My father and I share a common bond – a love of sports. As a child, my dad loved introducing me to new sports, whether we were at a football game, major league baseball game or even a NASCAR race, we shared moments that I cherish fondly today.
Hey batter, batter… swing!
As a kid, my dad always believed in taking a baseball glove to games, he wanted me to be ready if a ball flew into the grandstands. A few times, we got lucky and even caught a few fly balls.
I’ll never forget taking my kids to see the Tampa Bay Rays in action. We grabbed a few buckets of popcorn and cheered them on to victory. My kids were so excited to meet the team’s mascot, Raymond Ray – there’s nothing better than a mascot bear hug. It was a fun, family adventure and we didn’t even have to worry about the rain outside – this baseball stadium is indoors! We are already planning our next return trip the The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club –accommodations, transportation to the game and even souvenir baseball snacks.
T-O-U-C-H-D-O-W-N!
Any given Sunday in the fall, you can find my family and me cheering on our hometown NFL Jacksonville Jaguars. This past season, we even took our oldest daughter to her first NFL game. She loved joining along with the crowd in the team chants and she became a pro at yelling ‘Touchdown!’ each time our team added points to the board. Throw in a little face paint and a temporary tattoo and she’s ready for season tickets now.
As a golf fan, my family’s favorite week of the year is when THE PLAYERS Championship comes to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach each May. With children 18 and younger admitted free of charge with a ticketed adult all week, it’s a great way for kids to see the world’s greatest golfers tackle a tough course. And at the end of the day, we always hop over to the neighboring Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa for a bite to eat at Alice & Pete’s Pub for a little people watching time. You never know when your favorite golfer might walk in the door!
Cheering on your favorite team together as a family creates a special bond that lasts with children for a lifetime. From witnessing that memorable homerun and the last-second play that ties the game – there’s no better way to spend time together as a family.
Where are you traveling to this sports season with your family?
