Sport
Football is a national obsession in Argentina. It takes priority over food, politics and religion. Introduced to the city by British sailors in the 1860s, the sport took off. Argentina won the World Cup tournament firstly in 1978 and secondly, and more controversially, in 1986 after Maradona and the ‘hand of God’ helped them defeat England in the quarter finals. Buenos Aires is home to two main teams, which are supported by 50% of the country. River Plate (website: www.carp.org.ar) play at the Monumental or the Gallinero (Cock Pit) stadium, while Maradona’s former team, Boca Juniors (website: www.bocajuniors.com.ar), play at La Bombonera stadium in La Boca. Each team’s supporters loathe their rivals with a vengeance and feelings run high when the ultimate clash arrives in the form of the local derby match – the Superclasico – that receives media coverage to saturation point both post- and pre-match. Winning the league means nothing if the champion team has lost this one fixture, such is its importance.
International matches receive a similarly enthusiastic response. Celebrations usually revolve around the Obelisco on Avenida 9 de Julio. The season is split into two separate championships. The first begins in September and is decided in December. The second season begins after the summer recess and culminates in June. Seats for a match cost around $20, while tickets for the terraces cost $10. The sheer volume and intensity of the crowds makes being a spectator an incredibly thrilling, if slightly risky, experience. The Asociación Fútbol Argentino (tel: (011) 4372 7900; e-mail: info@afa.org.ar; website: www.afa.org.ar) can provide information. A company called Go Football (e-mail: info@gofootball.com.ar; website: www.gofootball.com.ar) provides escorted trips to top games.
Polo is also a huge sport in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires where the season comes to a head in November or early December. The biggest games are played on the Campo de Polo, next to Avenida del Libertador in Palermo. Rugby Union is also popular, as is pato (a cross between polo and basketball played on horses).
Fitness centres: There are many gyms in Buenos Aires, usually located on main roads in full view of passers-by. Many accept drop-in visitors. Club de Amigos, Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3885 (tel: (011) 4801 1213; website: www.clubdeamigos.org.ar) is a big sports complex, within easy reach of the city centre. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and gym. There is also a public gym in Manuel Belgrano Park, Jerónimo Salguero 3450 (tel: (011) 4807 7700).
Golf: There are many good golf clubs in the Buenos Aires area but they are often only open to visitors accompanied by a member. Some accept non-members who book in advance and present a handicap card. Courses open to the general public include the Campo de Golf de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Avenida Tornquist 6397 (tel: (011) 4772 7261 or 7576), which is a pleasant 18-hole course, surrounded by lakes and trees, within easy reach of downtown. Green fees are $10 and a round of golf costs between $20 and $30 depending on time of day. The Asociación Argentina de Golf (tel: (011) 4394 2972; website: www.aag.com.ar) can provide more information.
Horseriding: Argentina is renowned for its equestrianism and there are plenty of places to ride or take lessons in the capital. Try Club Hipico Argentino, Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 7285 (tel: (011) 4786 6240) or Club Alemán de Equitacion, Avenida Dorrego 4045 (tel: (011) 4778 7060).
Tennis: There are many private clubs in Buenos Aires and some hotels have tennis courts. However, municipal tennis courts can be found at Parque Sarmiento, Avenida Ricardo Balbín 4750, Saavedra (tel: (011) 4547 0882/4), and Manuel Belgrano Park, Jerónimo Salguero 3450 (tel: (011) 4807 7879). Try also Club de Amigos (see Fitness centres above) or Punta Carrasco, Avenidas Rafael Obligado and Sarmiento (tel: (011) 4807 1010; website: www.puntacarrasco.com.ar).
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