Wednesday Wisdom
The biggest and baddest Grand Slam is in New York. Plus, today's watercooler topics.
Forget MMA; today is the world's largest food fight in La Tomatina, Spain. The festival, held the last Wednesday of August, draws a crowd of 20,000.
Bring on the pasta,
The Last Night's Game
Photo: Instagram/usopen
Let’s get loud
The US Open is so American - the biggest tennis stadium in the world with the most prize money and the loudest fans.
The US Open has been a trailblazer in advocating for equal prize money for men and women since 1973. Tennis was the first sport, and the US Open was the first Grand Slam to offer equal prize money to the winners. This year, a staggering $65M is up for grabs, with the singles champions walking away with $3M each. Even players losing in the first round earn a respectable $81,500.
Make sure to catch this week's podcast, "The US Open - How America Does A Tennis Grand Slam," about the star-studded player lineup and fascinating trivia of this iconic Grand Slam event as only your favorite siblings' sports podcast can do. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
Yesterday was the deadline for all NFL teams to narrow their rosters from 93 to 53 players in preparation for the regular season starting next week. The league is ruthless - Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson cut his son from the team.
Don't expect your sports to be generated by AI anytime soon after this awkward AI-generated high school football report.
The record for the largest crowd to attend a women's sporting event could be broken today for the Nebraska-Omaha women's volleyball game, which is taking place inside Nebraska's football stadium. The expected crowd is 95,000. The previous record of 91,648 was set when Barcelona hosted Wolfsburg last April in a UEFA Women's Champions League match.
Venus Williams played in the first round of her record-extending 24th US Open yesterday. Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen eliminated Williams in her most lopsided loss in 100 career matches at the Grand Slam tournament.
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Instagram/patrickmahomes
Monday Minute: Who Is $18M Richer, Simone Biles + The NFL Slashes Rosters
Last week of August, we’re coming for you.
Seize the opportunity to chat with someone new using today’s Monday Minute.
For today's Monday Minute podcast episode or our podcast exclusive Weekend Preview, subscribe to the podcast or our YouTube channel.
PGA (Professional Golfers Association): $18M Man
While Viktor Hovland might not have clinched his first major golf championship just yet, he's undoubtedly waking up with a smile that stretches as wide as the fairway. The Norwegian golfer secured a whopping $18M in winnings after emerging victorious at the season-ending FedEx Cup Playoffs. Hovland held his nerve and finished with a comfortable four-shot lead, pocketing a jaw-dropping payday that most of us can only imagine.
Women’s World Cup: Spain’s Football President Under Fire
Spain's Women's National team won the World Cup a week ago, but it's the kiss that is on everyone's minds. Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, finds himself embroiled in a storm he kissed one of his players on the mouth during the World Cup medal ceremony." Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales is standing his ground, and this decision has ignited a firestorm of reactions. The fallout has been far-reaching, with the women's national football (aka soccer) coaching staff (all but the head coach) and some federation members resigning. Decorated men's national team members refuse to play with Rubiales at the helm. It's a tangled web of drama that's casting a shadow over Spain's triumphant World Cup victory.
NFL (National Football League) Roster Shuffle
For NFL fans, this weekend isn't just about touchdowns and tackles; it's also about the nail-biting anticipation of roster decisions. In an unprecedented move, the NFL has decided to skip the usual roster cutdown to 75 players during the preseason. Instead, teams will make a one-time reduction, slicing the roster from 90 players to 53 by the looming August 29 deadline. With around 1,200 players hitting the open market, it's a game of musical chairs as teams scramble to finalize their lineups and fill up their practice squads before the regular season begins on Thursday, September 7.
Before we go
Simone Biles has made history yet again, winning her 8th all-around national title at the US Gymnastics Championships. Biles' routines were nothing short of breathtaking, as she effortlessly executed moves that no other female gymnast has dared to attempt in competition.
The El Segundo, CA team represented the US against the world in the Little League World Series and clinched a dramatic victory with a walk-off home run. They beat the Pabao Little League from Curacao.
Have a great week ahead. If you want more of anything we discussed today, follow us on social media or lastnightsgame.com.
UP your game
Being a fantasy football pro who can talk shop doesn't have to be a fantasy. READ
Photo: Instagram/newyorkjets
GAME CHANGER
Looking for ideas to break out of a dinner slump (or perhaps for an upcoming football watch party)? Check out our Tailgate Treats for inspiration. EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Weekend Preview: College Football Begins, Aaron Rodgers Makes Jets’ Fans Happy + Too Cool For (In-Person) School
Well-deserved break ahead
As you gear up for a well-deserved weekend, let's quickly talk about what's ahead to keep you in the loop. From the thrill of college football's return to golf championships and baseball news, here's your express pass to the sports world's hottest happenings.
Touchdown Time: College Football's Week Zero
Get ready to trade those power suits for game-day jerseys because college football is back in action! It's Week Zero, where the spotlight shines on the teams that usually fly under the radar. The Notre Dame vs. Navy game takes center stage this weekend, live from Dublin, Ireland. Notre Dame will debut Sam Hartman from Wake Forest as their potential game-changer this season. The spirit of respect in this classic matchup makes it a must-watch.
Golf's Grand Finale: PGA Tour Championship
Even for the most dedicated business moguls, a good game of golf can be a refreshing retreat. The 2023 PGA Tour Championship, held in Atlanta, promises high stakes with an $18M prize for the winner. After the first day, there's a four-way tie. Look out for Victor Hovland and Rory McIlroy (two-time winner), who have been on fire, adding a layer of excitement to this weekend's golfing spectacle.
A Curveball in Baseball: Ohtani's Journey
Shohei Ohtani, the boundary-pushing sensation of the baseball world, has been making history as both a pitcher and hitter. The prospect of a record-breaking contract hangs in the balance, but a recent UCL injury has thrown a curveball into the mix. While surgery might be off the table for now, Ohtani's path to recovery has caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Inspiring Athletes: LSU Stars Embrace Online Learning
High-profile female athletes are making waves off the field as well. LSU's basketball star, Angel Reese, joins gymnast Olivia Dunne in taking a unique approach to balancing their education and athletic pursuits. Their popularity has led them to opt for online classes, proving that success is about finding innovative solutions.
Preseason Preview: Aaron Rodgers Takes the Field
And for our football fans, here's a little treat. Jets fans' dreams are coming true as Aaron Rodgers takes to the field for the final preseason game. Get ready to witness a spectacular showdown as Rodgers goes head-to-head with the Giants. It's a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come in the regular season.
Weekend To-Do List
Before you dive headfirst into the weekend, here's your action plan:
If fantasy football is your game, don't miss our beginner's guide to fantasy football. It's time to strategize those winning moves!
Get the ultimate lowdown on college football season by tuning in to our podcast, available on your favorite podcast platform or lastnightsgame.com.
May your weekend be a perfect blend of work and play. From touchdowns to birdies, let the world of sports add an extra layer of excitement to your well-deserved break. Cheers to a fantastic weekend ahead!
Photo: Instagram/patrickmahomes
A Beginner’s Guide to fantasy football
Being a fantasy football pro who can talk shop doesn't have to be a fantasy. READ
Photo: Unsplash
GAME CHANGER
Place your bets with confidence (or at least be prepared to talk shop) with our sports betting 101. THE MORE YOU KNOW