1. U.S. Open Tennis Tournament
The United States Tennis Association's biggest tournament set record numbers last year for television viewing, traffic on its Web site, and attendance. More than 659,000 fans headed to Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, Queens, to watch world-class tennis matches; visitor spending during the open is estimated at $420 million yearly. The Arthur Ashe Kids' Day family event offers tennis, festivities, and music the Saturday before the open's first day. The grand slam tournament will return to Flushing for the 2006 tournament August 28 through September 10.
2. ING New York City Marathon
While about 36,000 runners will nparticipate in this five-borough race November 5, and more than two million spectators will watch, only a small handful of runners actually compete for the $500,000 prize purse. Last year's marathon had expanded entertainment offerings, featuring a total of 100 live bands. The Copacabana hosted last year's post-race party. The event is organized by the New York Road Runners with the help of roughly 12,000 volunteers.
3. Belmont Stakes
The last race of the Triple Crown, the mile-and-a-half long course is the longest in the series. Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, hosts about 60,000 spectators for the stakes. Last year's winner, Afleet Alex, became the 18th horse to win both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. This year's stakes—the 136th running of the race—will take place June 10.
4. Heisman Trophy Awards Ceremony and Banquet
These coveted bronze awards are given by the Downtown Athletic Club to the year's most outstanding college football player. Established in 1935, the mid-December event has grown in stature and prestige: it now includes more than a dozen different events over Heisman weekend. This year, trophy finalists will be announced at the Nokia Theatre on December 10, and the ceremony will return to the Hilton New York on December 12. Heisman executive director Rob Whalen and director Tim Henning oversee events.
5. Millrose Games
Madison Square Garden hosted the games—the biggest indoor track and field event in the city—for the 99th year on February 3. While the races are serious endeavors for the athletes, one of the biggest attractions of the games is the Fastest Kid in New York race. Event marketing firm Pro Sports & Entertainment owns and operates the event.
6. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Carlee, a German shorthair pointer, won Best in Show at last year's installment, beating out 165 other breeds who pranced before thousands of spectators at Madison Square Garden, and even more home viewers watching the show on the USA Network. North Carolina-based dog show superintendent MB-F Inc. produces the show, which filled MSG for the show's 130th year February 13 to 14.
Posted 04.05.06
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