LCD's run cooler, use less power and now days have great viewing angles (a drawback in past days.) Plasmas have better true black performance, but that shouldn't matter for sporting events. I'd go LCD or if you have the money, LED which is clearly the wave of the future.
I prefer LCD-LED and 'voted' with my dollars about 4 months ago buying a 46-in Samsung, Plasma (Panasonic are tops) are fantastic for movie viewing, but plasma uses up much more energy. My 466 in sips about 75-90 w, whereas the equivalent plasma might use 400 watts or more. In a year's time this really adds up.