The 365Bristol Sporting Calendar 2018
Posted on: 12 Jan 2018Sports fans in Bristol, across the UK and around the world can rejoice at the turn of the New Year, with 2018 promising to be a blockbuster in terms of sporting events. With the Winter Olympics in January and February, the return of the FIFA World Cup in June and a great range of local events in Bristol, you'll surely be glad to see a relatively drab 2017 make way for what's to come. Below is a compiled list of some of the biggest sporting events in the coming year.
LOOKING FOR SPORTS BARS IN BRISTOL? Check out:
Steam and Shebeen, Clifton Down Railway Station, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2PN - Tel. 0117 3179200
The Crown, 10 All Saints Lane, Bristol, BS1 1JH - Tel. 0117 9349996
NFL Super Bowl 52 - 4th February
With it's popularity in the UK growing in recent years, the Super Bowl should be on the radars of sports fans in Bristol this year. Won last year in spectacular fashion by the New England Patriots, the 52nd edition of the fixture will hopefully produce a similar spectacle. Keep an eye on the impressive pre-match and half-time shows, a staple of the Super Bowl for years, and watch out for a full 365Bristol guide to the best places to go to watch Super Bowl 52 in Bristol.
2018 Winter Olympics/Paralympics - 9th February-25th February/8th March-18th March
It's easy to let the current political climate in North Korea overshadow this year's Winter Olympics, taking place in the South for the first time in the city of Pyeongchang, but the array of talent on show should distract even the most devout political commentators for at least a few days. Team GB have reportedly set their highest-ever medal target for a winter Games, aiming for at least five podium places in 2018. Whether they can do it is another matter, although we have had a fair bit of snow at home this year so you never know.
Six Nations 2018 - 3rd February-17th March
The Six Nations always promises some of the best spectacles in rugby, with the six home nations competing against each other to earn bragging rights for the rest of the year. England made a great account of themselves in last year's competition, losing only once on their way to the title. Their fortunes this year could change, though, with Joe Marler (banned) and Ben Te'o (injured) set to miss the opening games.
Commonwealth Games 2018 - 4th April-15th April
.JPG "The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held on Australia's Gold Coast")
One of three major sporting events in 2018 that only come around once every four years, the Commonwealth Games feature some of the world's best athletes competing in a huge range of sports. After the success of the last edition of the Games in Glasgow in 2014, residents of Australia's Gold Coast will hope that they can pull off a similar feat this year. Keep an eye out for Bristol Flyers' head coach Andreas Kapoulas, selected to lead Team England's basketball team in Oz.
Bristol 10k and Half Marathon - 13th May and 23rd September
Over 10,000 runners take to the streets of Bristol every year for the annual 10k and half marathon races, with the courses taking participants through the city and looping up around Clifton Downs before making the return journey to the city centre. All abilities are welcome in both races, with a mix of professionals and amateurs running for various charities. Fancy giving one of them a go this year? Apply for the Bristol 10k race here, or the Bristol Half Marathon here.
Bristol City's Promotion Push
City's turnaround this season has been well documented, from a lowly 17th-placed finish and record-breaking winless run last season to a promotion challenge and historic League Cup run in 2017/18. Manager Lee Johnson's side have kept pace at the top of the Championship, battling Wolves, Derby County and Cardiff City for the two prized automatic promotion places. The last few games of the season promise to be very interesting for Robins fans as they watch their side battle to reach the Premier League, with their final match scheduled for Sunday 6th May, at home against Sheffield United. Should they fail to place in the top two, the Championship Play-off Final will be played at Wembley on Saturday 26th May - best to save the date for that one just in case.
FIFA World Cup 2018 - 14th June-15th July
One of the world's most watched sporting events, the FIFA World Cup always throws up surprises, drama and great goals when it comes around every four years. This year's tournament will be held in Russia - a stark contrast to the two previous events held in the vibrant cities of Brazil and South Africa, but an assured spectacle nonetheless. With England drawn in a group with Belgium, Tunisia and Panama, Three Lions fans can't be blamed for expecting their side to make a good account of themselves, but of course nothing is assured - we all remember 2014. Keep an eye on 365Bristol as the tournament approaches, as we identify the best venues around the city to watch your team.
Wimbledon 2018 - 2nd July-15th July
Wimbledon is, quite simply, a staple of British culture and one of the most iconic tennis tournaments in the world. The chance for the British public to see the world's best compete against each other on Wimbledon's impeccable courts only comes round once a year, and is on the radar of tennis fans worldwide. Andy Murray is targeting this year's tournament as a comeback from a hip injury, while Bristolians will want to keep an eye on the form of current British number 11 and Bristol native, Katie Swan.
Have we missed anything? Contact us through our website or on our Facebook page to let us know which events we should add to the list!
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
