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Sport The 1992 Olympics turned the sporting spotlight of the world onto Barcelona. Most of the action took place on Montjuïc, which gained a new sports stadium, a marina and several swimming pools. Major annual sporting events in the city include the Formula One Grand Prix, held every May in Montmeló, the Conde de Godó Trophi tennis tournament in April and the Barcelona marathon, which takes place in March. Football is ever popular. The local football team, Fútbol Club Barcelona (Barca), is one of the most successful teams in Europe. The club plays in the massive Camp Nou stadium, Avenguda de Joan XXII, which also houses a football museum. Further information is available from FC Barcelona, Avinguda Arístides Maillol (tel: (93) 496 3600; fax: (93) 411 2219; website: www.fcbarcelona.com). For visitors who want to break into a sweat themselves, the city authorities have a sports information service (tel: (93) 402 3000) with details of city-run sports centres and facilities. The office is located at Avinguda de L’Estadi 30-40 and is open Monday to Friday 0800-1430 and Monday to Thursday 1600-1815. Beaches: There are seven beaches in the immediate vicinity of Barcelona. Water quality is tested regularly but it is still advisable to look before taking a leap into the waves. Platja de Sant Sebastià is a nudist beach. At the other beaches, topless bathing is common. Bullfighting: Bullfights are held on Sunday between April and September at the Monumental bullring at Gran Via Corts Catalanes 749. There is a museum about the sport at the ring. The official ticket office is at Carrer Muntaner 24 (tel: (93) 453 3821) and fights cost from €15-€75. Fitness centres: California Look, Placa Ramon Berenguer el Gran 2 (tel: (93) 319 8725) is open Monday-Friday 0730-2230 and Saturday 1000-1600, providing gym equipment for €7 per day. Golf: There are several golf clubs in the Barcelona area, which are open to non-members. Real Club de Golf ‘El Prat’, Apartado de Correos 10, El Prat de Llobregat (tel: (93) 379 0278; fax: (93) 370 5102), is a first-rate 36-hole course located near the airport. The course has hosted the Spanish Open on numerous occasions and is only open to members of a federated club. Club de Golf Sant Cugat is a 21-hole course in the suburb of Sant Cugat del Valles (tel: (93) 674 3908; fax: (93) 675 5152), 20km (12 miles) northwest of Barcelona. Visiting players must provide all their own equipment but are entitled to use of all the clubs leisure facilities on payment of the green fee. Masia Bach Golf Club Carretera Martolla-Capellades, Sant Esteve Sesrovires (tel: (93) 772 6310 or 8800; fax: (93) 772 6356 or 8810), is an 18-hole course on the outskirts of the city. Membership is not required and weekday green fees are good value at €60, rising to €125 at weekends. Sailing: There are numerous sailing clubs based in Barcelona and several regattas take place during the spring and summer. Further information is available from the Sailing Federation (tel: (93) 203 3800). Swimming: If the beaches do not appeal, the Club de Natació Atlètic Barceloneta, Plaça del Mar (tel: (93) 221 0010), has three indoor pools. Alternatively, visitors can relive the Olympics in the Piscinas Bernat Picornell, Avinguda de L’Estadi 30-40 (tel: (93) 423 4041), on Montjuïc, open daily 0700-2400. There are also numerous city-run swimming pools; the sports information service (see above) provides details. Tennis: Built for the Olympics, the Centre Municipal de Tennis Vall d’Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 178 (tel: (93) 427 6500), has several clay courts, which are now open to the public. However, racquets and balls are not provided. |
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