The 40 Greatest Sports Days of the Year

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers holds up the VInce Lombardi trophy after the Packers won 31-25 against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas

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There are some days in the world of sports that are the equivalent of Christmas to a small child for sports fans.

These mega events come only once a year, but when they do, fans go crazy gearing up to watch them, sometimes even sneaking out of work early to get a good seat at the bar or in front of their own TV to catch all of the action.

Here is a list of 40 of the greatest days in sports each year.

No. 40: Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, NC - MAY 29: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/Amp Energy Chevrolet, leads Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/AARP Chevrolet, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint C

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This is one of the biggest annual races in NASCAR.

Not only is it big in terms of how many fans it attracts or how well-known the event is, it's also the longest race in NASCAR at 600 miles long.

No. 39: National Signing Day (College Football)

Photo courtesy http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2009/02/ohio_state_football_insider_tr.html

While students may sign after or around this date, the first official day high school seniors can sign with their college team is an exciting one for sports fans.

On this day each year, usually the first Wednesday in February, fans get to watch and see what fresh new talent will be joining their favorite team.

No. 38: NBA Slam Dunk Contest

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: JaVale McGee #34 of the Washington Wizards goes up for a dunk in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest apart of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expres

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When would it ever not be exciting to watch professional basketball players try to one-up each other in slam dunk skill and style?

No. 37: First College Football Game of the Season

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Ah, the first game of the college football season. While usually not the most exciting game of the season by any stretch of the imagination, this game gets fans back into their teams' stadiums cheering for them and getting geared up to watch an entire season of great football.

No. 36: Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 30: Sebastian, the son of Dan Wheldon of England, driver of the #98 William Rast-Curb/Big Machine Dallara Honda, sits on the yard of bricks next to the Borg Warner Trophy on the day after his father won the IZOD IndyCar Series Indi

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This is another one of the most famous race days in Formula One racing.

People from all over flock to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each year to watch this 500-mile race.

No. 35: MLS Cup Game

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 21: Captain Pablo Mastroeni #25 of the Colorado Rapids kisses the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in celebration of their 2-1 overtime victory against FC Dallas during the 2010 MLS Cup match at BMO Field on November 21, 2010 in Toronto,

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While not everyone in the nation may be a huge fan of soccer, the MLS Cup championship game, held once a year, is exciting for soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike.

The skill and determination of each player and team in this game is truly exciting to watch.

No. 34: NBA Rookies vs. Sophomores

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Rookie Team and Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls and the Sophomore Team go after the opening tip to start the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam at Staples Cente

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This is one of the more fun side games the NBA puts together each year. Fans love watching the newest members of the NBA battle it out with guys who have had a year more of professional playing experience.

Always a surprise to see who will come out on top.

No. 33: Second to Last Day of the U.S. Open

KILLARNEY, IRELAND - JULY 27: Gerry McIlroy, The father of 2011 U.S. Open Winner, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his tee shot during the pro - am prior to the start of the Discover Ireland Irish Open at the Killarney golf and fishing club on July

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Like many of the great golf tournaments, the competition really heats up the second to the last day of this Open.

No. 32: Last Day of the Winter X Games

ASPEN, CO - JANUARY 27: Kazuhiro Kokubo of Sapporo, Japan practices prior to the Men's Snowboard Superpipe Finals at the Winter X Games Twelve at Buttermilk Mountain on January 27, 2008 in Aspen, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Multi-day competitions are always fun to watch, but the last day can be one of the most fun, especially in the Winter X Games, when the men's SuperPipe final is usually held.

No. 31: College Rivalry Football Weekend

PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Ronald Johnson #83 of the USC Trojans breaks a tackle by Sean Westgate #11 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. USC defeated UCLA 28-14. (Photo b

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Most of the games usually fall on the same weekend every year, whether we are talking USC-UCLA, Alabama-Auburn or Michigan-Ohio State.

Probably the most exciting weekend in college football, there are several great matchups for alums and fans of all ages.

No. 30: NFL Last Regular Season Game

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Maurice Morris #28 of the Detroit Lions gets in for a fouth quarter touchdown in front of Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 20-13. (Photo by

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

This day applies to any and all sports.

The last regular season game can be a make-or-break moment for most teams, determining whether they go on to the playoffs or end their season right then and there.

