1. Discover Orange Bowl
#1 Sports Event
This year, Discover Orange Bowl hosted 67,000 college football fans at Sun Life Stadium to see West Virginia set a record for most points ever in a bowl game. Next: January 1, 2013
This year, Discover Orange Bowl hosted 67,000 college football fans at Sun Life Stadium to see West Virginia set a record for most points ever in a bowl game. Next: January 1, 2013
Photo: Orange Bowl Committee
2. Sony Ericsson Open
#2 Sports Event
The tournament had another record year, with 326,000 spectators turning out for the Sony Ericsson Open that involved two weeks of men’s and women’s pro tennis matches. Next: March 18-31, 2013
The tournament had another record year, with 326,000 spectators turning out for the Sony Ericsson Open that involved two weeks of men’s and women’s pro tennis matches. Next: March 18-31, 2013
Photo: Neal Trousdale
3. Ford Championship Weekend
#3 Sports Event (up from #5)
The three-day Nascar event, known as Ford Championship Weekend, drew a record 10.5 million television viewers for the 11th outing last year. Next: November 16-18, 2012
The three-day Nascar event, known as Ford Championship Weekend, drew a record 10.5 million television viewers for the 11th outing last year. Next: November 16-18, 2012
Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
4. Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup
#5 Sports Event
The eighth annual edition of the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup drew 7,500 fans, although the final matches were canceled due to rain. Next: Spring 2013
The eighth annual edition of the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup drew 7,500 fans, although the final matches were canceled due to rain. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Mitchell Zachs/MagicalPhotos.com
5. U.S. Open Polo Championships
#6 Sports Event
The third and final leg of polo’s triple crown, the U.S. Open Polo Championships, marked its 108th year in 2012 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Next: March 31-April 21, 2013
The third and final leg of polo’s triple crown, the U.S. Open Polo Championships, marked its 108th year in 2012 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Next: March 31-April 21, 2013
Photo: Lila Photo
6. World Sailfish Championship
#10 Sports Event
The 10th installment of the World Sailfish Championship, a five-day fish-off in Key West, expanded to 53 teams. Next: April 16-20, 2013
The 10th installment of the World Sailfish Championship, a five-day fish-off in Key West, expanded to 53 teams. Next: April 16-20, 2013
Photo: Endless Imagery
7. Sailfish Cup
#11 Sports Event
Combining car racing and fishing, the Sailfish Cup raises funds for the Nascar Foundation in a 43-team competition prior to Ford Championship Weekend. Next: November 12-14, 2012
Combining car racing and fishing, the Sailfish Cup raises funds for the Nascar Foundation in a 43-team competition prior to Ford Championship Weekend. Next: November 12-14, 2012
Photo: Endless Imagery
8. Dig the Beach Volleyball Championships
#12 Sports Event
This year, Dig the Beach Volleyball Championships went with a new format: eight weekend events around South Florida, culminating with the tour championships in Clearwater. Next: summer 2013
This year, Dig the Beach Volleyball Championships went with a new format: eight weekend events around South Florida, culminating with the tour championships in Clearwater. Next: summer 2013
Photo: Katty Peraza
