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, several swimming pools, and a
marina.
Major annual sporting events in the city include the Barcelona
marathon, which takes place in March, the Conde
de Godó Trophy tennis tournament in April, and the
Formula One Grand Prix, held in Montmeló
every May.
For visitors who want to break into a sweat themselves, the city
authorities have a sports information service (telephone number:
(93) 402 3000) with details of city-run sports centres and facilities.
The office is located at Avenida de L’Estadi 30–40 and
is open Monday to Friday 0800 hrs–1430 hrs and Monday to Thursday
1600 hrs–1815 hrs.
Bullfighting
Bullfights are held on Sundays between April and September
at the Monumental bullring, Gran Via Corts Catalanes 749. There
is also a museum about the sport at the ring. The official ticket
office is at Carrer Muntaner 24 (telephone number: (93) 453 3821)
and fights cost from €15 to €75.
Fitness
centres
There is a fitness centre, which is open to the public, at the Piscinas
Bernat Picornell, Avenida de L’Estadi 30–40,
on Montjuïc (telephone number: (93) 423 4041), open Monday
to Friday 0700 hrs–2400 hrs, Saturday 0700 hrs–2100
hrs and Sunday 0730 hrs–1430 hrs.
Football
Football is ever popular. The local football team, Fútbol
Club Barcelona (Barça), Avenida Arístides Maillol
12–18 (telephone number: (93) 496 3600; fax number: (93) 411
2219), is one of the most successful teams in Europe. The club plays
in the massive Camp Nou stadium, Avenguda de Joan
XXII (telephone number: (93) 496 3702, for tickets), which also
houses a football museum.
Golf
Barcelona has several golf clubs, which are open to non-members.
Real Club de Golf ‘El Prat’, Apartado
de Correos 10, El Prat de Llobregat (telephone number: (93) 379
0278, fax number: (93) 370 5102), is a first-rate 36-hole course
located close to the airport, open to members of a federated club
only. 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, in the suburb of Sant Cugat del Valles
(telephone number: (93) 674 3908, fax number: (93) 675 5152), some
20km (12 miles) northwest of Barcelona, is a 21-hole course. 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 of €65.
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 Centre Municipal de Vela, Moll de Gregal,
Port Olímpic (telephone number: (93) 222 1499).
Swimming
There are 7 beaches in the immediate vicinity of Barcelona.
Water quality is tested regularly but it is still advisable for
bathers 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.
If the beaches do not appeal, the Club de Natació Atlètic
Barceloneta, Plaça del Mar (telephone number: (93) 221 0010),
has three indoor pools.
Visitors can relive the Olympic Games in the Piscinas
Bernat Picornell, Avenida de L’Estadi 30–40, on Montjuïc
(telephone number: (93) 423 4041), open daily 0700 hrs–2400
hrs. There are also numerous city-run swimming pools, the sports
information service (see above) can provide details.
Tennis
Built for the Olympics, the Centre Municipal de Tennis Vall
d’Hebron, Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron 178 (telephone
number: (93) 427 6500), has several clay courts, which are now open
to the public. However, racquets and balls are not provided. |
