Most of the Louisville athletic programs are winding down for the summer and we have 98 days remaining until the start of football season in August. This will be one of the most exciting off seasons in the programs history as we will be anticipating the Cardinals first year in the ACC.
Other than looking forward to July 1st when Louisville officially becomes a member of the ACC there is plenty of events this summer to keep you going until kickoff in Papa John’s Cardinal stadium this fall.
There will be vacations, grilling, swimming, and a few cold beverages, but here are some other events to keep Cardinal fans entertained.
-June-July: 13th Annual Cardinal Caravan (No Official Date yet)
This is always one of the best events of the summer for Cardinal Fans. Most folks don’t get the opportunity to get up close and personal with Louisville athletes and coaches. This event gives everyone that chance. The Caravan usually makes 4 regional stops across the state and almost always has an incredible stop at Captains Quarters in Louisville. Keep an eye out for more info about the Cardinal Caravan and plan on spending a summer afternoon with your favorite player.
Info will be here when officially announced.
-June 14th-25th: College World Series
Every year 8 teams come together from all over the United States to Omaha, Neb., TD Ameritrade Park for the College World Series. Our Cardinals baseball team were in this event in 2007 and last year. This years team has really hit their stride and are playing their best ball of the season. I’m hoping they end up being one of the 8 teams left standing, but if not this is still a great event to watch.
The official site for the CWS.
-June 26th: NBA Draft
Last year we got to see two of the most beloved Cards of all-time realize their dreams of playing in the NBA when Gorgui Dieng was selected as the 21st pick in the first round and Peyton Siva was selected 56th in the second round. This year we will all be watching to see what NBA fan base will be lucky enough to get Russ Smith on their team. It will be a special moment when we hear his name called.
2014 NBA Draft WIKI
-June 28th: Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts
The NASCAR race at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta Kentucky has become one of the biggest events of the summer for local racing fans. Last year Louisville had a National Championship sponsored car and held events at a hospitality tent throughout racing activities. I don’t know if we will have a sponsored car this year but there will be another hospitality tent. If you’ve never been to a race I highly suggest you try it once.
Get your tickets here and enjoy a day at the races with other Cardinal fans.
-Now-August 31st: The Louisville Bats
Louisville is home to one of the best triple A minor league franchises in the country. They are right in the mix again and chasing another pennant. There has also been a lot of Cincinnati Reds coming down to rehab this season. These games are great for family outings and are a great way to spend a summer evening. Be sure to head out this summer to Louisville Slugger Field and catch a game.
July 10th is a Louisville Alumni night.
-July 23rd-28th: AAU Division I National Championships & Super Showcase Events
The City of Louisville along with the Kentucky Exposition Center are hosting one of the biggest AAU events of the summer. Some of the most sought after prospects in the country will be heading to Louisville in July. The AAU Division I 10th & 11th Grade National Championships, the AAU 10th Grade Super Showcase – Gold Division, the AAU 11th Grade Super Showcase –Gold Division and the AAU 12th Grade National Championships will be awesome.
Here’s the official AAU page.
-August 4th-10th: PGA Championship at Valhalla
The 96th edition of the PGA Championship returns to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville for the first time in 14 years. Be there in person when the world’s best players compete for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy. This could also be the first major where Tiger Woods makes his return. This will be a special week in Louisville. The PGA Championship is the most lucrative major of the golf season with a purse of $10 million dollars.
The official site for this event.