It’s finally almost here. Spring break 2019. Whether you’re a student or faculty, spring break is a time for relaxation, fun and most importantly, a week to put a stop to the madness of school, midterms, finals preparation, and the general stress that comes with being an everyday student.

And so the big question comes up right after that first day of break: What is there to do?

If you’re a sports fan, then look no further. Some of the most entertaining events in the valley and beyond are at your fingertips.

The Local Flavor

Starting locally, athletics in the valley are somewhat easy to come by. Keeping things on campus, the Fresno City College Rams softball team will be in action in a doubleheader against San Jose Community College on April 16, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Rams will also host the Reedley College Tigers on April 18 at 2 p.m. on their home turf.

Both the Rams and the Tigers are making a statement in conference play this season with the Rams sitting third in the Central Valley Conference standings, and the Tigers leading the CVC, both in tight races for their respective positions. This looks to be a great and exciting matchup with the two teams coming in sporting tough pitching added to a dangerous lineup.

Across town, the Fresno Grizzlies opened their season on April 4, and open up a seven game homestand starting with three games against the Salt Lake Bees from April 16 -18, followed by four games against the Las Vegas Aviators from April 19-22. According to the Grizzlies Website, all games have an evening start time with the exception of Sunday’s matinee against the Aviators.

Hit the Road Jack

Another option many students enjoy during spring break is the ability to get up and get out for a few days. Well if you’re willing to travel, we’ve got you covered.

Major League Baseball is in full swing, and with opening day behind us, teams and fans alike look forward to the success of their favorite players and franchises. Starting up north, the San Francisco Giants’ field crew will get the week off, as the team plays a nine game road trip throughout the duration of FCC’s spring break. Other teams, however, are in action during the break just waiting for fans to catch them in action.

Keeping an eye to the north, the Oakland Athletics start an eight game homestand, five of which line up during spring break beginning with a short two game series against 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros on April 16 and 17, followed by a three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 19-21.

Heading South

Heading down the I-5, you can catch the Los Angeles Dodgers in action against the Cincinnati Reds for Baseball’s “Jackie Robinson Day” on April 15, and face off against the Reds again on April 16 and 17.

Keep going on the I-5 and you can catch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim taking on division rival Seattle Mariners from April 18-21.

Farther south down the I-5, you can catch the Padres in action against the Colorado Rockies on April 15 and 16 for a quick two game divisional matchup, and against facing off against the Cincinnati Reds for a four game set from April 18 to April 21.

All MLB dates and schedules courtesy of individual team sites through mlb.com.

Finally for soccer fans, the Los Angeles Galaxy will be in action on April 19 against the Houston Dynamo for a Friday evening matchup. Fans looking to get their fix on the pitch may look to check the team out as they look to continue their 3-1 start to the season.

Wherever you look, sports are in the news and on the field this spring break. And if you’re not able to make it to any events, at the very least, get out and enjoy the time off and opportunity that spring break has to offer. Pick up a basketball or a bat and glove and keep the love of the game alive.