Special Events

Playoffs, Championships & Festivals

The biggest moments in live entertainment, organized by category. Click any event to expand history, venue, and traditions.

Postseason tournaments where league champions are decided. The hardest tickets of the year and the moments that define dynasties.

NFL Playoffs

January – early February · Higher-seeded team home stadiums

History

Established in 1933 as a single championship game between the Eastern and Western Division winners, the NFL playoffs expanded to a wild-card format in 1970 after the AFL–NFL merger and grew to 14 teams in 2020. Today it's a four-round, single-elimination bracket leading to the Super Bowl.

Notable Moments

The 'Ice Bowl' (1967), the 'Music City Miracle' (1999), the Patriots' 28–3 comeback over Atlanta (Super Bowl LI), and the Chiefs' three-title run in five years (2019–2023).

Traditions

Wild Card Weekend kicks off the postseason; Conference Championship Sunday delivers the AFC and NFC titles.

NBA Playoffs & Finals

April – June · Higher-seeded team home arenas; NBA Finals alternates 2-2-1-1-1

History

First contested in 1947 as the BAA Finals, the modern best-of-seven Finals has crowned champions every year since. The introduction of the Play-In Tournament in 2020 expanded postseason access to the 7th–10th seeds in each conference.

Notable Moments

Magic vs. Bird in the 1980s, Jordan's six titles with Chicago, Kobe and Shaq's three-peat, LeBron's 2016 Cavaliers comeback from 3-1 down, and Golden State's dynasty era.

Traditions

Larry O'Brien Trophy presentation; Bill Russell Finals MVP award.

MLB Postseason & World Series

October · Higher-seeded team home ballparks

History

The World Series has been played nearly every year since 1903 (skipped only in 1904 and 1994). The postseason expanded to wild-card play in 1995 and to a 12-team bracket in 2022 with best-of-three Wild Card Series.

Notable Moments

Bill Mazeroski's walk-off (1960), the Curse of the Bambino broken in 2004, the Cubs ending 108 years in 2016, and the Astros' sign-stealing scandal era.

Traditions

Ceremonial first pitch; Commissioner's Trophy presentation; the 'Fall Classic' nickname.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

April – June · Higher-seeded team home arenas

History

The Stanley Cup, donated by Lord Stanley of Preston in 1893, is the oldest trophy competed for by professional athletes in North America. Sixteen teams enter four rounds of best-of-seven series.

Notable Moments

The Miracle on Manchester (1982), the Edmonton dynasty, the Detroit Red Wings of the late 1990s, and the Vegas Golden Knights' Cup in their sixth season.

Traditions

Players grow playoff beards; the Cup is hoisted and skated by each champion; engraved names live on the trophy forever.

MLS Cup Playoffs

October – December · Higher-seeded clubs host through the final

History

MLS launched the Cup in 1996. In 2023 the league moved to a best-of-three first round and single-elimination thereafter, with the final hosted by the higher-seeded finalist.

Notable Moments

LA Galaxy's five titles, the Seattle–Portland Cascadia rivalry, and Lionel Messi's arrival energizing Inter Miami's playoff push.