No. 29: US Open (Last Grand Slam Tennis Event)

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 27: Serena Williams of the United States reacts to a play during her fourth round match against Marion Bartoli of France on Day Seven of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Ju

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This is always an exciting one for tennis fans.

If someone wins the US Open plus the three Slams before it, he or she will be given the Grand Slam title for the year.

No. 28: MLB Draft

HOUSTON - JUNE 10: RHP Adrian Houser smiles after being announced as the Houston Astros' second-round selection in the 2011 MLB First Year Player Draft at Minute Maid Park on June 10, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

OK, so maybe watching this event isn't the most exciting thing in the world, but the outcomes of it are.

This is the day fans find out what fresh talent will be joining their team.

No. 27: The First Day of Free Agency

GREENWICH, CT - JULY 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) LeBron James attends the LeBron James Pre Decision Meet and Greet on July 8, 2010 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Proceeds from tonight's 2.5 million dollar event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ameri

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This day in sports can best be compared to a feeding frenzy of sharks.

The first day teams can begin talks with free agents is one of the most hectic and exciting with managers and owners trying to all compete for the same players to join their team.

No. 26: New Year's Day Football

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley #85 of the TCU Horned Frogs is tackled after a catch against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Is there a better way to spend the day recovering from New Year's Eve shenanigans than watching back-to-back football games with friends and family, all while eating great food?

No. 25: March Madness Bracket Day

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 17: A banner with the Men's NCAA Basketball Tournament BRacket is seen during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at St. Pete Times Forum on March 17, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

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Oh what an exciting day this is, the day the teams playing in the NCAA basketball tournament are announced and brackets come out.

Who doesn't love getting that year's bracket in their hands and immediately going to research and contemplate who they see going where in the tournament?

No. 24: NHL Draft

ST PAUL, MN - JUNE 25: 107th overall pick Colin Jacobs by the Buffalo Sabres smiles during day two of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft at Xcel Energy Center on June 25, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Again, like most of the other drafts, actually watching isn't that much fun, but seeing the outcomes from it is really exciting.

No. 23: Duke vs. UNC Basketball Game

DURHAM, NC - MARCH 8: Tyler Hansbrough #50 of the North Carolina Tar Heels shoots over Lance Thomas #42 and Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium March 8, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. North Carolina

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One of the biggest rivalries in college basketball every year, this is one of the top matchups to watch.

No. 22: The Second Saturday in College Football

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: The Ohio State University Marching Band performs the U.S. National Anthem before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Yes, the first day of the NCAA season was already on this list, but the second game of the season is always one of the most exciting for any team.

The team has worked out a lot of the kinks in its play and is ready to take on some actual competition at this point. This is when you start seeing who the pretenders and contenders are.

No. 21: NFL Draft

LATROBE, PA - JULY 29: Pittsburgh Steelers first round draft pick Cameron Heyward #95 laughs during a press conference after signing with the team during training camp on July 29, 2011 at St Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wicke

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Not that the other days aren't important, but this is when all the highly anticipated players are drafted.

No. 20: NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: Kawhi Leonard from San Diego State greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected #15 overall by the Indiana Pacers in the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jer

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Unlike most of the other drafts in professional sports, the NBA draft is fun to watch. That's not only because people want to see who is drafted where, but also since there are some pretty awesome suits worn to the event.

No. 19: Sunday of the Masters

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 07: A general view of the 16th green during the first round of the 2011 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2011 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

This is the most exciting day of golf all year.

Sunday at the Masters is when the competition really gets heated as players near the end of the tournament.

No. 18: Daytona 500

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Trevor Bayne, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 20, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ch

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Probably the largest NASCAR event, the Daytona 500 is like the holy grail of race days for fans.

No. 17: Thanksgiving Day Football

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Great football and great food—who wouldn't get excited about this day?

No. 16: SEC Title Game

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Nick Fairly #90 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

We all know this is the conference that reigns supreme. The winner of this game is virtually guaranteed a shot at the national title.

No. 15: Final Day of Wimbledon

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts to a play during his final round Gentlemen's match against Rafael Nadal of Spain on Day Thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Wimbledon is one of the biggest tournaments in tennis. The last day is typically when the best of the best play one another, making for an exciting day of tennis.

