.

Best travel tip:

Make sure you extend your stay amd afford yourself ample time to explore the beautiful country of New Zealand. Many who have never been there are amazed by New Zealand’s pure beauty.

#96 College Baseball World Series (CWS)

Number 96, The College Baseball World Series is starting on June 13th, 2009. The Lonestar state seems to be dominating the entire series and it hasn’t even begun yet!

Significance of the CWS

While not having the stature and following of its professional counterpart, the College World Series (CWS) has a strong and loyal following among baseball fans. Sure they borrowed a bit from the Major League Baseball’s World Series moniker, but it signifies the best of the best in NCAA Division I Baseball. Setting attendance records over 300,000 every year, over 6 million fans have attended since the CWS’s start at “The Blatt” in Omaha, Nebraska. Millions more watch at home on ESPN.

History of the CWS

Since 1950 the College World Series has been held at Rosenblatt Stadium. Before that it was held at Hyames Field in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1947 and 1948 and in Wichita, Kansas in 1949. On June 10, 2008, the NCAA and the College World Series of Omaha, Inc. (a non-profit group that organizes the event) announced a new 25 year contract extension, keeping the Series in Omaha through 2035. The new contract will go into effect in 2011, coincidentally the same year it was scheduled to move from Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium to a new downtown stadium across from Qwest Center Omaha.

In 1988, the College World Series changed from pure double-elimination tournament into two four-team, double-elimination brackets. Starting with the 1999 championship tournament, the field increased from forty-eight to sixty-four teams. The four-team brackets were determined by the results of regional and super-regional play, similar to the NCAA basketball tournament.

Winning one NCAA Division I Baseball championship is challenging, let alone winning two consecutively. TO date, only five colleges have that distinction. Dual champions include Oregon State in 2006 and 2007, Louisiana State University in 1996 and 1997, the University of Texas in 1949 and 1950, and Stanford University in 1987 and 1988. The University of Southern California reigned as champs from 1970 to 1974.

Last year’s champions were Fresno State, coached by Mike Batesole. They beat out Georgia in game three and the Most Outstanding Player of the Series was Tommy Mendonca of Fresno State. This was Fresno State’s fourth trip to the College World Series, but their first win.

The 2009 CWS

Seven of the eight teams going to the College World Series are from Texas. They are: the University of Texas, Rice, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas State, TCU, and Sam Houston State. TCU, Texas and Rice will be among sixteen national host sites. The University of Texas will be looking to win their seventh national championship. The Longhorns won the College World Series in 2005, which was the last time they made it to Omaha.

Sports Travel Insider’s Edge for Those Attending the CWS

Best way to watch the action:

With multiple expansions, it’s hard to claim a bad seat in the house. The seating sections run as far as the foul poles down each line. Bleacher sections occupy the outfield area. For those who want to get out of the elements, there are plenty of seats under the cover for those who desire shade from the sun and shelter from the rain.

Best place to get up close:

The Stadium View Club provides a restaurant to dine in while watching the best that college baseball has to offer. Just find 249 of your best friends to join you as the capacity is 250. Reservations are required.

Best travel tip:

If you come early or stay late, you can return to “The Blatt” to see the Omaha Royals, a Triple A affiliate of the KC Royals, Pacific Coast League baseball game. A great environmentto enjoy baseball with unique promotions and giveaways from time to time.

The Stanley Cup: Facts, History, MVPs, and the 2009 games

Tomorrow, June 4, 2009, is the fourth game in the Stanley Cup between The Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to fill you in on some history about the cup, as well as get you up to date on what has been going on in this year’s cup.

First, some cup facts:

Crafted in Sheffield, England, the Stanley Cup was purchased for ten guineas ($48.67) in 1892. Weighing thirty-five pounds and standing less than three feet in height, the cup was donated by Frederick Stanley, the 16th Earl of Derby and Lord Stanley of Victoria, shortly after it was purchased. Originally, engraved “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup” on the outside rim with “From Stanley of Preston” on the other side, was to go to the top amateur hockey team in Canada. The Montreal Hockey Club was the first Stanley Cup champion in 1893. Lord Stanley never saw a championship match that featured his name, nor did he receive the chance to present it. He was forced to return to England on July 15, 1983, to serve as the 16th Earl of Derby. There are two seasons in which the Stanley Cup was not awarded: the 1918-19 season, because of a Spanish flu epidemic, and 2004-05, because of the NHL lockout.

