Sporting Events Bucket List

[Dwight Schrute]

I've been to the Kentucky Derby a few times. That's probably more like Mardi Gras or a Junior League event than a sporting event, IMO.

When I was in high school, I worked at the derby as a fundraiser. I woke up at 4:30 am, got on a bus from Etown, and worked until about 7 pm in a loaned uniform and uncomfortable shoes. Needless to say, I'm fine if I never go back.

I appreciate the notoriety of the derby and what it means for our state, but I'm not much on horse racing or drinking for 12 hours straight anymore, and I haven't cared about social events like the derby or Keeneland since college, so it doesn't appeal to me anymore.

[Dwight Schrute]

Good choice!

When I played baseball in high school that was a goal of my best friend and I - once we were out of high school, we'd take a week and go to Tampa for Reds' spring training. At nearly 19, the goal and funding never met in the middle and real life caught up with us.

I'd still like to do that though, before I die.

I would love to go to Arizona for Reds spring training.

I'd also add attending Reds opening day. I went to the parade last year and had a blast, but I didn't make it to the game.

[surveyor]

I would love to go to Arizona for Reds spring training.

Arizona would be cool, but I'm still annoyed that they moved out there.

[Old School]

When I was in high school, I worked at the derby as a fundraiser. I woke up at 4:30 am, got on a bus from Etown, and worked until about 7 pm in a loaned uniform and uncomfortable shoes. Needless to say, I'm fine if I never go back.

I appreciate the notoriety of the derby and what it means for our state, but I'm not much on horse racing or drinking for 12 hours straight anymore, and I haven't cared about social events like the derby or Keeneland since college, so it doesn't appeal to me anymore.

I'm with you.

I like that the event brings attention and tourists to the state, but I really dislike that horse racing and breeding are subsidized by state tax money. It shouldn't be. It should sink or swim on its own merits, market share, etc.

Spring training: is it accurate that half the teams train in Florida now, and the other half in Arizona?

[surveyor]

When I was in high school, I worked at the derby as a fundraiser. I woke up at 4:30 am, got on a bus from Etown, and worked until about 7 pm in a loaned uniform and uncomfortable shoes. Needless to say, I'm fine if I never go back.

I appreciate the notoriety of the derby and what it means for our state, but I'm not much on horse racing or drinking for 12 hours straight anymore, and I haven't cared about social events like the derby or Keeneland since college, so it doesn't appeal to me anymore.

I love horse racing and the whole atmosphere. Lived in Louisville or 30 minutes from Louisville my entire life and have never been to the Derby. No desire - hate crowds. But I love going to Churchill - Spring meet, Fall meet, night racing.

[KevinHall]

I'm with you.

I like that the event brings attention and tourists to the state, but I really dislike that horse racing and breeding are subsidized by state tax money. It shouldn't be. It should sink or swim on its own merits, market share, etc.

Spring training: is it accurate that half the teams train in Florida now, and the other half in Arizona?

To answer your spring training question, that's correct. It looks to be an even split of teams in Florida and Arizona. Those towns in Arizona did a lot to attract teams out west. They paid for these complexes that were much better than anything most towns in Florida wanted or could do.

[Dwight Schrute]

Spring training: is it accurate that half the teams train in Florida now, and the other half in Arizona?

I believe so. I believe you have the Cactus leagues in Arizona, and the Grapefruit league in Florida.

Edit - Kevin answered this much more thoroughly.