Features

The Olympic flame

While there is no shortage of symbols associated with the Olympic Games, likely none captures the spirit of peaceful competition more than the Olympic flame.

How to run safe and successful mixed martial arts events

To learn what it takes to host a safe and successful MMA event, we reached out to two representatives from the United States Fight League (USFL), a nonprofit sanctioning body overseeing youth and adult MMA competition. They say success starts with understanding what makes MMA different and planning accordingly, which is where these five practical tips come into play.

The Padel Phenomenon

Once considered a niche import from Europe and Latin America, padel is now carving out a meaningful presence in the American sports-event ecosystem. Participation is increasing, infrastructure is expanding, and organizers are starting to view the sport not as a novelty, but as a legitimate event and a viable business opportunity.

Meet the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards Winners

From state-of-the-art facilities to visionary planners, these All-Stars embody what it takes to make every sporting event a success. On the following pages, you’ll find the winners across our 10 categories.

Game Changer: The goalie mask

Considering the potentially blistering speed of a hockey puck—some NHL players can hit slapshots between 90 and 100 mph—it’s no surprise that goalie masks are now the most protective they’ve ever been.

How America’s top Nordic ski races combine competition and community

To get a clearer picture of Nordic skiing’s momentum, we’re taking a closer look at three standout events that embody the sport’s growth and spirit: the iconic American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin, the community-powered Tour of Anchorage in Alaska, and the scenic Ski to the Sun in Washington.

How to plan successful sports events in sub-zero conditions

From ice-fishing tournaments to sled dog races, winter sports events don’t happen despite the cold, they happen because of the cold. Anyone who plans winter sports events knows how much the weather can affect their success. To find out what it takes to run a successful cold-weather sports event, we spoke to two planners who thrive in sub-zero conditions.