Sports History Walking Tour in Washington
- Duration2 hours
- Max Travelers12 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryHistorical Tours, Nature Walks
Overview
Playmaker Tours are not trivia tours – we offer history tours that use sports as an entryway to our national story, because the world of sports is where some of the most important stories in American life actually happened.
Uncover hidden moments that made history in DC and around the world, and hear new angles of stories you may have heard before. Discover a Major League catcher becoming a World War II spy, the lawsuit over public golf access that cracked open civil rights law, how photos of the president’s daughter at the racetrack caused a scandal, and so much more.
Join us for incredible sports stories hiding in plain sight among our national landmarks!
What's included
Local, professional, and licensed tour guide
What's Not included
Gratuities
This is an outdoor walking tour that does not include admission/entry to museums - please reach out if you would like to customize your itinerary!
Itinerary
We gather at the East Front of the Capitol Building to meet each other, go over what to expect on the tour, and learn about the ties between Congress and sports in America.
We take in the grand exterior of the Supreme Court building and learn about influential Court decisions that stemmed from the world of sports and recreation.
As we walk to the National Archives through the Capitol grounds and down Constitution Avenue, we discuss some lesser-known stories about Congressu2019 role regulating sports in America, Presidents and baseball, the early days of the NCAA, and more!
Outside the Natonal Archives, we will explore the role of record-keeping in sports, and re-trace a 110-year dispute over an American athleteu2019s Olympic gold medals.
As we head west, taking in the beautiful National Mall, we will discuss sports-related scandals in DC, the evolution of the green space and playing fields on the Mall, and play some trivia.
We take in the magnificent Washington Monument and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, learning about George Washingtonu2019s little-known athletic prowess, canu2019t-miss displays at the NMAAHC, and DCu2019s unique history of marathons and other road races.
With a view of the south side of the White House across the Ellipse, we explore the unique, fun, historic, and sometimes tragic relationship between presidents and athletics - including their own sporting passions and the complicated history of baseball and race relations in DC.
Walking to our final stop, we discuss Jackie Robinsonu2019s military career during WWII, and the importance of his role as a civili rights trailblazer - before he ever played professional baseball.
To close the tour, we cover some inspiring stories of service and sacrifice from athletes who played pivotal roles - espionage, combat, military recruitment, veterans health care, and more - both during and immediately following World War II.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.