Sports in Madrid

Soccer (football) isn't considered the national sport for nothing! Madrid supports three professional soccer teams, grinds to a halt during big matches, and celebrates significant wins with crowds - armed with giant flags, painted faces, horns, and pure jubilation - taking over the streets of downtown. But apart from major league soccer, bullfights, and other closely-followed spectator sports, Madrileños love to stay active and take advantage of the city's many sports facilities.

Catching a match played by Spain's premier soccer team, Real Madrid, at their home stadium, Estadio Santiago Bernabeú, is an unforgettable Madrid experience. Otherwise, you can take a tour and check out the stadium's first-class facilities.

An architectural jewel of 1920's brick and painted Spanish tile, Las Ventas in Madrid is the biggest bullring in Spain and hosts bullfights during the season from March to October - but May's San Isidro fights are the most prestigious on the calendar and tickets are highly coveted. It's a thrilling, quintessential Madrid experience that leaves no one indifferent. During the off-season, concerts, circus and motorcycle events are held there.

The Parque del Retiro is where Madrileños come to enjoy themselves and burn a few calories in central Madrid: there you can skate, row on the lake, run, walk, play tennis, and use the outdoor gym equipment.

Home to the Atlético de Madrid soccer team, (the Real Madrid team's less famous but equally decorated brother,) Vicente Calderón Stadium is the place to catch an Atlético match, take a guided tour, or pick up some red and blue merchandise.

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