8 Unbeatable Views from Around the Sports World

There's no questioning the value of a place that most people aren't likely to describe as "special" if your memories and experiences make it something far more meaningful than the parcel of land it sits on.

The humble playground that saw countless games of kickball played, the outdoor basketball court with a perpetually netless and battered hoop―these things might not be much to look at, but were the sites of your greatest triumphs.

For many people, the places they love most or feel a strong connection to are one and the same with where they first went to Opening Day or saw Tiger Woods win the Masters.

Some places transcend personal experience and are by and in themselves, intrinsically awesome. Places where history was and continues to be made, places that best capture the intersection of life, wonder and sports.

From the 8th Hole at the Emirates Golf Club

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

There are a lot of breathtaking vistas to soak in from the world’s golf courses—the panoramic view of New York City from Liberty National in Jersey City certainly comes to mind. Stunning as it is, we’re all pretty familiar with that skyline by now.

Step outside the U.S., however, and it’s not easy to top the view from the eighth hole of the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club. Tiger Woods is pictured teeing off during the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February 2014. 

From the Field at Fenway Park

VICTORIA AROCHO/Associated Press

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox define MLB more than any other teams in the league. And, although things have evened out in their rivalry a bit over the last decade, they are still very much representative of two very different baseball experiences. 

Historically for the Yankees, it’s been about money and championships—because they’ve had plenty of both. For the Red Sox, it’s been more about tradition and shared experiences—because they had over 80 championshipless years to commiserate together. 

And for over 100 years Boston fans and foes have had Fenway Park, the oldest MLB ballpark. Even when the players have struggled, the Green Monster in left field has never backed down. Looking up at it, either from the field or other sections of the stadium, is an unforgettable experience.

From the Sideline at Cowboys Stadium

Sharon Ellman/Associated Press

They may not have been officially elected “America’s Team,” but that hasn’t stopped Cowboys owner Jerry Jones from operating as if they were. It doesn’t matter how good (or bad) the team is, the football happenings in and around Dallas are always a big deal. 

In 2009, Jones really upped an already rich ante with the opening of a new and improved Cowboys Stadium, which only set him back a billion dollars. Between those iconic cheerleaders and that epic video screen, the view from the sidelines in Dallas is like no other.

From NBA Courtside Seats

Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Only NBA basketball allows fans a viewing experience that gets them close enough to identify a player’s preferred cologne. Assuming they actually wear cologne during a game, which may be a bit of a stretch. 

That being said, courtside seats provide a viewing experience like no other. Unfortunately, they are cost prohibitive for most fans, particularly in cities like New York and Los Angeles, but are absolutely worth the price for those who can afford to pay. 

From Within the Crowd at a College Football Game

Tony Ding/Associated Press

NFL football is more popular and profitable than ever, yet attendance has been largely in decline since peaking in 2007. That’s because, in addition to the ballooning cost of seeing a game in person, often times the live experience just isn’t as good as it is from home. 

That is not the case with college football. The sense of community that exists when fans come together on Saturdays is almost as important, and maybe more important in some cases, than the outcome of the game. Wins and losses will come and go, but memories from within that crowd will last forever. 

From the Stands on Opening Day

USA TODAY Sports

Attending a baseball game on Opening Day is something every American should do once in their lives. The NFL has overtaken MLB in so many ways, but baseball will forever be our national pastime. 

The ballpark pictured is the Pirates’ PNC Park, which boasts a stunning view of Pittsburgh’s impressive skyline, but the Opening Day view from any seat, at any ballpark, cannot be beaten. 

From the 18th Hole at Pebble Beach

BOB GALBRAITH/Associated Press

The Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most beautiful and scenic sporting locales in the world. South of San Francisco and north of Los Angeles, the course is situated on the Monterey Peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean serving as its majestic backdrop. 

Stunning as the course may be, not every hole from Pebble Beach, which hosts a number of PGA events each year, is created equal. The 18th is as captivating for the players lucky enough to experience it, as it is intimidating—nothing like a complicated par five to end a round!

From the Notre Dame Tunnel

Michael Conroy, AP

Love them or hate them, for better for worse, there is absolutely no denying the significance of Notre Dame football as an institution. There’s a reason the Irish don’t struggle in recruiting, even during extended stretches of mediocrity. 

Notre Dame isn’t just football, it’s an experience. Every home game is like a holiday on campus and every game, no matter the implications, is nationally televised. Every trip out of the legendary tunnel onto the field at Notre Dame Stadium is a memory in the making.