The significance of the games:

Called the Cup, the Holy Grail, and Lord Stanley’s Mug, the Stanley Cup is what hockey players dream of hoisting high in the air. The championship has been the sole property of the NHL since 1926 after various merges of now defunct hockey organizations. For a sport that seemed exclusive to Canada and the northern regions of the United States, the Stanley Cup has been held by teams from California, North Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Dallas. Quite apropos considering the finals are played in the summer month of June. NHL hockey is no longer a sport exclusive to cold-weather areas, nor is its fans. It has experienced significant growth over the years, increasing the profile importance, and fan following of the Stanley Cup tournament.

This year’s Stanley Cup:

Game 1: Detroit Red Wings 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1

Game 2: Detroit Red Wings 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1

Game 3: Pittsburgh Penguins 4,  Detroit Red Wings 2

Game 4: will be played tomorrow, June 4, 2009 at 8pm in Pittsburgh.

Last night, June 2nd, game three was played of the Stanley Cup. The Penguins were trailing and they seemed to be feeling defeated, but half way through the third period, Sergei Gonchar scored a power-play goal, reviving the teams confidence. Mike Babcock, coach of the Red Wings said, “This series is where it should be.”

Evgeni Malkin passed the puck to Gonchar in the center of the ice, where his slap shot flew by defenders and into the goal. Bill Guerin and Sidney Crosby screened the goalie, helping the shot by Goncharbe the success it was. This shot was Pittsburgh’s ninth consecutive shot to start the third period after being  out shot 26-11 in the first two.  Gonchar attributes his goal to his team’s ability to keep the play alive.

In last year’s Stanley Cup the Detroit Red Wings played the Pittsburgh Penguins and won in the sixth game. This year, some are having deja vu because the Penguins won the third game in this series and last year won the third game 3-2, after losing the first two games.

This year, the way the Red Wings were playing in game three had many people believing they may win it in just three games, but the Penguins came back strong in the third period. Malkin assisted on the first three Penguin goals, giving him 33 points in 20 games, the most in the playoffs since Joe Sakic’s 34 in 22 games for Stanley Cup champion Colorado in 1996.

At times the Red Wings were so dominant that the Penguins were able to get away with having six men on the ice for nearly a half minute without it being detected, but in the end the Pittsburgh Penguins took the win in game three.

If the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Cup this year this will be their third time as Stanley Cup champions, and if the Detroit Red Wings win the Cup this year this will be their twelfth time as Stanley Cup Champions. I can’t help, but root for the underdog in this one!

The Prefontaine Classic Is This Weekend

There are tons of amazing runners participating in the Classic from all over the world, but I am most excited about Tom Brooks, who participates in the Steeplechase, which is a really cool event.

The Steeplechase is a race with various obstacles. Over 3000 meters, runners must clear a total of 28 ordinary barriers and seven water jumps. The barrier height for men is 36 inches and the water jumps are either located on the outside lane, making the race longer, or the inside lane, making it shorter. Unlike the hurdles, the barriers in the Steeplechase are stationary so some runners actually step on them to get over them. Four barriers are spaced around the track on level ground, and the fifth is at the top of the second turn, which is a water jump consisting of a barrier followed by a water pit, which is 12 inches long and 27.6 inches deep on the end closest to the barrier. This slope rewards runners with more jumping ability, because a longer jump results in a shallower landing in water.

Tom Brooks has been participating in the 3000 meter Steeplechase since 2004 and has also participated in the One Mile, Two Mile, and 1500 Meter races. His personal best in the Steeplechase was in 2007 when he completed the course in 8:27.34 in Indianapolis, IN. Tom was born on October 1, 1978 and has always had a passion for track.

The Prefontaine Classic is in Eugene, Oregon this weekend and you can still get tickets. The prices are really low for something that is really fun to attend. So get your tickets and get to the Classic!