How exciting is it to have an IndyCar race set in the nation’s capital? The Freedom 250, which races through the streets of Washington, DC, is scheduled to be broadcast on FOX on August 23rd, with free admission to most viewing areas. With such historic events happening, we wanted to spotlight some of the most memorable and iconic sporting moments and venues ever.
Here’s a look at some of these memorable events:
WNBA Stars vs. Team USA, Radio City Music Hall, 2004
Known as the “Game of Radio City,” the WNBA hosted an exhibition between the U.S. Olympic Team and WNBA Stars at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Star players like Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, and Sue Bird showcased their talent in this unique venue. The game aimed to build excitement ahead of the Athens Summer Olympics, with Team USA winning 74-58 and eventually taking home the gold medal.
NHL Winter Classic (2008-present)
The NHL Winter Classic takes place in large outdoor stadiums originally designed for baseball or football, such as Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Michigan Stadium. A full-size ice rink is installed on the field, offering a stunning spectacle against iconic backdrops like Wrigley’s ivy walls, Fenway’s Green Monster, and Michigan’s massive bowl. These stadiums hold between 35,000 and 100,000 fans, far above typical NHL arena sizes. In 2010, Northwestern played Illinois in the first football game at Wrigley Field in 40 years, highlighting the venue’s versatility. Northwestern is set to play four more games there between 2024 and 2025 due to renovations at their home stadium.
Career Classic, 2011-12, 2022
Played on the deck of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the Career Classic college basketball series presents an unforgettable scene with the ocean and sky as its backdrop. The picturesque setting, especially during sunset, makes every camera angle feel cinematic. Top college teams such as Michigan State, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Gonzaga add to the captivating competition.
Battle of Bristol, 2016
In 2016, Bristol Motor Speedway was transformed into a football stadium for a showdown between Virginia Tech and Tennessee. Drawing a record crowd of 156,990, it became the largest venue in college football history. The presence of alumni Peyton Manning and Bruce Smith at the coin toss brought extra star power to the event.
Field of Dreams Game, 2021-22, 2026
Inspired by the classic 1989 baseball film Field of Dreams, Major League Baseball built a ballpark in the Iowa cornfields to host matchups such as the Yankees vs. White Sox in 2021. Images of players walking through cornfields have become iconic. The Chicago Cubs faced the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, and upcoming games include the Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies.
Clash at the Coliseum, 2022-24
NASCAR races inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a historic venue also used for the Olympics and USC football, create an intense and intimate stadium experience. The compact, banked short track packs fans tightly in this iconic setting. Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., and Denny Hamlin each captured wins in this race from 2022 through 2024.
F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, 2023-present
Las Vegas, renowned for its luxury and nightlife, now boasts an F1 race around the famous Strip. The 6.2-kilometer course runs past landmarks like the Bellagio Hotel, offering fans a unique spectacle of cars reaching speeds over 200 mph amid the bright lights. The inaugural 2023 race was won by Max Verstappen.
NASCAR’s Grant Park 165, 2023-25
NASCAR’s city race in downtown Chicago transforms the streets near Lake Michigan and Grant Park into a high-speed circuit. Unlike traditional tracks with stands and infields, this race is surrounded by skyscrapers, waterfront views, and urban landmarks. More than a race, it’s a citywide celebration harmonizing Chicago’s energy with motorsport thrills. Shane van Gisbergen won in 2023 and 2025, with Alex Bowman claiming victory in 2024.
Nebraska Women’s Volleyball at Memorial Stadium, 2023
“Nebraska Volleyball Day” saw the University of Nebraska host a major volleyball event at its massive football stadium. One match between Nebraska and Omaha drew 92,003 fans, one of the largest crowds ever for a women’s sporting event. The sea of red fans covering the stadium created a breathtaking scene.
UFC 306, The Sphere, 2024
Nevada’s Sphere in Paradise, completed in 2023 with massive LED displays and enormous dimensions, hosted UFC 306. The event headlined Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title and doubled as a Mexican Independence Day celebration, showcasing vivid cultural visuals on Sphere’s giant screens.
MLB Speedway Classic, 2025
Blending baseball with motorsports, the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway saw the Reds and Braves play before a record 91,000 fans, the highest attendance for a regular-season MLB game. The venue combined traditional baseball elements with the layout and scale of a speedway.
Grand Prix of Arlington, 2026
IndyCar makes its debut in Arlington, Texas, near the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. This new event, scheduled for March 13–15, becomes the third race on the IndyCar calendar following St. Petersburg and Phoenix Raceway.
Freedom 250, 2026
For more details on IndyCar’s latest events, check the links below.
Fan Take:
This lineup of iconic sports events highlights how baseball continues to inspire innovative experiences that bring the game closer to fans in unforgettable ways. Events like the Field of Dreams game showcase baseball’s rich cultural impact and promise exciting opportunities to engage new audiences and celebrate the sport’s enduring legacy.
