The Reimagined Fan Experience Ruled 2024

…Gracie Abrams is smiling through all her success of “That’s So True.” The classic LeBron meme referenced in her first-ever top-10 Billboard hit gives the GOAT a co-writer credit too!

The latest Erewhon smoothies are geared towards LA sports fans. Cooper Kupp’s “Kupp Of Sunshine” and D’Angelo Russell’s “Good To Great Smoothie” are now available. The two will have a friendly competition, with proceeds being donated to charity on behalf of the athlete who moves the most smoothies.

Louis Vuitton continues to take inspiration from the world of sport. The “Footprint” shoes in Pharrell Williams’ latest menswear collection have that classic 90s soccer boot feel.

Sports Illustrated is taking its name to higher grounds. The iconic magazine is the newest name sponsor for the New York Red Bulls stadium. 

The flag planting debate in college football has reached absurdity levels. The state of Ohio could make it a felony at The Horseshoe. If this passes, Michigan will have bragging rights forever.

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There’s nothing like attending a sporting event, and 2024 gave us more reasons than ever to leave our houses for an immersive fan experience. Here are our five favorites this year: 

The opening of the Intuit Dome will change the NBA fan viewing experience forever. The Wall has been a beacon of pride in this $2 billion palace. The Clippers brought the student section to the big leagues, and it’s reinventing the homecourt advantage.

The UFC took a huge swing holding a PPV event at The Sphere in a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. UFC 206 trailblazed an all-encompassing experience and set the $20 million standard for live sports in Vegas.

Speaking of immersive experiences, did anyone have a better year than COSM? One viral video has made the iMax-meets-the-sports bar concept the holy grail for sports fanatics.

Mat Ishbia’s Player 15 Group and Major Food Group opened a private dining club in COSM’s arena. The Ra Ra Room elevates the game experience bringing the Carbone experience to life for sports and entertainment fans alike.

The NWSL took over Wrigley Field in June – during the baseball season! – and shattered its single-game attendance record when the Chicago Red Stars faced Bay FC. We’re expecting to see more of these experiences next year after the league eclipsed two million ticketed fans for the first time.

The Australian track sensation is tearing up the record books. Gout Gout burst onto the scene last weekend, announcing himself in emphatic style as the next young phenom to know before the LA 2028 Olympics.

The 16-year-old broke the national 200m record as a high schooler, previously held for 56 years by the late Peter Norman—who stood with Tommie Smith and John Carlos in the most iconic Olympics moment ever. 

@theageaustralia

Viral sprint sensation Gout Gout was only in year seven when he was identified as a future Olympic champion. Nothing that has happened sin... See more

Gout has his eyes on making some legendary Olympics memories himself, with even Usain Bolt co-signing the early comparisons of Gout’s technique and flair. This kid is the real deal.

He plans to turn pro and try to qualify for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. It would set the stage for Gout to potentially represent Australia in LA in four years’ time. 

Gout’s 200m time last weekend would’ve seen him finish sixth best in the Paris final. He’s planning to train in Florida next month with Noah Lyles, who finished second in that race.

His name is catchy, but it wasn’t intentional. His parents, of Sudanese descent, spelled it Guot. Unfortunately, it got lost in translation. Gout doesn’t mind, and he has no plans to change it. 

@7newsaustralia

Australia's sprint sensation 'Gout Gout' is the name on the athletic world's lips. However, Guot Guot's family has set the record straight... See more