Biggest UK Sports Events 2024

The UK’s 2024 sports calendar was packed with a thrilling line-up of major events that captivated fans across the nation. From iconic tournaments in football and rugby to prestigious races and championships, there was something for every sports enthusiast. Whether cheering on top athletes in athletics, enjoying the excitement of motorsport, or witnessing the drama of elite competitions, 2024 delivered unforgettable moments.

As we take a look at some of the Biggest UK Sports Events 2024 – Sign up to our newsletter to find out more about upcoming sports events at your favourite stadium or venue in 2025.

January

Premier League

In the opening month of 2024, the Premier League featured a thrilling encounter at Manchester United’s iconic Old Trafford, where Tottenham Hotspur fought to a 2-2 draw. Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur found the net for Spurs, cancelling out goals from Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford. Old Trafford, renowned for its electric atmosphere, remains the largest stadium in the UK for any domestic sports club, surpassed only by Wembley Stadium, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, and rugby’s Allianz Stadium on the overall list of UK stadium capacities.

February

Carabao Cup

Wembley Stadium, the most prominent venue on this list, hosted the highly anticipated Carabao Cup Final in February, marking the most attended single day of sport in the second month of the year. In a thrilling clash, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Chelsea, thanks to a dramatic 188th-minute goal by Virgil van Dijk. The atmosphere at Wembley was electric, as fans witnessed a historic moment that added to the stadium’s legendary status in British sports.

March

International Football

In March, Wembley Stadium hosted England’s Three Lions for their only appearance of the year, but it was a night to forget for the national team. England suffered their first defeat in eleven games when Brazil’s Endrick scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory for the South American side. The loss at Wembley left the team looking to bounce back, as their unbeaten run came to an unexpected and disappointing end on home soil.

April

Emirates FA Cup

In April, Wembley Stadium once again showcased its status as the home of English football, drawing over 83,000 fans for a thrilling FA Cup Semi-Final. Coventry City’s Haji Wright delivered a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer, bringing their match against Manchester United to a 3-3 draw and sending it into extra time. After a tense period of play, the match was decided by penalties, where Manchester United triumphed 4-2, securing their place in the final. The dramatic turn of events kept the fans on the edge of their seats, adding another unforgettable chapter to Wembley’s storied history.

May

Championship Football

The EFL Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley in May drew an even larger crowd than the FA Cup final, with over 85,000 spectators filling the stands. The match saw Southampton edge past Leeds United with a decisive 1-0 victory, thanks to a first-half goal from Adam Armstrong. The thrilling atmosphere of the game, combined with the high stakes of promotion, made it a memorable occasion for both fans and players alike, as Southampton secured their return to the Premier League.

June

UEFA Champions League

In June, continental football made its way to Wembley Stadium for the highly anticipated Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. The match saw Real Madrid emerge victorious, with Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Jr. finding the net to secure a 2-0 win for the Spanish giants. The final showcased the class and skill of two top European clubs, as Real Madrid added another prestigious trophy to their collection, thrilling fans at the stadium and around the world.

July

British Grand Prix

Sport headed to Silverstone for the Sunday of the British Grand Prix, where 164,000 fans gathered to watch an exciting race. Over the course of the four-day weekend, around 500,000 people attended the event, making it one of the biggest motorsport gatherings in the UK. The atmosphere at Silverstone was electric, with fans fully immersed in the high-speed action and excitement of the race.

August

FA Community Shield

Back in the capital at Wembley, Manchester City and Manchester United faced off once again, this time in the Community Shield. Goals from Bernardo Silva and Garnacho brought the game to a 1-1 draw at full-time, but it was Pep Guardiola’s City who triumphed, winning 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match provided plenty of excitement and was a thrilling start to the new season.

September

Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois

Wembley made headlines again in September, but this time it wasn’t for football. Instead, it hosted the highly anticipated Riyadh Season event, where 96,000 spectators watched Anthony Joshua suffer a fifth-round knockout to Daniel Dubois. While it may not have been the much-discussed Fury vs. Joshua fight that fans had hoped for, the event was a powerful reminder that boxing is still thriving in the UK, capturing the attention of thousands and proving its ongoing popularity.

October

NFL London

The NFL returned to London in October for the International Series, with the clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots drawing the month’s biggest crowd. The excitement didn’t stop there—strong attendances were also seen at the other two American football games held across Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport in the UK.

Witness Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets as they touchdown in the UK at some point in October 2025 by registering your interest to be among the first to find out more about official NFL London VIP tickets.

November

Autumn Nations Series

Allianz Stadium
81,910

Rugby took centre stage in November with England’s opening Autumn Nations Series match against New Zealand. Held at the newly named Allianz Stadium, the game drew a strong crowd as fans watched a tightly contested battle. Despite England leading at the 60-minute mark, the All Blacks edged out a 24-22 victory, showcasing their trademark resilience and setting the tone for a thrilling end to the rugby calendar.

December

Premiership Rugby

Allianz Stadium
81,910

December belonged to the south west as Premiership Rugby took the spotlight with a major domestic fixture. A sell-out crowd filled the stadium for Big Game 16, the annual festive clash between Harlequins and Leicester Tigers. Now a staple in the London sporting calendar, the event once again delivered top-level rugby in a lively holiday atmosphere.

Biggest UK Sports Events 2024

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