Planning Ahead: What to Expect in the Next 12 Months in Sports

In case you hadn’t heard, the Washington Capitals just won the Stanley Cup.

Even if you’re not a hockey fan, most folks will appreciate this first-time-ever win. And for every fan who plans his or her schedule around big sports events, there are editors readying editorial calendars, planning their year, and sending out reporters or stringers to cover games.

Preparation is key for any successful sports reporter or editor. Planning allows you to research, outline your story, and look for a unique angle that will separate your content from the competition.

Here’s what should be on your radar for the next 12 months — a month-by-month look at sporting events to cover.

July 2018: Wimbledon & Tour de France

The top tennis players in the world will compete July 2-15 in the only Grand Slam tournament played on grass courts. Wimbledon has been played in London since 1877.

August 2018: PGA Championship

The PGA Championship celebrates its centennial this year. Golfers compete Aug. 6-12 in the final major championship of the year. The event takes place at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.

September 2018: Ryder Cup

In this unique tournament, the best golfers from the United States team up Sept. 25-30 to face the top European golfers. The first Ryder Cup was played in 1927. The American team leads in victories, 26-13. The event takes place at Le Golf National in Paris.

October 2018: NHL and NBA seasons begin

Professional hockey and basketball teams begin an 82-game regular season in October. The playoffs for both sports start in April.

November 2018: NCAA college basketball begins

The season tips off for both men’s and women’s NCAA college basketball. For the men, Villanova looks to defend its title, and Notre Dame is the defending women’s champion.

December 2018: College football bowl games

College football bowl games begin in December. The season wraps up with the National Championship Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif.

January 2019: NHL Winter Classic

The NHL Winter Classic will be played at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. on New Year’s Day. The Chicago Blackhawks will play host to the Boston Bruins. The event takes place at Notre Dame Stadium.

February 2019: Super Bowl LIII

Atlanta hosts the big game this year as the best AFC team in the NFL takes on the best NFC team on Feb. 3. The event takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

March 2019: NCAA March Madness

College basketball is in focus during the month with conference tournaments leading up to March Madness.

April 2019: The Masters Tournament

The first golf major of the year takes place April 8-14 at Augusta National Golf Club. Patrick Reed took home the green jacket at the last tournament.

May 2019: Kentucky Derby

Get your fancy hats and mint juleps ready, the Kentucky Derby will be held May 4 at Churchill Downs.

June 2019: College World Series

The College World Series will be held June 15-25 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha.

Subscribe to Beyond Bylines to get media trends, journalist interviews, blogger profiles, and more sent right to your inbox.

Anthony Vence is a Customer Content Specialist at PR Newswire. He contributes to @PRNmedia and previously worked in the newspaper industry as a news and sports editor. He also works as a freelance photographer.