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If you’re anything like me, you likely experienced a strong desire for football over the weekend.
No, I’m referring to something other than XFL football.
I am referring to the NFL, the reigning monarch of professional American sports.
The 2022-23 season concluded on a high note, leaving Detroit Lions fans filled with anticipation. However, it will be six months before this momentum can be put to the test.
Although it may feel like an eternity, there are still several significant sporting events scheduled before the NFL preseason begins.
These 10 events will aid in transitioning to the fall season.
1. March Madness
March Madness, the second most significant sports betting event in Michigan and globally, ranks only below the Super Bowl.
Three consecutive weekends full of thrilling college basketball action.
On March 12, the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s participants will be unveiled. Starting from March 14 and concluding on April 3, the thrilling game action will captivate fans.
A potential drawback of this year’s tournament is the possible absence of teams from within the state.
This year’s Big Dance spot is proving to be a challenge for both Michigan State and Michigan as they strive to secure their positions.
According to ESPN Bracketology, Michigan State is currently ranked as a No. 7 seed, while Michigan does not appear anywhere on the list. Michigan is not even mentioned in the “Next Four Out” category.
Michigan currently holds a 16-12 record this season, while MSU has managed to secure a slightly better record of 17-10. It is crucial for both teams to secure significant victories in the upcoming weeks to ensure that the state of Michigan has a vested interest in the NCAA Tournament.
Michigan State University has consistently participated in March Madness since 1997, demonstrating their unwavering presence. On the other hand, the University of Michigan has not refrained from joining the tournament since 2015.
The Mid-American Conference finds Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan situated towards the lower end of the standings. Oakland and Detroit Mercy will require a stroke of luck in the Horizon League Tournament if they wish to secure an automatic bid.
2. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
Be cautious, but Detroit might just have a team that could make it to the playoffs.
With a record of 28-21-8, the Detroit Red Wings have triumphed in seven out of their last eight games, demonstrating a strong effort to secure a Wild Card spot.
The Wings and the Florida Panthers are currently tied for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, both with 64 points. However, it is worth noting that Florida has played three more games than Detroit.
An even more improbable situation finds them trailing the Tampa Bay Lightning by 12 points for a position within the top-3 in the Atlantic Division.
The Wings appear to be well-positioned for their first playoff appearance since 2016, with 25 games left in the season.
Mid-April marks the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
3. 2025 NFL Draft
NFL fans still have something to hold on to.
The 2025 NFL Draft is happening right in the middle of the offseason.
The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 27-29, hosted in Kansas City, the proud home of the Super Bowl champions.
The Detroit Lions are having a significant draft this year as they possess two first-round picks (6 and 18) and two second-round picks (49 and 56).
After a successful season, the Lions, boasting a young team, now have an opportunity to enhance their roster with some exceptional talent.
It is well-known that general manager Brad Holmes is no stranger to making strategic moves during trade weekend. So, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Holmes endeavors to create a significant impact once again in this year’s draft.
4. MLB Opening Day
I know, I know.
It appears highly likely that the Detroit Tigers will have a poor performance in 2025.
This year, they are considered the biggest underdog to win the World Series for a reason.
Nevertheless, each individual commences with a clean slate of 0-0, and we can anticipate a delightful few weeks filled with misplaced enthusiasm before the truth dawns upon us.
On March 30, the Tigers will kick off the regular season in Tampa Bay. The first home game at Comerica Park is scheduled for April 6, where they will face off against Boston.
Regardless of the Tigers’ location, the opening day in Detroit is an exceptional occasion that should be witnessed.
This season, we will have the opportunity to witness Miguel Cabrera’s farewell tour. It’s a limited chance to catch a glimpse of one of the franchise’s most exceptional hitters ever.
5. 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup
After the excitement of the FIFA Men’s World Cup last November, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to make a comeback this summer.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to occur from July 20 to August 20, and will be hosted in Australia and New Zealand.
In contrast to their unsuccessful performance in the men’s event, the United States has emerged victorious in the last two editions of the Women’s World Cup. Out of the previous eight tournaments, the US has secured a total of four Women’s World Cup titles.
As we enter 2025, there is no doubt that the USWNT will remain a strong contender for the title once more.
6. 2025 World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic, which hasn’t taken place since 2017, will precede the commencement of the 2025 MLB season.
From March 8-21, the 2025 WBC will be held in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. Games in the U.S. will be hosted at Chase Field in Phoenix and LoanDepot Park in Miami.
After securing its first WBC victory in 2017, the United States is now prepared to protect its hard-earned title. This year, the American team will be competing in Pool C alongside Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and Great Britain.
While the United States boasts an impressive lineup of talent, regrettably, the roster does not feature any players from the Detroit Tigers.
This year, the Tigers have a total of eight players representing them in the World Baseball Classic. The representatives are:
- Miguel Cabrera (Venezuela)
- Eduardo Rodriguez (Venezuela)
- Javier Baez (Puerto Rico)
- Jonathan Schoop (Netherlands)
- Andy Ibanez (Cuba)
- John Valente (Italy)
- Chavez Fernander (Great Britain)
- Jack O’Loughlin (Australia)
7. NBA Playoffs
Detroit fans have been left disappointed by the 2022-23 NBA season.
The Detroit Pistons currently hold the worst record in the Eastern Conference, standing at 15-45. With only 22 games left in the season, their chances of making it to the playoffs are rapidly diminishing.
Currently, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Lebron James, find themselves outside the playoff zone. The Golden State Warriors, with Stephen Curry at the helm, are just managing to secure a spot.
Despite the exclusion of a few top stars from the postseason, the NBA playoffs continue to offer captivating television.
The playoffs for this year are scheduled to commence on April 15 and have the potential to extend until June 18. This extensive duration presents a significant opportunity to eradicate the NFL offseason.
8. The Triple Crown
Every year, for a duration of six weeks, we engage in the charade of being knowledgeable about horse racing.
The horse racing Triple Crown is also a highly anticipated event for sportsbooks.
Participating in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes offers a chance for a horse to achieve legendary status in America.
The honor of being the last Triple Crown winner in 2018 was claimed by Justify, while American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought in 2015 by securing the prestigious title.
The schedule for this year’s Triple Crown is outlined below:
- Kentucky Derby: May 6
- Preakness Stakes: May 20
- Belmont Stakes: June 10
9. Golf Majors
The entertainment value of the four major championships is undeniable, regardless of whether you are a passionate golf enthusiast or not.
With the inclusion of LIV Golf, which has attracted several prominent players from the PGA Tour, these majors have become the few and exclusive occasions where fans can witness the gathering of the finest golfers in a single event.
Tiger Woods, currently with 15 major championships, will be among the contenders in the upcoming event as he strives to surpass Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles.
The four majors are:
- The Masters: April 6-9
- PGA Championship: May 18-21
- U.S. Open: June 15-18
- The Open Championship will take place from July 20th to July 23rd.
10. FireKeepers Casino 400 at MIS
On August 6th, the FireKeepers Casino 400 welcomes back the NASCAR Cup Series to Michigan International Speedway.
NASCAR has a longstanding history at MIS, starting from 1969. Previously, MIS would host two Cup Series races annually, but now it is limited to only one race held in August.
Kevin Harvick, the defending champion, has emerged victorious in four out of the past five FireKeepers Casino 400 races.
Despite being a hometown hero, Brad Keselowski has yet to secure victory at his home track and claim the coveted checkered flag.
In addition to the Cup Series race scheduled for August 6th, the Xfinity Series will also be participating in the competition at MIS during that weekend.
The race for the Xfinity Series is scheduled for August 5th.
