The New Zealand Sevens is probably the one sporting event where the focus is more on the spectators - or rather what they're wearing - and less about the action on the field. Of course, that doesn't mean the spectators don't care for a New Zealand win.
But are there other events in the world where it's all about just being a part of the event and not merely the game? Here are my top 5 sports/party events in the world of sport.
The first day of Australia's (usually) sole home test at the MCG has always been a bit of a party day. After all it is Boxing Day, the day after Christmas and the 80,000 plus crowd is very much in a festive mood. Sure, the crowd want to see their own cricketers play well but with plenty of casual cricket followers at the ground as well, there is plenty of reason for the Mexican waves, bouncing beach balls and costumes.
That Melbourne gets another event on this list is testament to the greatest sporting city in the world. Furthermore, the day of the race that stops two nations is a public holiday in the state of Victoria. But most people know horse racing as well as they would know quantum physics. Hence, most of the punters are really there to dress up in fancy dresses for the one time of the year, sip heaps of champagne and spend lots of money on horses with some funny names.
The NZ Sevens has become the template for Sevens events worldwide and bar Hong Kong, there's really no event like it. It has almost gotten to the point where all the attention is on those crazy costumes and less on the field. But then again, organizers have always seen tickets sold within minutes each time they come out so they're definitely doing something right.
The oldest, original and most famous Sevens tournament in the world. It may have lost its lustre in recent times with the Sevens World Series popping up but there's no doubt that every team wants to win in Hong Kong. And the party around the field is probably bigger and more cosmopolitan featuring European expatriates and tourists to one of the world's most vibrant cities.
The sports/party event of the year. Ok, the action is pretty huge and a Super Bowl ticket is pretty expensive - think at least double a Rugby World Cup ticket. Then again, the Super Bowl extends beyond the stadium and the host city with all of America, Canada and much of the world transfixed for four hours with the beers and roast on one football match, often not featuring their team. That's only part of the story - the Super Bowl in Indianapolis this year is bigger than ever with the media day opened to the public for the first time ever. The Super Bowl has become not just about Sunday but the week leading up to it.
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