There's something magical about Rome. Maybe it's the history around every corner, the art that fills its churches and museums, or the fact that a delicious plate of pasta and a good glass of vino are never more than a few steps away.
I recently spent a whirlwind weekend in the Eternal City, where college basketball, faith, art and Italian hospitality came together for one unforgettable cultural experience.
The reason for the trip? The Eternal City Tip-Off featuring the men's and women's basketball teams from Notre Dame and Villanova. But as I've learned throughout my career in sports, sometimes the greatest experiences happen beyond the playing field. And Rome certainly delivered.
From the Vatican to the basketball court
Imagine attending Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, having an audience with Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, and then cheering on Notre Dame to victories in both the men's and women's basketball games. All in one extraordinary weekend. It was an experience of a lifetime for me.
The games were played at Rome's Palazzo dello Sport, an arena that hosted Olympic basketball during the 1960 Summer Games. For Cincinnati sports fans, there's an especially meaningful connection: our own Oscar Robertson helped lead the United States to Olympic gold in Rome in 1960.
More than six decades later, two American universities returned to that same arena to make a little basketball history of their own. The event brought together student-athletes, alumni and fans in a city where history, religion and culture intersect every day.
It's a reminder of something I've believed for years: sports can be one of the world's greatest cultural connectors. A special thank you to On Location, whose extraordinary hospitality and attention to detail made the entire experience even more memorable.
Rome is having a major art moment
You cannot visit Rome without being surrounded by art. Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini are practically part of the city's DNA. But this fall, Rome is also celebrating modern and contemporary artists with three exhibitions worth exploring.
Keith Haring at the Museo di Roma: More than 140 works celebrate the American artist who brought street art into the mainstream. His iconic figures and subway drawings continue to explore social change, community and the universal language of art.
Richard Avedon: In the American West, 1979–1984 at Palazzo Esposizioni Roma: Avedon's striking portraits capture everyday Americans, including miners, ranch workers and waitresses. The photographs reveal the humanity and dignity of people too often overlooked.
Kandinsky at Palazzo Bonaparte: A retrospective of the abstract art pioneer features works from the Centre Pompidou collection in Paris. His vibrant colors and geometric compositions offer a striking contrast to Rome's classical masterpieces.
A city best enjoyed one bite at a time
Between basketball, the Vatican and the museums, there's another essential part of the Roman experience: the food.
Rome makes it wonderfully easy to slow down and enjoy life. A plate of cacio e pepe, a bowl of carbonara, a glass of Italian red wine and a sidewalk table overlooking a centuries-old piazza can be just as memorable as a famous landmark.
History isn't something you only experience inside a museum. It's everywhere, from the cobblestone streets to the neighborhood trattorias where recipes have been passed down for generations. Even on a whirlwind trip, there's always time for pasta and vino.
The real power of travel
As someone who works in sports, tourism and storytelling, I'm always fascinated by the way a single sporting event can inspire people to explore a destination.
We traveled to Rome for basketball. We experienced history at the Vatican, discovered an extraordinary arts scene, enjoyed Italian hospitality and made memories that will last a lifetime. Notre Dame's two victories were a wonderful bonus.
But the greatest takeaway was much bigger than the scoreboard. Rome reminded me that the best travel experiences bring together the things we love: sports, art, food, history and human connection.
And sometimes, all it takes is a basketball game to get you there.
Arrivederci, Roma. Until next time.
– Jackie Reau
