Weekend Preview: The Match, F1 Vegas + NWSL Finals

As we approach the weekend, the sports world is brimming with exciting matchups and events that will spice up any conversation. Whether you're on your way home for the holidays or just hanging out, here’s everything you need to know to stay in the loop this weekend!

The Match: Celebrities Competing for Charity

The latest edition of The Match is underway, and it’s more star-studded than ever. Launched initially to raise charity funds, The Match now brings together celebrities and sports stars for some friendly competition. In this round, Michael Phelps, Mark Wahlberg, Bill Murray, and Wayne Gretzky are facing off for the $1 million grand prize, but hurricane relief is the real winner. Unlike previous editions, all donations will benefit those impacted by hurricanes, not individual player charities. Tune in to see these iconic figures battle it out on the green, with Phelps and Wahlberg meeting in the semi-finals on Friday evening.

F1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas: Speed, Glamour, and Music

The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns for its second year with the only night race on the F1 (Formula One) calendar in the United States. Racing through the iconic Vegas Strip, drivers hit an average speed of 150 miles per hour last year, the fastest of the season. With Max Verstappen leading the season by 62 points, he’s looking to clinch his fourth world title in Vegas, and all he needs is a win against Lando Norris. Keep an eye on the glamorous crowd, as Grammy-winning trio Boys II Men will be performing the national anthem ahead of the race on Saturday.

NWSL Championship: Washington Spirit vs. Orlando Pride

Saturday night will also feature the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) Championship final between the Washington Spirit and Orlando Pride. With the match taking place at the first privately financed stadium built exclusively for a women’s soccer team, fans can expect a high-energy showdown. The Washington Spirit are looking to defend their 2021 title, while Orlando Pride aims for their first-ever championship. Watch for standout performances from Croix Bethune (Rookie of the Year) and Seb Hines (Coach of the Year).

Kentucky’s Historic Football Journey to Austin

In a fun football fact for the weekend, Kentucky’s football team is making history by traveling further west than they ever have for a game. This weekend, they’ll play in Austin, Texas—marking the furthest point they’ve ever traveled west for a football game since 1951. It’s a great tidbit to mention during any football-related small talk this holiday season.

NFL Quarterback Shuffle: Tommy DeVito Takes Over for the Giants

The New York Giants (NFL - National Football League) are making headlines for cutting quarterback Daniel Jones in the NFL due to his struggles this season. First, they benched Jones to avoid injury and protect the team from a $23M salary payout next year. Stepping into the spotlight is Tommy DeVito—better known as "Tommy Cutlets," the local favorite who sparked excitement last season by winning three consecutive games while living with his parents. Keep an eye on this dynamic shift and the fan energy surrounding DeVito.

Enjoy the Weekend!

Whether you’re watching celebrities compete for charity, cheering on your favorite F1 driver, or keeping up with historic moments in football and soccer, there’s plenty to enjoy this weekend. Don’t forget to check out more sports updates at Last Night's Game and follow us on social media for the latest news and insights.

Have a fantastic, sports-filled weekend!

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Hidden Gems of the Olympics

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By: Bri Talmadge

As the 2024 Olympics approach, anticipation builds not just for the traditional sports but also for some unexpected additions to the lineup. These sports offer fans and athletes a fresh perspective on the sports they didn’t know existed. Prepare to cheer for the unexpected and embrace the joy of sports you never knew you needed. 

Skateboarding

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Skateboarding is all about riding and rocking sick tricks that'll blow your mind. Athletes will have an epic showcase of creativity and fearlessness on wheels. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for fantastic entertainment, tune in and witness the thrill of skateboarding at its finest. Get ready to be amazed and inspired by the raddest sport on the planet.

Canoe Slalom

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Canoe slalom takes canoeing to the next level with its high-speed action and precision navigation through gates on a challenging course. Athletes paddle fiercely, balancing speed and technique while maneuvering through rapids and around gates, making it a thrilling test of skill and agility. If you're a fan of intense water sports, canoe slalom delivers excitement and adrenaline.

Sport Climbing

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Enter the world of sport climbing, where rock climbing meets high-octane thrills. This sport amplifies the excitement of different competitions featuring intense routes that test climbers' agility and strength to the max. It's all about the rush of scaling challenging walls, cheered on by fans who love it when athletes reach new heights. Sport climbing promises nonstop excitement and unforgettable feats of skill.

