Best Fall Sporting Events In Sacramento
Aggie Stadium
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1011
www.ucdavisaggies.com
Date: Nov. 22, 2014
This is an enduring football rivalry between the University of California, Davis and California State University, Sacramento. For the past 61 years, these teams have pounded up and down the football fields of both universities to earn bragging rights until the next edition of the game. Kickoff is at UC Davis this year, on November 22. For now, UC Davis is the owner of those rights. They've won for the last four years. The game is intense, family friendly and complemented by alumni going all out to support their teams. It's a great game to attend.
Just west of CSUS
6000 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 456-1980
www.runtofeedthehungry.com
Date: Nov. 27, 2014
The year 1994 saw the first few hundred people gather in this very community-oriented event. Every Thanksgiving morning since then, the good people of the greater Sacramento area have shown up to run and raise funds to feed people in our area. Runners have a 10k choice or a 5k Run/Walk choice. No one is left out of this event. The money that is raised supports the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services organization. The timed 10k run starts at 8:35 a.m. and the 5k Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. On a day when so many have so much, this is a way to honor and support those who don't.
Hornet Soccer Field
6000 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-6011
www.hornetsports.com
Soccer, anyone? This may be the year for soccer on our pitch, as they say. Luckily, the Sac State Hornets have a full schedule this autumn. If you are in need of a very good soccer fix, the Hornets will fill that need. The team plays through November 15 and ends the season with the Big West Tournament. The schedule is packed full of home games, and the line-up is pretty impressive. This has all of the pageantry and non-stop action you need. The added dimension of a hometown university atmosphere make this Hornets soccer team a must see for fans of this sport.
Related: 8 Sports You Didn't Know Were Sports
Discovery Park
100 Jibboom St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 705-3443
www.princesspromenade.com
Date: Oct. 5, 2014
This may be the most fun bike ride for women and girls to ride in our area. Guys, you are in a support role here. The ride is for the ladies only. And what a sight it can be. The more serious among the riders, the metric century riders, may have some odd fashion on display. The less serious certainly will. Helmets that look like very classy hats, boas, sequins — you name it and it's here. Groups, teams and families all show up for this one. Participate in the Princess Duathlon or chose a distance to ride/run/walk. It all happens on the American River Bike Trail with catered rest stops, no cars and pure fun.
CalExpo
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 263-3247
www.neondash.com
Date: Nov. 1, 2014
Enough of the serious stuff. This is a nighttime 5k run for anyone who likes walking fast, trotting, dancing or running, young or old. Sign up for this one and you'll find yourself in the middle of a neon frenzy, aided and abetted by ultra violet black lights and too many people smiling and laughing to count. Every time you get to a Glow Zone, you'll be covered, again, by vibrant neon colors. There are performers, food, beverages and the most outrageously bright neon people you've ever seen, including you. The After Dash Bash is all part of it. And yes, it does wash off.
Related: Best Cheap Activities To Do With Kids In Sacramento
Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
