Category: Sports

  • How an Airstream Interstate 19GT Serves as Base Camp for a Pro Pickleball Player

    It’s no secret that pickleball has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the US over the past few years. So much so that a professional league has even sprung up, with dozens of tournaments taking place all over the country. One of the premiere players in that league is Tyson McGuffinhttps://tysonmcguffin.com, who is currently ranked 15th overall. One of Tyson’s secret weapons for his success is his Airstream Interstate 19GT camper van, which serves as not just his home while on the road, but also a mobile recovery station and a refuge from his busy life. 

    Airstream Interstate 19GT

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    The video above not only introduces us to Tyson, but gives us a glimpse of his life both on and off the court. As a fierce competitor, he has quickly become a fan favorite, making him a top draw on the Professional Pickleball Association circuit. He’s also one of the sport’s most active ambassadors, hosting clinics, filming instructional videos, and promoting the game wherever he goes. McGuffin accomplishes all of that while also managing to spend time with his wife Megan and their four children. In other words, he has a very busy life, which can sometimes make it challenging to find time to relax and recovery.

    Tyson’s Airstream Interstate 19GT is often the place where he can do both. As you’ll see in the video, the van is where he finds respite between matches, while spending time with his young family. There, he can relax on the coach’s rear sofa, which converts into a full bed when needed. The van’s mini-fridge is always stocked with Tyson’s recovery drinks, fresh fruits, and other foods, while the onboard wet bath is perfect for taking a post-game shower before meeting fans.

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    Riding on a Mercedes Sprinter 2500 chassis, the Interstate 19GT features a 2.0L four-cylinder high-output diesel engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This gives the rig 208 horsepower and an estimated highway gas mileage of around 18 MPG. Best of all, it makes this coach extremely easy to drive and park, whether that’s at a campground, residential driveway, or the parking lot of a professional pickleball tournament. 

    Clearly, the Airstream Interstate 19GT is a great match for Tyson, both professionally and personally. Having his own personal refuge to retreat to after a match gives him a competitive advantage over other players. If it can do that for him, chances are it’ll have plenty to offer the rest of us, too. 

    Photo Credit: Airstream

    To find out more about this well-designed and built Class B motorhome, visit the Airstream website. 

    The post How an Airstream Interstate 19GT Serves as Base Camp for a Pro Pickleball Player appeared first on RV.com.

  • 2026 Will Be an Epic Year for Events — Mark Your Calendars Now

    If you’re an RVer, you could inundate your travel itinerary with spectacular events as you motor across North America.

    Indeed, every year brings us the College Football Championship, the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500, March Madness, the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, and multiple major concerts, rodeos, and other special events — all held at famous venues across the continent.

    Spectators at a NASCAR track.

    Watching the Daytona 500. Photo: Zach Catanzareti

    But 2026 will add another level of excitement to the mix – with the FIFA World Cup coming to North America for the first time since 1994 — and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

    Patriotic Celebrations

    The United States of America turns 250 on July 4, 2026. To honor this significant milestone, celebrations across the nation generally will be larger than usual, with some extra days added on to the holiday since July 4 occurs on Saturday. So even though this event is eight months away, you should consider reserving an RV spot today so that you can camp near some of the events you plan to attend.

    Soldiers in Revolution-era uniforms marching in Washington, D.C. Photo: U.S. Army Band

    Many of the biggest celebrations to note will take place in historically significant cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. Washington, D.C., and its environs also will feature massive celebrations.

    Events leading up to the Fourth shouldn’t be missed. Particularly worthy is Sails on the Potomac, a parade of Tall Ships in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 12-14. (Having seen the Tall Ships sail through the Golden Gate into San Francisco Bay, we can tell you, it is a sight worth seeing.) Alexandria will also host speakers, exhibitions, and art displays during its commemoration.

    A replica of the American tall ship <i>Constitution</i>. Photo: David Trinks

    Philadelphia, birthplace of the nation, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the home of the Liberty Bell, will pull out all stops with a larger-than-normal parade, a massive fireworks display, and a July 4 FIFA World Cup match.

    Boston’s celebration will pay tribute to the city’s role in the early dissatisfaction of the colonists and actions that helped foment the American Revolution. Parades, museum openings, and fireworks are planned throughout Massachusetts, home of many of the country’s Founding Fathers.

    The event calendar for July 4 in Washington, D.C., still is not finalized, but planners have indicated that a larger parade than usual will roll down Constitution Avenue. There will be a huge gathering on the National Mall, the Capitol Fourth concert, and an extensive fireworks display. Various D.C. websites will have updates as the schedule is finalized.

    A dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence in Washington, D.C. Photo by Kitty Kouwenhoven.

    Super Soccer Events on U.S. Shores

    One schedule that is finalized is that of the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Next year’s cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament will be co-hosted across 16 cities in the three countries. The first match will be held in Mexico City, and the final match will take place at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

    A FIFA soccer match between Armenia (in red) and Algeria. Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat

    Qualification matches started in 2023 and will finish in March 2026, when the final slate of teams will be named. The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are automatically included as host countries.

    Tickets are scarce and expensive, but tailgating outside venues should offer football/soccer fans a chance to loudly support their favorite team.

    So get out your calendar and plan your adventure. Next year holds a lot of promise for events worth following.

    The post 2026 Will Be an Epic Year for Events — Mark Your Calendars Now appeared first on RV.com.

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