Trampoline Gymnastics

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Have you ever wanted to fly? Trampoline gymnastics gets you as close as it gets. Picture athletes bouncing effortlessly from feet to back to front, spinning and twisting with dazzling grace and skill. It's like watching dreams come true in mid-air. Whether you're jumping or cheering from the sidelines, trampoline gymnastics is pure joy and exhilaration.

Dressage

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Dressage is a must-watch for anyone captivated by the graceful partnership between rider and horse. Witness these majestic animals execute intricate movements with finesse and harmony—a mesmerizing display of athleticism and artistry that promises to leave you in awe. Dressage offers a unique spectacle that's both elegant and exhilarating. Watch the beauty of this sport unfold before your eyes.  

Steeplechase

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Steeplechase in the Olympics is a thrill ride you don't want to miss. Athletes sprinting, leaping over fixed barriers and splashing through seven water jumps like they're in a high-stakes game of hopscotch. It's fast, intense and packed with unpredictable moments that make every race a heart-pounding spectacle. It’s a race like no other.

Hidden gems like trampoline and skateboarding deliver pure, unexpected joy. It's like discovering a secret world where athletes defy gravity with every twist and turn. The best adventures are the ones you never saw coming! 

For more on the Olympics, follow us on TikTok and Instagram.

Monday Minute: Kelce Mix, WNBA All-Stars + Solving The T-Shirt Cannon Conundrum

Good morning. It is Monday, July 22, the last week without the Olympics. Don't forget to join us on Wednesday for our Wednesday Wisdom Podcast, where we will give you an Olympics crash course. Now, onto today’s news.

WNBA All-Star Game

This weekend, we had the WNBA All-Star Game (Women’s National Association); the energy and competition were off the charts. Brittney Griner used this moment to reveal that she and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed a baby boy in July. Brittney is part of Team USA, which lost to Team WNBA. Team USA, made up of players heading to the Paris Olympics, faced off against the WNBA All-Stars, which were selected by fans. The motivational talk from Jason Sudeikis, known as Ted Lasso, may have inspired the Team WNBA to their big win. But don't fret, as the last time Team USA lost to Team WNBA, they went on to win gold at the Olympics.

Olympic Basketball

Speaking of basketball in the Olympics, Team USA's men's side had a rude awakening in an exhibition game against South Sudan. They were 43-point favorites and barely survived, winning by just one point, 101 to 100. South Sudan is a team built from scratch with no indoor courts. Hopefully, this is a warmup, and the team will move on to continue their journey toward gold.

NFL Updates: Kelce Mix and the Raiders

In the NFL (National Football League), Travis Kelce showed up to the Kansas City Chiefs training camp, rocking a mustache after promoting the Kelce mix, a collaboration with his brother, Jason, and General Mills. Their cereal combines their top three favorites in one box: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms and Reese's Puffs. This unique blend will be available in September.

The Las Vegas Raiders are returning to Southern California for training camp starting Tuesday. Due to NFL rules, they cannot promote the camp or have open practices for fans. They will be in Costa Mesa for 18 days, but no billboards or newspaper ads are allowed. Las Vegas media can cover the camp, but not Los Angeles or Orange County media. Why? The NFL protects each team’s territory for 75 miles, and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers play 40 miles away in SoFi Stadium.

Clippers' solve the t-shirt cannon crisis

In the NBA (National Basketball Association), Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is solving all kinds of in-game issues with their new stadium. It includes an abundance of toilets—three times the average NBA arena—and chargers at every seat. They also have a new video board capable of firing t-shirts to any seat in the building, ensuring everyone has a chance to catch one.

Tour de France

Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France for the third time, marking the most significant winning margin of his three Tour wins, beating the 5:20 gap three years ago. The Tour's finale was held outside of Paris for the first time since 1903 as the French capital prepares to host the Olympics.

Golf

Xander Schauffele won the British Open, his second major of the year. American golfers have swept all four majors this year.

That's it for this week. Remember to join us on Wednesday for our crash course on the Olympics, and check us out at lastnightsgame.com.

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