If you love sports, the DMV has all you could ever want.
From all the major professional leagues to college competition at every level and even some of the best prep sports in the country, you’ll find it here.
In fact, fall is one of the best times of year for sports lovers. Baseball season is racing to the finish, with many playoff races yet to be decided. Football is just getting started, and hockey and basketball aren’t far behind.
And there are plenty of other sports to enjoy, no matter what your favorite pastime is.
Professional Sports in the DMV
The Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles played each other this week at Nationals Park, creating a rare opportunity for fans of both local baseball teams to come together for a little friendly rivalry.
While the Nationals are rebuilding after a tough season, the Orioles are one of baseball’s biggest surprises. The exciting young team still has an outside shot at reaching the playoffs with a strong push in the season’s final weeks.
Both teams play in awesome downtown stadiums. If you’re a baseball fan, Camden Yards in Baltimore is one stadium you must visit.
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens both kicked off their seasons with a victory on Sunday, inspiring plenty of optimism for the season that lies ahead. The Ravens are a perennial playoff contender behind quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the Commanders brought in QB Carson Wentz this season to lead what the team hopes will be an exciting, high-powered offense.
For hockey fans, the puck drops for the Washington Capitals on October 12. The local NHL squad is led by all-time great Alexander Ovechkin, who brought the city its first Stanley Cup in 2018. The Wizards and superstar Bradley Beal, tip off their season on October 19.
And we’re still just scratching the surface of the sports you can enjoy in the DMV. D.C. United is hugely popular among men’s soccer fans in the area, while the Washington Spirit and star forward Trinity Rodman are one of the most exciting women’s teams around.
From anywhere in the DMV, you’re an easy drive from NASCAR races at Richmond Motor Speedway, PGA Tour events at area golf courses, and tennis at the Citi Open in D.C.
College Sports in the DMV
Nothing sparks a sports fan’s passion quite like college sports, and in the DMV, there is no shortage of colleges and powerhouse teams to pull for.
In the Old Line State, the Maryland Terrapins are the big draw, competing in the Big Ten against high-profile schools like Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan. Yet there are plenty of other schools with standout sports programs to follow, including the U.S. Naval Academy, Towson University, Bowie State, Morgan State, Salisbury, Frostburg and more.
In the top tier of Virginia college sports, the local allegiances are typically split between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. Cavaliers fans and Hokies fans always enjoy their (mostly) friendly rivalries. And you can’t forget about other popular schools like George Mason, James Madison and the University of Richmond.
Georgetown University and George Washington University lead the way in the District of Columbia, and both have historically successful basketball programs that are a lot of fun to watch. And don’t forget about American University and Howard University.
More Sports in the DMV
It’s not quite Texas-level intensity, but Friday Night Lights are a huge deal in the DMV. Our area produces more than its fair share of the top high school football players in the country. The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference — with schools like DeMatha, Gonzaga and Good Counsel — always produces top athletes.
The area is also a hotbed of lacrosse talent, and local high school games are played at some of the highest levels you’ll see anywhere.
If you’d rather be a participant than a spectator, you won’t be disappointed. From little leagues to adult leagues, you can find teams for every sport you can imagine. If you love outdoor sports, there’s plenty of hunting and fishing. If you love motor sports, there are racetracks and drag strips all around us. Golf and tennis? You’ll never have to go far.
