16 Other Events to Watch In 2016

At midnight, when the calendar flipped to 2016, we officially entered the Olympic year!  We reached the one-year-to-go point back in August, but the level of excitement reaches a whole new level when the year on the calendar and the year in the Olympics are the same.  But while the "Road to Rio" will finally come to an end this summer, that doesn't mean it's the only sporting event worth checking out in 2016.  With that in mind, here are 16 events to watch in 2016, not counting Rio.

Super Bowl 50: I'm not sure if you've heard, but this season marks the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl.  And the NFL's gonna have some sort of party in store to celebrate.  From what I've heard, all living Super Bowl MVPs will be on hand for a pregame ceremony (although, an appearance in the game by the Patriots or Broncos and/or Packers could change those plans, seeing as their quarterbacks could be a little busy).  Anyway, it's already one of the hugest sporting events out there.  Throw in the anniversary and San Francisco and it'll be a Super Bowl like no other.

Copa America Centenario: This is a special one-off event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Copa America.  Except this time, instead of just including the 10 South American nations, they're making it a Copa Americas, including six CONCACAF teams, as well.  The entire tournament will be held in the United States from June 3-26, with the final set for Met Life Stadium.

World Baseball Classic Qualifying Tournaments: The World Baseball Classic doesn't return until 2017, but the qualifying tournaments to determine the final four squads in the 16-team field will take place in 2016.  Australia hosts the first one in February, then there will be tournaments in Mexico and Panama in March.  Finally, in late September, Brazil, Israel, Pakistan and Great Britain will go for the last spot at Keyspan Park in Brooklyn.  The winner of each moves on to the main event in March 2017.

Euro 2016: Soccer's second-biggest international tournament returns with its 15th edition in France from June 10-July 10.  And, with expansion to 24 teams, this will be the biggest Euro ever.  Spain's the two-time defending champions, but World Cup champion Germany is ranked No. 1 in the world.  The winner (or runner-up) joins Germany in the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

NHL All-Star Game: After five years of that stupid pick-your-own-team format, the NHL has completely revamped its All-Star Game this season.  And I can't wait!  It'll be a three-on-three mini-tournament featuring one team from each of the four divisions.  The winners get $1 million to split.

World Cup of Hockey: Twelve years after the last World Cup of Hockey, the event makes its return from September 17-October 1.  But instead of taking place all around the world like the first two editions, this one will take place entirely in Toronto.  National teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Russia and the Czech Republic will be joined by a European All-Star team and a North American Under-23 team.  The tournament's return is part of the NHL's centennial celebration.

IAAF World Indoor Championships: For the first time since 1992, one of the IAAF's major championships will be held on American soil, as the World Indoors come to Portland.  Russia won't be there as a punishment for its doping situation, which is a bit of a disappointment.  Because this will be the largest track meet ever to take place in the United States and an important early-season warmup for the Olympics, as well as a chance to work out the organizational kinks before Oregon hosts the World Outdoor Championships in Eugene in 2021.

European Championships (Swimming, Track & Field): While the American athletes are busy battling each other at the Olympic Trials, the Europeans will get their pre-Olympic competition out of the way with their biennial continental championships.  The swimmers return to London's Olympic pool for their meet from May 9-22, while the track & field athletes will give it a go in Amsterdam from July 6-10.

Winter Youth Olympics: They're still light years away from their senior-level counterparts, but the IOC is heavily invested in the Youth Olympics, so I don't think they're going anywhere.  And they have proved to be a valuable place to try out new sports and events in an international setting, with an eye on adding them to the regular Olympics.  They do opposite seasons in the Olympic years, so that means a Winter Youth Olympics.  They'll take place in Lillehammer, Norway, site of the majestic 1994 Games, from February 12-21.

Baseball & Football Hall of Fame Inductions: Two all-time legends who were also among the most popular players in their sport in the late 90s/early 2000s have been retired five years, which means it's time for Cooperstown and Canton to come call.  First up, Seattle will shut down for Ken Griffey, Jr.'s induction on July 24.  Two weekends later in Canton, Brett Favre will be making an acceptance speech while wearing a gold jacket the night before (I'm almost certain) the Packers play in the Hall of Fame Game.

Indianapolis 500: Even though the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Centennial Era ended five years ago, this year's edition is just as significant as the 100th anniversary race in 2011.  Because they cancelled the race a few times during World War I and World War II, the 2016 Indy 500 will be the 100th.  Just like a football game that's half a century younger, you can bet there'll be quite a celebration planned for Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis.

US Open: It will be the start of a new era in Flushing Meadows for the 2016 US Open.  For the first time, rain delays will no longer be an issue at Arthur Ashe Stadium.  The retractable roof will be completed and operational in time for the opening match on August 29.  That means there's no chance of the havoc rain has wreaked on the second week of the tournament in recent years happening again.  Whether it's raining or not, the women's final will be on September 10 and the men's final on September 11.

NFL Opening Sunday: Speaking of September 11, the first Sunday of the NFL season just happens to be the 15th anniversary of that horrible day none of us will ever forget.  The last time September 11 fell on a Sunday, they had the Giants play in Washington and the Jets play at home on Sunday night.  They obviously won't make the schedule until April (and if the Redskins win the Super Bowl, they'll play on Thursday night), but you'd have to think we'll once again see games in Washington and New York on the 15th anniversary of the attacks.

Rio Paralympics: Most people will stop paying attention after the main event, but don't forget Rio is also hosting the Paralympics a few weeks later.  As usual, the Paralympics will utilize many of the same venues that will be used during the Olympics.  And Americans should have a decent opportunity to watch the action if they want.  After being heavily criticized for their lack of coverage in London, NBC has vowed to show more of the Paralympics in Rio.  The dates are September 7-18.

College Football Playoff National Championship: Ratings for the semifinals were down something like 24 percent from last year (I'm sure the New Year's Eve thing had a lot to do with that).  We'll see how comparable they are for the final, which this year involves the top two teams in the final rankings.  Alabama and Clemson play on January 11 in Phoenix.

Jazz at Lakers, April 13: Assuming the Lakers don't make the playoffs (which is probably a safe assumption), this will be the final game in Kobe Bryant's 20-year Hall of Fame career.  He's indicated a desire to go to Rio, but who knows whether or not he'll be healthy (or good) enough to make the team is a different question.  Personally, as much as I'd like to see him ride off into the sunset with a gold medal around his neck, his final game should be in a Lakers uniform.