4 Nassau Sporting Events Not To Miss This Winter 2015
Each year, over 6 million visitors travel to the islands of The Bahamas. Most of them are driven by the promise of brilliant sun, sand and sea and well, we can’t blame them one iota for that- especially at this time of year when temperatures begin dipping into “winter jacket territory” in most places North of Central Florida. But, what you may not know is that the Bahamas winter months are virtually perfect (i.e. sunny but not too humid) for a wide range of fun, active and in some cases, even high profile (re: nationally televised in the USA) sporting events. Whether you’re an athlete yourself or simply prefer to actively spectate, we suggest that you make time to add one of these top Nassau sporting events to your list of Things To Do in The Bahamas this season.
BASKETBALL
Eight top college basketball big dogs (UConn, Gonzaga, Syracuse, Washington, Texas A&M, Charlotte, Texas, Michigan) hit the floor for the fifth annual Battle 4 Atlantis event, hosted at the world famous Atlantis Hotel and Resort during the week of American Thanksgiving. Each day features four (4) games so you’re guaranteed to see lots of action!
Event Name: Battle 4 Atlantis
Date: November 25-27, 2015
Location: Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island
Tickets: $25-$200 game dependent
Highlights: Indoor seating if you’re sun adverse and the chance to save 10% off your room rate at Atlantis during your stay
GOLF
This challenging course designed by Ernie Ells is set within the 600 acre luxury resort community of Albany and will host an exclusive group of 18 top PGA golfers battling for a prize of $3.5M and the Hero World Challenge Trophy. The event will also raise funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation.
Event Name: Hero World Challenge
Date: December 3-6, 2015
Location: Albany Resort, New Providence
Tickets: $50 per day for full access
Highlights: Tiger Woods will be there and this is the event’s inaugural run- so you can make history! Get even closer your PGA heroes by volunteering at the event.
FOOTBALL
For the second year in a row, Nassau, New Providence will host the Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl on Christmas Eve. Facing off this year will be the two top US College Football teams from Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference- Western Michigan and Middle Tennessee. This football showdown is definitely in the running for the warmest weather bowl game of the season.
Event Name: Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl 2015
Date: December 24, 2015
Location: Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, New Providence
Tickets: $40 for the game (purchase online: www.ticketestore.com)
Highlights: You might be on TV! ESPN will be covering the game live for fans around the US
RUNNING/JOGGING/WALKING
A sanctioned Boston Marathon qualifier event, Marathon Bahamas has steadily grown since its launch in 2011 to become a race that hosts runners from all over the world, vying for their personal bests along the flat, scenic Nassau route.
Event Name: Marathon Bahamas 2015
Date: January 17-18, 2016
Location: Course covers 26.2 miles along the coast of Nassau and Paradise Island
Tickets: $100-$125 entrance fee
Highlights: The ocean view while you run, walk or cheer on the athletes
Bonus! Even More Nassau Winter Running/Walking Events….
- Bahamas Half Marathon & 10K
- Sunday, November 22nd, 2015 at 6:00 AM (Arawak Cay)
- Individual half, 3-person relay (4.3 miles/each) or 10K (6.2 miles) options available and walkers welcome too!
- 242 Colour Run, Nassau
- Sunday, December 2oth, 2015 at 7:30 AM (Eastern Parade)
- 5K Course, competitive event; every runner receives a colour packet, funky sunglasses and custom tattoos!