Spectator sports claim
much more enthusiasm than participatory sports. Romans diligently
follow their football clubs’ efforts in the Corriere
dello Sport newspaper.
The sporting season kicks off in Rome with the Marathon
(in March) and then provides a welcome opportunity to show off new
hats and outfits at the Concorso Ippico Internazionale di
Piazza di Siena – International Show Jumping (late
April to early May).
The Italian Open Tennis championships now attracts
some of the biggest names on the circuit and is held in the first
week of May.
Tickets to sporting events must be purchased directly from the venue
box office or, in some cases, through the club websites.
Football
Rome has two main football clubs, both in the Serie A
(top division) – the traditionally left-wing AS
Roma and right-wing Lazio.
Both perform at the Stadio Olimpico (telephone
number: (06) 323 7333), the 85,000-seat stadium that hosted the
1990 World Cup Final.
Golf
Golf in Rome is considered to be quite an upper-crust game. Most
clubs will receive non-members on production of a membership card
from their native country and showing their handicap. Fees are usually
based on a day’s play. Country Club Castelgandolfo,
Via di Santo Spirito 13 (telephone numberl: (06) 931 2301), is located
just outside Rome, within a volcanic crater. Rates rise from €47
on weekdays to €57 at weekends.
Gyms
and squash
Setting foot in a gym in Rome can be overwhelming if not equipped
with the right and expensive gym wear and tanned and tonned body
. Those brave enough could try the Roman Sport Centre,
Villa Borghese, Via del Galoppatoio 33 (telephone number: (06) 320
1667). Rome’s largest health centre and open to non-members
for €26 per day, which incorporates two gyms, squash courts,
two Olympic-size swimming pools, aerobic courses, massage, sun beds
and saunas.
Swimming
La Piscina delle Rose, Viale America
20 (telephone number: (06) 592 6717), is a large, open-air and very
popular with the locals. A passport to a day of relaxation costs
€10, while an afternoon stay costs €8 (sun-lounges cost
more). The
Cavalieri Hilton, Via Alberto Cadlolo 101, Monte Mario (telephone
number (06) 3509 2950), also allow non-residents to swim in their
outdoor and indoor pools but rates are higher.
Tennis
Tennis club Circolo della Stampa, Piazza Mancini 9 (telephone number:
(06) 323 2452), is owned by a group of journalists and welcomes
non-members. |
