The Six Sports That Define the Summertime State of Mind

Close your eyes for a second and picture your perfect summer day, and chances are sports will be involved, right? 

Indeed, stepping away from the subzero intensity of the NFL postseason for more easy-going pursuits is what lazy summer afternoons were made for. Whether you're out on the golf course or watching Major League Baseball from the stands, it's hard to argue that the seasonal gameday dynamics are entirely different.

With a summer schedule packed full of ongoing action and entertainment, Bodog's here to shortlist our top six sporting escapades we just love to enjoy every summer.

Six Sports That Nail the Summer Vibe Criteria

Our love of summer sports is arguably ingrained in us from childhood, with fond memories of mornings spent playing softball and golf, to afternoons fully engrossed in MLB and soccer. Even when the sun fails to shine, you can guarantee there is never a shortage of action when it comes to these top six summer sports.

1. MLB Summer Nights & Backyard Baseball Traditions

Baseball is, without question, the embodiment of a true summer sport. Whether you’re smashing home runs out of the park or donning the BBQ apron for an MLB neighborhood cookout – it's always been a summertime essential. Playing the game brings back nostalgic memories of glorious summers gone by, while watching and betting on classic MLB rivalries is just an excuse to share good times with your friends and family every weekend.

2. Summer Golf Tee Times & Sun-Soaked Fairways 

Let's face it, the summer is absolutely tailor-made for golf, whether it's nailing a chip in for birdie from 50 yards on a sun-soaked round with a few beers in tow, or heading to the clubhouse for an afternoon BBQ on the terrace. Aside from the enjoyment of playing the game itself, watching the pros go head-to-head is a timeless summer pastime, with countless golfing tournaments held throughout the summer, including the US Open.

3. Backyard kickabouts & World Cup-inspired Summer Soccer Parties

It wasn't going to take long before we crowbarred soccer into the equation - whether you're scoring goals on the pitch like Ronaldo and Messi, or chilling on the sofa watching the pros go at it. While the EPL and La Liga may have ended, there is always plenty of summer soccer still to enjoy, with a mix of global tournaments, from World Club Cups to World Cups and Copa Américas.

4. Peak Tennis Season & Live Wimbledon Coverage

No matter how you choose to start your day, be it watching Alcaraz and Sabalenka during Wimbledon or serving aces from the baseline at your local tennis court, tennis will always be the quintessential summertime sport. Delightfully timed for a morning's entertainment, Wimbledon Championships allow you and your family to kick back and watch the prime-time rallies, before heading out for a lazy summer's afternoon spent soaking up the sunshine with racquets in hand.

5. Formula 1 Summer European Grand Prix Weekends 

Our next summer-themed sporting pursuit includes watching the high-octane three-day race weekends that make up the F1 European race schedule. For those lucky enough to attend, glamorous cities such as Monaco and Barcelona make for an unforgettable F1 sporting vacation. However, those who prefer to watch and bet on the action from the comfort of home, the intense racing rivalries seen throughout qualifying and the grand prix itself have become a benchmark for our summertime sports entertainment.

6. Sun, Sand & Beach Volleyball All Summer Long

Few sports are as synonymous with summer as volleyball, whether you've set up court on a sandy beach paradise, or in the backyard pool – a relaxed knockabout under the sun is what summer is all about. Now, pair it with a vacation BBQ or a beach party, and nothing gets a crowd joining in faster than a spontaneous game of volleyball under the gorgeous summer sun.

How Summer Turns Every Game into a Gathering

It’s hard to miss, but there is an unmistakable cultural shift in how sports are consumed and played when the summer rolls around. Firstly, gone are the frozen tundras seen in the NFL postseason in favor of the beautifully manicured lawns of the MLB, the US Open golf, and, of course, Wimbledon Center Court. 

Additionally, rather than being huddled in the living room throughout the winter, the summer sunshine becomes the perfect temptress to start hosting BBQs, rooftop gatherings, and pool parties. Whatever your sporting persuasion may be, whether you love watching the early morning action unfolding over in Europe, or revel in catching a warm summer's evening baseball game under the lights, you can’t deny it’s a season built for sport.

The Bottom Line

Rightfully so, the magic of summertime sports isn’t just about the nonstop action on show, it has its own unique social appeal, outdoor availability, not to mention the stunning scenery it incorporates. Add to the fact that sporting events can be a catalyst for a massive backyard watch party or a family sports-themed vacation away, and you don’t need much of an excuse to watch or join in.

So, whatever sporting pursuit captures your interest, whether you’re out on the golf course or watching a local baseball game, one thing is for certain: summer and sport are the ultimate pairing.