It’s true. Soccer, rugby, and tennis dominate the sports scene in Buenos Aires. That said, in Buenos Aires there is a much larger variety of sports available to spectate and play. Sports, much like the arts, offer a glimpse into the collective psyche, the history, and the culture of Argentina. The unbridled passions of World Cup soccer, the colonial imprint of rugby, and a glimpse at the pampas through polo, can all be observed through sports.
Sports also are a great way to meet new people and make friends. It can be overwhelming to get a handle on what sports are available and open for new participants or spectators. With this article, we merely offer a starting point, along with some relevant resources.
Basketball
Basketball may not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of Argentina, but don’t forget that the Argentine national team won the 2004 Olympic gold medal. While the basketball mecca of Argentina is Bahia Blanca, there are plenty of places in Buenos Aires where you can find a pick up game, play in a league or watch a game.
Where to play: Public parks in Buenos Aires may not host pick up games as they do in the US, but such games can be found if you know where to look. Here are a few places to try:
Ateneo de Juventud Riobamba 165. Tel – 4372-1106
Pick up games are Monday and Thursday nights, and on Saturdays around 3:30. Membership required (daily or monthly passes available)
Sportclub Almargo. Medrano 522. Tel – 4864-5226
Call or ask around for specific times.
Where to watch basketball games:
The National Basketball League current schedule can be found here.
Golf
In Capital Federal your golf options are limited. However, very nice courses can be found just outside the city, in the province of Buenos Aires. Some of which are located on estancias that you can visit for a country day, or for a few days if you’re looking for a break from the big city. Most of the clubs are private, but they are often open one day a week to the public. Most courses don’t have electric carts, but caddies are available and sometimes required. If you have the opportunity to travel, we suggest checking out the courses in Córdoba or Patagonia.
Where to play:
In Capital your options are limited to one 18-hole course in Palermo and a driving range in Costa Salguero.
Juan B. Segura Golf Course(public course)
Location: Av. Tornquist y Olleros.
This 18 hole course is conveniently located in Parque 3 de Febrero. Rental clubs are available.
Driving range at Costa Salguero.
Location: Av. Costanera y Jeronimo Salguero.
If you’re interested in checking out golf courses outside of capital, we recommend the following locations:
The Jockey Club (San Isidro)
Olivos Golf Club (Olivos)
Pilar Golf Club (Pilar)
Where to watch: There are no professional events that take place in Capital.
Tennis
Behind soccer, tennis may be the most popular sport in Argentina. Tennis courts can be found throughout the city. Many Argentine players have had great success in international play.
Where to play: There are many options, so its best that you investigate your neighborhood for places to play. You can rent a court by the hour or join a club with a monthly fee.
Find available courts throughout the city at Hay Cancha website
Note: If you are looking for someone to play with, there are often postings on the Buenos Aires Expat Hub Facebook page of people looking for a tennis partner.
Where to watch: Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club hosts Copa Telmex, part of the ATP Tour Tournament and Peugeot Argentina Tennis Club. It has also held many Davis and Fedex Cup tournament matches.
Soccer
Soccer is practically a religion in Argentina and their national team is consistently one of the worlds best. Make sure to catch a game while in Buenos Aires, as it is a thrilling and unique experience. Just make sure not to be caught in the wrong soccer jersey in the wrong part of town, or you could be asking for trouble.
Where to play: In Buenos Aires, your options for finding a soccer game are limitless. There are pick up games all over the city. You can also find many indoor courts which you can rent out by the hour.
The best way to join a soccer league is through one of your Argentine friends. They don’t play soccer? BAFA organizes 5 on 5 games or this site can assist you in locating games.
Where to watch: The two most famous teams from Buenos Aires are River Plate and Boca Juniors. Check our schedule, the local newspaper or internet for schedules. Want to go on your own? Tickets can be purchased at the stadium a couple days before the game or the day of the game from the box office or scalpers. Be aware that unless you are familiar with the prices and appearance of the tickets you could get ripped off. It is not recommended for a gringo to sit in the popular section without a local. This is where the Barra Brava (hooligans) are seated.
Polo
Argentina produces some of the best polo players and polo ponies in the world. Due to the expense of playing the sport, the polo scene is exclusively high society. Polo players enjoy a playboy lifestyle in Argentina and abroad. Argentina has been the world champions since 1949.
Where to try polo?: Sign up for the full polo lessons. All levels are welcome, even the folks that don’t know how to ride a horse. A nice asado will be served for lunch and you’ll get a full day out in the countryside at a large polo focused estancia. For a more short and sweet experience, the half day polo lessons provide transportation to and from the polo fields in Ezeiza (area near the international airport), horses, gear and professional instruction.
Where to watch:
The Argentine Polo Open is a world class polo tournament played every year in November and December. Tickets are available to the public at the box office located at the Campo Argentino de Polo (Av del Libertador y Dorrego). The further into the tournament the more advanced you should be with your ticket purchase. Or if you’d rather not have to worry about transportation and sourcing your own tickets, consider going on a tour to the match.
Rugby
Rugby was brought to Argentina during the 1870s by the British. In Argentina, Rugby is played largely on an amateur level, but the Argentine national team proved to be one of the best in the world with their 3rd place finish in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. For those who miss American Football, this is probably your as close as you’ll get. Ticketek tend to have tickets on sale for the Jaguares (national league).
Where to watch: This site will help you find games and tournaments for Rugby at every level from 15 year olds and up.
Additional information at the Unión Argentina de Rugby website
Other Sports-
Baseball: The Shankees play every Saturday during their season and are happy to see new players join if you are interested. A bus transports players, fans and curious onlookers from a meeting point near the zoo every Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
Boxing: Many gyms around town teach it, but we recommend you watch the professionals at Luna Park (Bouchard 465). Tickets can be bought at the door.
Horse Racing: Hipodromo Palermo (Av. Del Libertador 4101)
