When I Met You In The Summer

The weather is heating up and so is the conversation. Stay cool with your newfound sports knowledge.

Own the weekend,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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World Cup

When you pledge allegiance to the flag. Despite being one of the top teams in the World Cup, Spain fired their head coach days before the tournament began in Russia. They play soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his talented Portuguese team today. Spanish fans might be a little conflicted because Ronaldo hails from Portugal but plays professionally in Spain for Real Madrid. Also watch for Gerard Pique, singer Shakira’s partner and baby daddy, who plays for Spain. 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD CUP

Overtime

Minor League baseball teams are known for their zany publicity stunts and these two are no exception. After a fan vote, a Staten Island team is changing their name to the Staten Island Pizza Rats for a few games this season, as an ode to a hungry subway rat. Not to be outdone, the St. Paul Saints will become the "Raccoons" for one game in honor of the heroic raccoon that scaled a St. Paul office building and captivated a nation earlier this week. IT’S A ZOO OUT THERE

Sideline stat

Who said diamonds were only a girl’s best friend? The Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles (NFL – National Football League) received their championship rings and my how they sparkle with their 219 diamonds. Amongst the many carefully considered features, the ring has a dog mask to signify the team’s role as the ultimate underdogs in the postseason and for the first time ever, they’re inscribed with the player’s own signature. PICS

Coaches’ corner

It was a rough first day at golf’s U.S. Open Tournament. Not only was the traffic on Long Island horrendous, taking some players three hours to get to the course, but the actual golf was pretty tragic too. Tiger Woods made a veteran move, staying on his $20 million yacht near the course but that still didn’t help his game. Known for being a challenging course, Shinnecock Hills sent the players home yesterday with the highest average scores in 25 years. TRAFFIC STINKS 

What to watch

All eyes will be on Russia and Omaha, Nebraska this weekend. (We never thought we’d say that in the same sentence). The College Baseball World Series starts tomorrow and features eight college teams ranging from the defending champion Florida Gators to first-timers like the Washington Huskies. The double elimination tournament runs through June 27. SCHEDULE & TEAMS

Hot In Here

Break out the champagne because we’re headed to another Super Bowl. You’re not going to be able to avoid the football conversation today so you might as well join them. If you don’t like football, we have a little something for you too.

Show ‘em who’s the boss,

The Last Night’s Game Team  

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NFL (National Football League)

If you don’t have a problem with wearing a costume outside of Halloween. In front of a home crowd of fans donning “underdog” dog masks, the Philadelphia Eagles soared to a big victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Police in Philadelphia were worried about celebrating (or rioting) in the streets afterward, so they used Crisco on the light poles so no one could climb them. A great plan by the "Crisco Cops" but apparently it didn't work. 

When you have that moment of déjà vu. Tom Brady and his New England Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl. Even with his hand injury that required stitches, Brady led his team to a come-from-behind win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If this lineup looks familiar, the Eagles and the Patriots played each other in the 2005 Super Bowl where the Patriots were victorious.

Overtime

This is the eighth-time Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have been to the Super Bowl together. While Belichick is arguably one of the best coaches in history, he’s certainly not a fashion icon, especially in yesterday's postgame press conference outfit. You be the judge. PIC

Sideline stat

The only person to have a better day than the Eagles and Patriots is Suni Strong. He hit a shot from half-court at the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA – National Basketball Association) game to win $100,000. Strong is a composite technician at SpaceX with a side gig as a bounty hunter.

Coaches’ corner

It’s been a tough Australian Open for American women without Serena Williams. Madison Keys is the remaining American woman in the field and she has advanced to the quarterfinals. Williams on the other hand seems to be battling with her toughest opponent yet, a baby stroller.

Stay tuned for the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 4 in Minneapolis. We’ll make sure you’re party ready with a special Super Bowl edition Five Things To Know, coming your way January 31.

Doggone It

It may be cold outside but it’s hot in the world of sports. It’s the first Saturday since August with no football (cue basketball to fill in) and the last four football teams compete on Sunday for a spot in the Super Bowl.

You’re in the know,

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS – Shout out to our fans who requested a Tailgate Treat that is special diet friendly. Don’t care about your diet? You’ll drool over it too.

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

When you’re still paying for therapy after being picked last in gym class. The NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 18th) has undergone a face lift this year. The teams will now be chosen by the top vote getter in each conference and this year it’s LeBron James and Steph Curry. The list of starters has been determined by fans, players and media and James and Curry will choose from that list, regardless of conference, to create their team that will play in the all-star game. For more, catch this quick video.

NFL (National Football League)

When you can’t get “Who Let The Dogs Out” out of your head.  They may be the Philadelphia Eagles, but Sunday during their game you will see dog masks everywhere. The Eagles have embraced their underdog label in the playoffs, hence the dog masks. They face the Minnesota Vikings which, with a win, will be the first team ever to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

 

Overtime

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid asked Rihanna out on a date in 2014. She told him to come back when he’s an all-star. The day has come, Embiid was selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star team. The fans have not forgotten this promise and have been flooding Rihanna’s social media with reminders.

Sideline stat

If you’re more of a dog person, this one’s for you. March Madness brings us bracketology, but have you heard of barketology? Purina and former quarterback and baseball player, Tim Tebow, teamed up to bring you “barketology” for the Westminster Dog Show (Feb. 12-13). You can pick the pups you think will win for a chance at a $1 million prize. Brackets gone doggy style.

Coaches’ corner

All that stands between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Super Bowl are Tom Brady and the mighty New England Patriots this weekend. Everyone has been giving the team advice on how to beat the five-time Super Bowl champs including a first-grade class that sent them a folder of game notes and motivational messages. CHECK IT OUT