When it comes to sports, Southport has plenty to offer. Further afield in Liverpool, the city has one of the best football teams in the world, but sports fans don’t have to leave town to find a full calendar of events for 2020.
The year ahead is full of old favourites. The Grand National racecourse is not going anywhere anytime soon. Local football is always an option and one that always needs the support of fans. Southport also has a new addition to the sports calendar this year, with the Coral Players Championship being held on the Waterfront.
Local Football At Southport FC
Haig Avenue, currently known as Pure Stadium, is home to Southport FC. Although not a Premier League side, the atmosphere of the games and spirit of the performances is well known in the local area.
Southport FC were doing well in the FA Cup qualifiers this season, before crashing out in front of a season-high crowd of 1,507 against Altrincham. Southport also sit 4th position in the National League North, with ten wins and four draws from 20 games.
The 2019/20 season continues into the new year with an away game on New Year’s Day, followed by the first home game of the season a few days later against York City. Tickets for home games are available at £15 for the Main Stand.
Of course, Liverpool FC currently sit at the top of the Premier League, as well as having recently qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Everton are battling to stay out of the relegation zone. Fans of both clubs can take trips to the city, but Southport FC games are cheaper, more accessible and in need of support.
Grand National
The Aintree Racecourse is only around 15 miles from Southport. The drive takes about 30 minutes and the journey is also possible by train, taking around an hour and 15 minutes. This means that those living within Southport are well within reach of the course.
The main event at Aintree is the Grand National, a three day bonanza that brings together some of the best horses and jockeys in the world. The 2020 Grand National takes place from 2nd – 4th April. The first two days each include four Group One races, then on the Sunday it’s Grand National Day.
The Grand National is one of the biggest horse racing events of the year. The 2019 winner was Tiger Roll, ridden by Davy Russell. It’s a little early to identify the favourites, but Tiger Roll, One For Arthur and Pleasant Company are among those who have been picked out as having a chance. Oddschecker offer horse racing tips for the Grand National, displaying the odds on favourites and outside bets.
Caption: The Aintree Racecourse is only 15 miles from Southport
Coral Players Championship
This is the first time that Southport will host a snooker event of this calibre. The Coral Players Championship is coming to the Southport Waterfront at the Floral Hall from 24th February to 1st March. The leading 16 players qualify through a one-year ranking system, meaning the event will feature major snooker pros.
Last year the tournament was held in Preston. Ronnie O’ Sullivan prevailed by beating Neil Robertson, even making his 1000th career century in the final frame.
Tickets for this years Players Championship start from around £17 for the earlier starting days, increasing to £37 for standard tickets and £150+ for VIP packages in the closing days of the tournament.
The top prize for players will be £125,000 of a £385,000 prize pool. The player who wins the most across all three events of the tournament series will also earn the Coral Cup and an additional £100,000.
Other Sports Events In Southport
These are not the only sports events in Southport. There’s also the Southport Rugby Festival, which takes place from 8th – 10th May, attracting dozens of talented amateur teams, as well as spectators who enjoy the festivities.
For those who enjoy running, the 2020 Southport Half Marathon and 10k takes place on the 28th June. The route takes in the sea air and sights of the city, pushing the limits of participants in a safe yet challenging environment. There’s even the triathlon on 17th May!
Southport has plenty to offer for fans of all different kinds of sports, without even leaving the town. Put these events in your sporting calender for 2020.
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