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Places for sports history

Experience the places that gave birth to the most iconic moments in sports history

From Jeffrey Group

These moments stunned the world, and the cities that hosted them are equally beautiful
Sports are filled with pivotal moments, ranging from penalty shootouts in soccer championships to double-overtime buzzer-beating basketball games. Some of those moments, however, have been so important, so meaningful, that they have made history. By visiting where some of these incredible moments took place, we can re-live the sagas of our favorite sports legends and celebrate their cherished legacies.

To help commemorate the most iconic moments in sports, Alamo Rent A Car has chosen five incredible destinations that witnessed this history and are waiting to be explored.
Location: Estadio Azteca | Mexico City, Mexico

Moments: Hand of God and Goal of the Century

Soccer has a rich and enduring history that thrives in the streets of Mexico City. To fully experience the legacy of the sport, make the drive to Estadio Azteca—the site of two of the greatest goals in history. The first goal is remembered by many as “The Hand of God,” a goal that Diego Maradona scored using his hand to give Argentina the lead against England in 1986. Four minutes later, Maradona swept past defenders to score the “Goal of the Century,” securing a 2-1 victory.
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Moment: Michael Jordan’s last shot

Nestled within a valley, Salt Lake City is home to world-renowned ski slopes and breathtaking scenery. Just outside of the capital, travelers can embark on a bucket-list road trip and explore otherworldly landscapes in Arches National Park or Zion National Park. But perhaps most importantly for basketball fans, Salt Lake City is home to Vivint Smart Home Arena, where, on June 14, 1998, Michael Jordan sunk his final shot in a Chicago Bulls uniform. The go-ahead jumper clinched the team’s third straight championship, capping off Jordan’s incredible career.

Location: Smather’s Beach | Key West, Florida

Moment: Diana Nyad swims from Cuba to Florida

Key West is a tropical paradise celebrated for its conch houses, eccentricity, and historic beaches. It was on these beaches, specifically Smather’s Beach, that sixty-four-year-old Diana Nyad waded ashore to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage. To experience it for yourself, rent a car in Miami and drive south along one of the most popular one-way rental routes in the United States. As you coast through the Florida Keys, you’ll discover fresh key lime pies and clear waters, ideal for swimming and scuba diving.

Location: Maracanã | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Moment: Pele’s1000th goal
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Elements of the beautiful game are woven into the fabric of Rio de Janeiro, from the locals playing footvolley on the golden beach of Copacabana to Maracanã Stadium, the mighty stomping grounds of one of the game’s greatest heroes. It was here that Pele scored his 1000th goal, becoming the first player in history to reach the four-figure mark. While you’re there, be sure to check out a game, which ignites the stadium into a pulsing world of samba drums, fireworks, and pure energy.

Location: Augusta, Georgia

Moment: Tiger Woods wins the Master’s at 21

Travel through time in Georgia, from the cobblestoned streets of Savannah to one of the greatest courses in golf’s glorious history. The stunning yet treacherous greens of Augusta National Golf Club, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Savannah, have catapulted golfers from amateurs into international icons. While the world witnessed Tiger Woods’ share of successes, arguably, none were as impactful as his 1997 victory in Augusta. There, the 21-year-old became the youngest Masters champion ever, a feat that paved the way for his illustrious career.
To rent a car and witness the sites where some of the most iconic moments in sports history took place, just visit www.alamo.com

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