Sport
Preview
Sports Round-up: Spring 2022
High-stakes sporting action taking over the months of spring, from boxing to BMX.
Spring is often a high-stakes time in the year for sport, as seasons reach their climax or summer series start to gain motion. This year is no exception. We’ve rounded up some of our highlights coming up over the next few months to help you get in on the action.
Arsenal Women vs Spurs Women
When? 26 March
Where? Emirates Stadium
The El Classico of North London. Women’s Super League favourites Arsenal take on their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur at home in what’s sure to be a high-stakes league fixture
Sheffield Steelers vs Belfast Giants
When: 09-10 April
Where: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
There’s everything to play for this April, as Sheffield Steelers take to the ice to face Belfast Giants, who are currently on fire in the Elite League after knocking Aaron Fox’s team off the top spot. The Steelers will be surely seeking vengeance in this two-day double header.
Fury vs Whyte
When: 23 April
Where: Wembley Stadium
Quite simply, this long-awaited fight between The Gypsy King and The Body Snatcher will be one of the biggest face-offs in British boxing history. Coming to Wembley Stadium on 23 April for his first fight on home soil in almost four years, Fury will be defending his World Heavyweight belt against a worthy opponent, who currently holds the interim title. Writing for Ticketmaster UK, Ron Lewis promised action, noting that the elusive Fury of previous years has changed to the front foot under American coach Sugarhill Steward, as seen in the change of tactics during the Deyonte Wilder fights. Whyte is not to be underestimated either, Lewis adds: “he seldom takes a backward step.”
Speaking with Ticketmaster UK at the fight press conference (see above), Fury claimed the fight would be his last, although it wouldn’t be the first time such a high-profile fighter made such a claim.
BBL Play-Off Finals 2022
When: 15 May
Where: The O2, London
This spring, 15,000 basketball fans will be making the pilgrimage to one of the biggest events in British basketball, a double-header featuring the men’s Grand Final and women’s post-season Championship Play-Offs.
Harlequins Big Summer Kick-Off
When: 21 May
Where: Twickenham Stadium
The penultimate match of the season sees Harlequins vs Gloucester Rugby both seek to cement their place in the top four play-off spots of the Gallagher Premiership. But even better, Quins are making a day of it by inviting a top entertainment headliner (soon to be announced), plus there’ll be a player walkover, BBQ, craft beers, live entertainment and fairground rides.
The HSBC London Sevens
When: 28 – 29 May
Where: Twickenham Stadium
The London Sevens has been one of the most popular events in UK rugby since joining the world series in 2001, and it’s not hard to see why. Seven players on each side playing seven minutes a half means a lot more individual flair and a lot of tries. This year will see teams from Great Britain, France, New Zealand, Fiji, Kenya, Japan, South Africa and more. On top of the fast-paced action, as usual there’ll be DJs, top-notch food and a fan village to soak up the vibes. Expect a healthy amount of fancy dress.
UCI BMX Racing World Cup
When: Glasgow BMX Centre
Where: 28-29 May
The first international BMX event to take place in Glasgow since the 2018 European Championships, this year the Tinderbox City will host the first two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup, and what a place to do it. The BMX Centre is a state-of-the-art venue with a 400m track, step-ups, rollers, berms, tabletops and more. Talk of the town will no doubt be Tokyo gold medallist and current world champion Beth Shriever, who’ll be seeking further glory.
Chesterton’s Polo In The Park
When: 10-12 June
Where: Hurlingham Park, Fulham
After a two-year break, the equestrian festivities of Chesterton’s Polo In The Park return to West London as spring begins to bloom into summer. With a special fast-paced format, it makes one of the oldest team sports easier for both newcomers and devoted fans to enjoy. But it’s not just about the sport, oh no. Polo brings fashion, music, food and family together as a perfect way to see out the season.
