After a year of postponements and cancellations, sporting fans around the world are celebrating the fact that this summer, some of the biggest events of the calendar are officially back on. And although many of them will be taking place without the usual crowds of spectators due to ongoing social distancing restrictions, there’s still plenty of reason to get excited. From the Summer Olympics to the NFL, we can expect highs, lows and of course, plenty of drama, which are all the ingredients needed for an edge-of-your-seat experience to remember.
For American football fans, September just can’t come soon enough, as on Sunday, 13th we’ll get to see Tom Brady lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers onto the pitch in a bid to defend their Super Bowl title – and the NFL odds are looking good for them. On the day, they’ll be facing off with the powerhouse team that is the Dallas Cowboys, but with all 22 of their 2020 Super Bowl starters, who led the team to victory, due to return for the occasion, bets are already being placed as to whether or not they can replicate a similarly stellar performance once again.
With Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott still recovering from a season-ending right ankle injury, things could be looking good for the Buccaneers, but he has been known to bounce back quickly from injury in the past, so what is set to go down on the day remains to be seen.
With this year’s event set to be held at the new $5 billion SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles – which serves as home to the Rams and the Chargers – it’s the perfect excuse to book a luxury break to the City of Angels – as whether or not you can make it into the stadium, you’ll have every chance to soak up the electric atmosphere that comes as part and parcel of game day.
Here, we take a look at how to get the most out of a luxury weekend getaway – from where to stay and where to eat, to where to get the best NFL odds to place your bets on the winner.
Where to get your NFL tickets
NFL tickets have yet to be released, but you can already sign up to the waiting list to gain priority access once the doors open. The likes of NFL On Location and Elite Sports Travel will be offering luxury VIP packages that include access to the Saturday Gold Jacket Autograph Session – an exclusive event featuring Pro Football Hall of Famers – while many companies offer the complete package including flights and accommodation, with a plethora of special extras to add an extra touch of opulence.
Where to stay
Los Angeles is located just nine miles from the Inglewood Stadium, and offers up a far superior selection of luxury hotels to ensure you get to enjoy the most comfortable of stays. The five-star Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, located in the heart of the iconic Beverly Hills district of the city, is our top pick, and exemplifies the very best of the California good life. Featuring a rooftop infinity pool that offers sweeping views down over the city below and a range of fine dining experiences including a delectable eight-course tasting menu at Jean-Georges – headed by the renowned chef of the same name – this is one hotel that will leave you wanting for nothing.
If you prefer to be a little closer to the ocean, then head to the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Located 14 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, it offers stylish suites and a large oceanfront pool, with epic views of the Santa Monica Pier.
Who to bet on
If you’re partial to a spot of sports betting and fancy yourself a big win on the NFL Super Bowl then you might be wondering who to place your money on, and with odds changing all the time, it can be difficult to keep pace with the latest predictions.
But one thing we do know is that the Kansas City Chiefs – despite failing to repeat as Super Bowl champions back in February – are the favourites to hoist the Lonbardi trophy. Although they failed to outplay the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the last event, their performance has been strong in recent matches, and the odds are now leaning in their favour.
The Buccaneers, though, are also holding their own, so the stakes could be high come game day. The Buffalo Bills have also been hotly tipped, while former champions with good odds include the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, all of whom are currently running neck and neck.
Before placing any bets, be sure to check the latest NFL Super Bowl odds, as they have been known to change dramatically in the lead-up.
