Your Ultimate Weekend Sports Watch Guide: Racing, Football, Baseball & More

If you’re a sports fan, this weekend is packed tighter than a college tailgate. Between high-stakes college football showdowns, Formula One engines roaring in the Netherlands, Major League Baseball playoff pushes, and the U.S. Open heating up in New York, there’s literally something for every kind of sports junkie.

Let’s break it down day by day, so you don’t miss a single big moment.

🔥 Saturday: Wall-to-Wall Action

🚗 Auto Racing Heats Up Early

Set the alarm early because Saturday’s action kicks off overseas. Formula One fans, you’ll want to be up by 7:55 a.m. ET on ESPN2 for Dutch Grand Prix qualifying from Zandvoort. Max Verstappen racing in front of his home fans? Expect an electric atmosphere and maybe some surprises in the grid.

Closer to home, stock car fans get their fix with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs at 11 a.m. on FS1, live from Darlington. Later in the day, the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes the track in Portland (6:30 p.m.).

IndyCar faithful should tune in around lunch: Indy NXT qualifying hits FS2 at noon, followed by IndyCar Series qualifying at 1 p.m. from Lebanon, Tennessee, for the Music City Grand Prix. Expect tight corners, heavy braking, and maybe a few tempers flaring.

🏈 College Football Kickoff Saturday

Weekends in the fall? That means football, wall-to-wall. Saturday is LOADED.

Here are some can’t-miss matchups:

• Texas at Ohio State (11 a.m. on NBC/Ch.6) – One of the best early-season tests. Texas wants to prove it belongs in the national picture, while Ohio State looks to reload and flex at home.

• Alabama vs. Florida State (2:30 p.m. on ABC/Ch.12) – Two historic programs with everything to gain. Circle this one.

• LSU at Clemson (6:30 p.m. on ESPN/Ch.12) – SEC vs. ACC powerhouses under the lights. Expect fireworks.

• Utah at UCLA (10 p.m. on Ch.6) – Pac-12 late-night action to close your Saturday strong.

But that’s just scratching the surface. All across the dial, you’ll find conference showdowns and tune-up games: Purdue hosting Ball State (BTN), Iowa State clashing with South Dakota (Ch.6), and Penn State welcoming Nevada (Ch.58). If you’re channel-surfing, chances are you’ll land on another kickoff.

⛳ Golf Fans, You’re Covered Too

Golf starts the day early with the Omega European Masters in Switzerland at 5:30 a.m. (Golf Channel). Later in the afternoon, the ladies take center stage at the LPGA FM Championship from Massachusetts (2 p.m. on Golf Channel).

⚾ MLB Weekend Push

We’re in the heat of the playoff race, and every at-bat matters. Saturday’s lineup includes:

• Brewers at Blue Jays (2 p.m. on FSWI, Radio AM-620)

• Marlins at Mets (3 p.m. MLBN)

• Diamondbacks at Dodgers (9 p.m. MLBN)

Evening games bring more tension as the Tigers meet the Royals and the Mariners face the Guardians. Oh, and Nashville’s AAA team hosts Charlotte for those keeping tabs on tomorrow’s stars.

⚽ Soccer Across the Globe

For the early risers, Fulham at Chelsea kicks off the English Premier League action at 6:30 a.m. (USA Network). By mid-morning, you’ll get Brentford at Sunderland followed by Newcastle vs. Leeds United at 11:30 a.m.

Stateside, the NWSL match between North Carolina and Kansas City runs at 6:30 p.m. (ION), while Liga MX night owls can catch Pachuca vs. Club América (10 p.m. CBSSN).

🎾 Other Saturday Highlights

• Tennis: The U.S. Open continues in New York with ESPN2 coverage at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• Horse Racing: The Breeders Cup Challenge Series (3 p.m. Ch.4) offers a sneak peek at future championship contenders.

• WNBA: Minnesota at Connecticut (6 p.m. NBA TV) followed by New York at Phoenix (9 p.m. NBA TV).

🔥 Sunday: The Sports Buffet Continues

🚗 Sunday Racing Showdowns

Sunday morning kicks off again with F1, this time the Dutch Grand Prix itself at 7:55 a.m. (ESPN/ESPNU). Expect Verstappen fever at Zandvoort.

IndyCar hits the streets of Nashville at 1 p.m. (Ch.6) with the Music City Grand Prix—a race known for chaos, strategy, and surprise winners. Meanwhile, the NHRA U.S. Nationals get qualifying coverage at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on FS1.

The day ends with the crown jewel: NASCAR Cup Series Southern 500 (5 p.m. USA Network) live from Darlington. Playoff racing under the lights—it doesn’t get better.

🏈 College Football, Day Two

Fewer games Sunday, but one worth watching:

• Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina (2 p.m. ESPN) in Atlanta.

• Plus, Notre Dame at Miami (6:30 p.m. Ch.12) in prime time.

⚾ MLB Sunday Slate

Afternoon baseball takes center stage:

• Brewers at Blue Jays (12:30 p.m. FSWI, Radio AM-620)

• Pirates at Red Sox (12:30 p.m. MLBN)

• Later: Braves at Phillies (6 p.m. ESPN) in a must-watch NL East battle.

⚽ Soccer Sunday

If Saturday wasn’t enough, Sunday brings more EPL drama:

• West Ham at Nottingham Forest (8 a.m. USA)

• Arsenal at Liverpool (10:30 a.m. USA) – easily one of the weekend’s most electric matchups.

• Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa (1 p.m. USA)

Serie A fans can catch Juventus at Genoa (11:30 a.m. CBSSN), while the NWSL features Chicago at Washington (3 p.m. Ch.58).

🎾, 🏐, 🏇 & More

Sunday turns into a buffet of sports variety:

• U.S. Open tennis continues (10 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 & 6 p.m. on ESPN/ESPN2).

• College Volleyball takes over multiple networks—Texas vs. Wisconsin (BTN), TCU at Pittsburgh (FS1), and more.

• Horse Racing shifts to Saratoga Springs with the Jockey Club Gold Cup (noon, Ch.6) and Saratoga Live at 3 p.m. (FS1).

• Softball Athletes Unlimited is live at 4 p.m. (ESPNU).

• WNBA nightcap: Indiana at Golden State (7:30 p.m. NBA TV).

🔥 Monday: Wrapping Up Labor Day Sports

Not slowing down yet—Monday packs its own punch.

• College Football: TCU vs. North Carolina (7 p.m. ESPN/ESPNU) caps the weekend with a primetime showdown.

• MLB: Mets at Tigers at noon, Phillies vs. Brewers at 3 p.m., Rangers at Diamondbacks at 7 p.m.

• Tennis: The U.S. Open keeps rolling with day/night sessions on ESPN and ESPN2.

• Lacrosse Lovers: Premier Lacrosse League playoff semifinals at 2 p.m. on ESPN2, plus the Stars & Stripes Classic at 5 p.m. on ESPNU (Green Berets vs. Navy SEALs—how’s that for a matchup?).

• WNBA Doubleheader: Dallas at Minnesota (7 p.m.) and Los Angeles at Seattle (9 p.m.) on NBA TV.

🎯 Key Takeaways for the Weekend

• Early birds: Tune into F1 and European golf.

• College football nuts: Saturday is stacked—Alabama/FSU and LSU/Clemson headline.

• Baseball junkies: Division races heat up with Brewers, Dodgers, Braves all in primetime.

• Tennis fans: The U.S. Open dominates all three days.

• Night owls: Pac-12, Liga MX, and WNBA will keep you up late.