Sports Wanderlust Blog
In 2012, I launched a baseball travel blog called "Ballparks on a Budget," taking readers along on my journey to visit all 30 MLB parks during that summer. The following year, I authored and self-published a book, My Ballpark Summer, which encapsulated that adventure and I would describe it as my "eat, pray, baseball" experience.
My blog gained notable attention, being featured on MLB Fan Network sites and even ranking as the #11 fan blog in 2013. This success sparked a desire to expand my sports travel adventures, so I rebranded as Sports Wanderlust and set my sights on breaking the Guinness World Record for visiting all NFL stadiums in the shortest amount of time.
In 2015, I set the record at 86 days, surpassing the previous record by 21 days, and held it until 2019. This feat was far more than just attending games—I had to gather extensive proof to validate my record, working closely with the GWR committee. The planning was meticulous, requiring coordination with NFL teams for "stadium witnesses" and ensuring I arrived on time at each game, despite challenges such as a near-miss in Denver due to a ticket issue and train delays on the way to the Patriots game. Missing a kickoff at any stadium would have nullified my attempt. I chronicled every detail on my Sports Wanderlust blog, where you can explore the full story through the photos and posts linked below.
In recent years, my role as an event manager has allowed me to travel further, visiting sporting venues across the U.S. and even in England. Before the pandemic, I had planned a month-long adventure in Japan to see all 12 of their baseball parks. Although my current employment doesn’t allow me to take a month off, I plan on turning 40 in a Japanese ballpark in 2025. Sharing these adventures with fellow sports enthusiasts has been an incredible way to build connections and channel my creativity.
The day I received my official GWR certificate in the mail... was so happy!
My road to the GWR wasn't always easy and my Denver trip is something I'll always remember from the questionable Airbnb I stayed at to be near the stadium to the ticket issue I had right before the game. I might also still be a little salty about "The Drive", but click to read about this visit.
As soon as this series was announced, I had it marked in my calendar. While it was a rivalry game between the Yanks and Sox, they also peppered in other team's traditions like the Atlanta Iceman and Nationals' Presidents race. Honestly, they gave Europeans a false sense of the action because this game was incredibly high-scoring! Click to read about it!
As much as I enjoy going to games with friends, I LOVE attending sporting events alone. Why? Because it gives me the opportunity to make new friends! If you find yourself sitting near me at a venue, be prepared to be chatted up, even if you like the other team! This was after my first playoff game which didn't go my team's way, but I left all of these people with a slightly better impression of a Yankees fan. Click to read about my post season visits.
The one and only time I've waved a Terrible Towel- glad my family didn't disown me! Even as a Browns fan, I have to say as a whole the Steeler franchise impresses me and I love visiting Pittsburgh for sporting events. Yinz better click to read about this visit and while you're there, check out my blogs on the Pirates and Penguins!
Two amazing games and we saw Bryce Harper as a rookie. Click to read about it!
Another stadium visit that really stood out to me because I almost missed it due to the slowest train ride of my life! Gillette wasn't the most accessible venue but I made it and despite all my intentions, I HAD A WICKED AWESOME TIME. Was ready to throw away all of my principals and join the Pats bandwagon after this game. Click to read about it!
Hockey in Chicago. I used to produce the Blue Jackets games for radio and this was a venue I wanted to visit based on the sound from those games alone. It didn't disappoint- click to read about it!
A perfect fit! The more games I go to, the more I have started to focus on "collecting players" aka seeing greats in action. Felix Hernandez was one of them. I saw the King do his thing... unfortunately against my team. Click to read about my visit!
Opening Day at Wrigley? Yes, please! Click to read about it!
This game was full of hope then crushing disappointment- the epitome of being a Browns fan. Click to read about it!
My favorite ballpark for rides and for really committing to a theme. I visited in 2019 with my friend Ashley during our Buick Auto Show training- I love when I can bond with a new friend over sports. Click to read about the first time I visited during my summer ballpark tour in 2012!
My roommate on the MLB HoF tour was a huge Packers fan, so we drove up to Green Bay when our tour was in Milwaukee so she could see Lambeau for the first time and I got my second leap in! Click to read about it!
Spring Training 2019 with Meg. Not much to report about this game- just Bryce Harper as a Phillie and Giancarlo Stanton hit a deep bomb. Click to read about my 2014 visit!
Fly Eagles, fly! Philly always gets a bad rap for sports fans, but every time I visit I'm surrounded by Brotherly Love! Click to read about my visit and while you're there read my post on the Phillies!