No. 14: Conference Championship Week

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Marvin Robinson #3 of the Michigan Wolverines lunges to attempt a tackle on Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Sometimes this game includes rivals, but more importantly the stakes are high, as millions of dollars and bragging rights are all on the table. The build-up of fan excitement and activity really makes this an exciting day in sports each year.

No. 13: Final Game of the Stanley Cup Final

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: (L-R) Tomas Kaberle #12, Adam McQuaid #54, Milan Lucic #17 and Nathan Horton #18 of the Boston Bruins celebrates winning the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rog

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The championship of the NHL playoffs is always a tough battle for who will win the Stanley Cup. It's emotional and exciting to watch.

No. 12: First Day of March Madness

DENVER, CO - MARCH 17: Demonte Harper #22 of the Morehead State Eagles shoots the game winning three point shot with 5.5 seconds left on the clock against the Louisville Cardinals during the second round of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Pe

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

This may be one of the most exciting days of the tournament next to the actual championship game.

Everyone goes in full of hope, with no bracket dreams yet crushed, and watches hours and hours of basketball, even sneaking out of work early to make sure they catch all the action.

No. 11: MLB All-Star Game

PHOENIX, AZ - JULY 12: American League All-Star Carlos Quentin #20 of the Chicago White Sox stands with American League All-Star Paul Konerko #14 of the Chicago White Sox, American League All-Star Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox, and American League

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Like the NBA All-Star game, this is a gathering of some of the greatest players in the league. It's exciting to see players get a chance to play alongside people other than those on their team.

No. 10: MLB Opening Day

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 08: Dan Uggla #26 of the Atlanta Braves during their opening day game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Turner Field on April 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Nothing brings to mind summer, beer and stadium food more than Opening Day for MLB.

No. 9: NBA All-Star Game

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference goes up for a shot in front of LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat and the Eastern Conference in the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20

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This is one of the greatest showcases of talent in the NBA. Pairing up some of the best athletes in the league who usually don't get to play together is an exciting experience to watch.

No. 8: Final Game of the World Series

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 28: The South Carolina Gamecocks celebrate after winning the men's 2011 NCAA College Baseball World Series at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha on June 28, 2011 in Omaha, Nebraska. The Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators 5-2 and won the series

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The teams have played multiple games, and everything comes down to this last one. It's an exciting and nerve-racking game to watch.

No. 7: First Monday Night Football Game of the Season

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 13: C.J. Spiller #28 of the Buffalo Bills runs against the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 13, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Bills 10-3. Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Football's been gone since February and the Super Bowl, but when it returns for the fall season, that first week of action is always so exciting since it hasn't been on in months, particularly the Monday Night Football game.

No. 6: Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, KY - MAY 07: Jockey Jesus L. Castanon, riding Shackleford #14, leads the field down the front stretch at the start of the 137th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 7, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The Kentucky Derby only comes once a year, but when it does, it causes everyone to stop what they're doing and watch.

No. 5: Championship Sunday in the NFL

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets runs down field against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Imag

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

This may be the most action-packed day in the NFL all season long. With the Super Bowl lineup resting on these conference championship outcomes, these are intense and exciting games to watch.

No. 4: NCAA Final Four and Title Games

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 04: Shabazz Napier #13 of the Connecticut Huskies cuts down the net after defeating the Butler Bulldogs to win the National Championship Game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament by a score of 53-41 at Reliant Stadi

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The final games of the NCAA tournament. With all other teams eliminated, the title game boasts the last two battling it out for a national championship.

No. 3: BCS Title Game

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs down field against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The two best teams in all the NCAA coming together to compete for a national championship is an exciting thing to watch.

No. 2: Final NBA Finals Game

MIAMI, FL - JUNE 12: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks to pass the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Six of the 2011 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agre

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Especially if this is Game 7 of the series, this is one of the most intense and exciting games each year in professional sports.

No. 1: Super Bowl

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rob Carr/G

Rob Carr/Getty Images

The king of all championships, the Super Bowl is the most exciting day of the year in sports.

Between great play from the two best teams in the league, hilarious commercials and the tons and tons of good food, it is by far one of the most entertaining times of the year.

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