The article details the behind-the-scenes preparations for the Golden Globes, including construction challenges, innovative set design like new stairs for the red carpet, logistical coordination in the kitchen, and sensitive decisions about honoring recent losses, all aimed at creating a seamless and glamorous event despite ongoing disruptions.
Southern California faces potential rain during the Rose Parade for the first time in two decades, prompting organizers to prepare for wet conditions, possible flooding, and safety concerns, while maintaining optimism that the parade will proceed as usual despite the weather.
Bristol Motor Speedway hosted its first MLB game during the MLB Speedway Classic, featuring the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, attracting over 85,000 fans despite rain delays. The event showcased the speedway's versatility, blending motorsports and baseball, and aimed to expand its event offerings beyond racing, possibly including other sports and entertainment.
Bristol Motor Speedway is set to host the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, 2025, featuring a game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, marking the first MLB game in Tennessee. The event involves extensive preparations, including transforming the race track into a baseball diamond, and aims to attract over 85,000 spectators, surpassing historical attendance records. This event highlights Bristol's expanding role in hosting diverse sports and entertainment events beyond racing.
NASCAR has decided not to include the Chicago Street Race in its 2026 schedule, citing a desire to work with local officials to improve future events, with hopes of returning in 2027. The race, held near July 4 for three years, was highly viewed but will be paused to address community feedback and operational improvements.
Dana White is planning a UFC event at the White House in 2026 to celebrate America's 250th birthday, promising a spectacular pay-per-view card, though specific fighters and matchups are still undecided as the event is a year away. White is coordinating logistics and expects to meet with President Trump to finalize details, with the event set to be held on the White House south lawn.
Partiful, a New York-based event-planning app, has been named Google's "App of the Year" for 2024, despite its predominantly iOS user base. Founded in 2020 by Joy Tao and Shreya Murthy, the app allows users to design event pages, manage RSVPs, and sync events with calendars. It has raised $27.34 million in funding, with a pre-money valuation of $120 million. Partiful's popularity is largely among Gen Z users in the U.S., with over a million downloads this year, mostly from the Apple App Store.
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe discusses with political consultant Bill Briggs how a shooting at a Trump rally managed to breach security, drawing on his experience in advanced planning for events under Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will host the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials from June 15-23, marking the first time the event will be held in a football stadium. Organizers, led by USA Swimming’s chief commercial officer Shana Ferguson, have transformed the venue to accommodate nearly 30,000 spectators, aiming to create an unparalleled experience for athletes and fans. The setup includes a 50-meter competition pool and two warmup pools, with extensive planning to ensure optimal viewing and athlete comfort.
Pittsburgh has been selected to host the 2026 NFL Draft, which is expected to draw over 750,000 visitors and generate an economic impact between $120 million and $165 million. The main stage will be set up near Acrisure Stadium, with activities spanning the North Shore and downtown. Local officials and business leaders anticipate a significant boost to the city's economy, with packed restaurants, bars, and fully booked hotels.
Watertown officials and first responders successfully managed the "Total Eclipse of the Park" event in Thompson Park, ensuring public safety with a turnout of around 6,000 eclipse enthusiasts. Despite lower-than-expected attendance during the total solar eclipse, the event was deemed a total success, with minimal incidents and no major traffic issues in the city. Emergency services were on standby, and although a few ambulances experienced delays due to heavy traffic, overall, the event went smoothly with lower call volumes than usual.
As the highly anticipated solar eclipse approaches, towns and cities in its path of totality are preparing for an influx of visitors with celebratory events and viewing sites, while also facing pushback from some residents who view the preparations as excessive. Concerns about traffic congestion, public safety, and emergency response are prompting officials to take extra precautions, with some smaller communities like Wolfe City, Texas, urging visitors to steer clear due to limited resources. Authorities in states like Indiana and Ohio are also bracing for potential headaches and urging preparedness to ensure the health and safety of the public during the event.
Eclipse chaser Heidi Ferguson, who arrived in Watertown ahead of the upcoming solar eclipse, predicts bumper-to-bumper traffic in the area on the day of the event based on her previous experience and highway signs warning of heavy delays. She and her family are expecting large crowds due to the eclipse's path of complete totality, and she emphasizes the unique experience of witnessing an eclipse.
Officials have announced the locations and details for the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit, including a 2 million square foot footprint spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza, a draft theater for fan viewing, and a free interactive football theme park at Hart Plaza. Fans are encouraged to download the OnePass app for event information and updates. The draft will also feature a red carpet event, additional events at various downtown Detroit parks, and elevated security measures involving multiple local, state, and federal agencies. The NFL is also working with Detroit-based businesses through a "Business Connect" program to provide services for the event and potentially travel with the league for future events.
The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Indiana, prompting concerns about increased traffic and congestion. The Indiana Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan ahead, anticipate travel impacts, and follow safety tips before, during, and after the eclipse. Areas near the eclipse centerline, including Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin, and Bluffton, are expected to see the greatest influx of visitors. INDOT will limit road closures and restrictions where possible to help with traffic flow, and visitors are urged to check traffic conditions and plan their routes in advance.