National
#1 Sports Event
No sporting event can come close to the spectacle of the N.F.L.’s championship game, from the massive fan fests, exclusive parties, and creative sponsor activations to the game itself. The broadcast set a new ratings record this year, when 111.5 million viewers made it the most-watched TV event in the country’s history. Next: February 1, 2015
National
#2 Sports Event (up from #4)
The games are a tournament within a tournament, the culmination of the Division 1 men’s basketball championship that couldn’t look any more different than when it began in 1939 in a humble gymnasium in Evanston, Illinois. Start with the tournament invitations, which are handed out on “Selection Sunday” and merit their own TV program. Then there are the crowds: The 2014 event at AT&T Stadium in suburban Dallas set attendance records, drawing more than 79,000 fans for the championship game and nearly 159,000 fans total for the two-session event. The TV broadcast of the championship game had 21 million viewers. The event’s success has led to questions over the role of money in college athletics. In 2010, CBS bought the broadcasting rights for $10.8 billion for 14 years. The massive payday for the N.C.A.A. has led to lawsuits and other actions from student athletes who believe they deserve a share of the revenue. The event is also valuable to its host cities, which aggressively compete for the tournament and its economic impact of as much as $275 million. Next: April 4-6, 2015, Indianapolis
Daytona Beach, Florida
#4 Sports Event
First run in 1959, Nascar’s “Great American Race” typically attracts the largest American TV audience of any auto race (although its 2014 ratings dropped because of a rain delay). The spectacle has many fan-friendly features including a prerace kickoff show that has featured Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, and Kelly Clarkson. Next: February 22, 2015
New York
#5 Sports Event
Established in 1881, the fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year is notable for its electric night sessions and passionate fans. The event drew some 713,000 fans in 2013, when Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal emerged as the singles champions. Next: August 31-September 13, 2015
Louisville, Kentucky
#6 Sports Event (up from #7)
The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown marked its 140th year in 2014 with popular champion California Chrome. The event is as much about atmosphere as the race, with its twin spires, mint juleps, women’s hats, and a garland of roses for the winner among the traditions. Next: May 2, 2015
Boston
#7 Sports Event
The nation’s oldest sporting event returned following the horrific bombings at the finish line in 2013. Capturing the nation’s attention, the 119th running maintained its reputation as the country’s premier marathon. Next: April 20, 2015
New York
#8 Sports Event
The show is America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind the Kentucky Derby, and creates instant stars out of its winners, like this year’s Sky, a wire fox terrier. Next: February 16-17, 2015
