Top Five California Sporting Events California in 2024
California is home to some of the most storied and successful sports franchises. Teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, LA Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants have reached the pinnacle of their respective sports many times in the past few years. You can catch these teams in action for any home game in the 2024 season and watch some top-tier sporting events throughout the state. Below is our guide that runs down the top five sports games that are taking place in California in 2024.
1. Grand Prix of Long Beach
One of California’s most thrilling sporting events is the Grand Prix of Long Beach, held annually on a street circuit downtown. An IndyCar racing event since 1975, the Long Beach GP is a must-see event.
While it was a CART/Champ Car series for several decades, it has been an exclusive IndyCar race since 2009.
There have also been several Formula One Grand Prix events at the Long Beach track, with an annual F1 race occurring from 1976 to 1983. While there are no immediate plans to bring F1 back to California, the IndyCar event is worth the admission fee.
2. Copa America 2024
Judging by the popularity of soccer betting, there is no denying that the most anticipated event of the year in the United States among fans worldwide is the Copa America. With the top South American nations joined by the United States, Mexico, and other CONCACAF qualifiers, there should be plenty of excitement and drama this summer.
While the event is taking place throughout the USA this summer, California will get to host its share of games. Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area will host group-stage games. Top South American teams will be involved in those contests, but not team USA — the USMNT’s games are being held in other parts of the country.
3. NBA Playoffs
With the NBA season heating up, several of California’s top teams are involved in the playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Golden State Warriors are all vying to become NBA Champions. While they are not among the favorites, at least one is expected to make a deep playoff run.
There should be many home games where fans can get the feel of a high-stakes playoff game. An exciting series unfolds between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks. While the Mavericks are favorites to win, the Clippers have held their own so far, with the series tied at 2–2 going into game five on Tuesday.
4. NFL Regular Season
The San Francisco 49ers have the most Super Bowl wins of any team from California, but they have not tasted success for quite some time.
They have reached the latter stages of the playoffs, and even the Super Bowl, but the elusive seventh ring has kept its distance. In contrast, the Los Angeles Rams went all the way to win the Super Bowl in 2022.
While the NFL playoffs will next take place in 2025, there is still the start of the regular season to anticipate. As teams bring in players through the draft and trade, there will likely be a lot of anticipation to see if the 49ers, Rams, or Los Angeles Chargers can make enough personnel changes to become Super Bowl contenders in 2024-2025.
Even though regular season games are not as intense as playoff clashes, you can often find better seats at more reasonable prices.
5. MLB Playoffs
The state of California is a baseball fan’s paradise, as five teams currently in Major League Baseball hail from The Golden State. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants are all outstanding teams with every chance of going deep in the playoffs.
If there is one team that may disappoint this season, it is the Oakland Athletics, which is relocating to Las Vegas.
Those who want to catch an Athletics home game in their current city should plan to do so over the coming months. This season is very likely to be the last one the Athletics play in Oakland. The team will spend the 2025–2027 seasons in Sacramento before moving to Vegas in 2028.
Enjoy the Best of Sports in California
Any sports fan who has recently moved to California or is visiting the state in 2024 should check out at least one sporting event in The Golden State. Aside from fantastic weather, natural beauty, and wineries, California is also home to incredible sports venues and teams. Watching the 49ers play at Levi’s Stadium or the best South American nations at this year’s Copa America are occasions you do not want to miss. There is so much on offer for sports enthusiasts in this state — you could get tickets to a top-class sporting event every month of the year.
