There's no shortage of sporting events in Buenos Aires, from the highbrow International Polo championships where locals hobnob with European royalty, to soccer events where the crowds are as rowdy as the players. Check the papers for events and times when in town, especially the English-language Buenos Aires Herald. If you want to have your experience planned for you (ticket choice, ticket purchase, and being escorted to and from the game), check out Go Football Tours and Golf Tours.
Horse Racing -- Over much of the 20th century, Argentina was famous for its thoroughbreds. It continues to send prize horses to competitions around the world, although you can watch some of the best right here in Buenos Aires. In the center of the city, you can see races at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, Av. del Libertador 4205, at Dorrego (tel. 11/4778-2839), in Palermo, a track made in a classical design with several modern additions. The Hipódromo is open all year. Entry is free and race times run from late afternoon until past midnight. In the suburbs, a few miles from Buenos Aires, is also the Hipódromo de San Isidro, Av. Márquez 504, at Fleming in San Isidro (tel. 11/4743-4010). This modern location is open year-round. Most races begin in the early afternoon through the early evening, and entry prices range from US35¢ (20p) to US$2 (£1.05), depending on your seating area. Check the Buenos Aires Herald for more exact race schedule information for both arenas.
Polo -- Argentina has won more international polo tournaments than any other country, and the Argentine Open Championship, held late November through early December, is the world's most important polo event. There are two seasons for polo: March through May and September through December, and competitions are held at the Campo Argentino de Polo, Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Dorrego (tel. 11/4576-5600). Tickets can be purchased at the gate for about US$25 (£13) per person. This is one of the most important polo stadiums in the world, and visits by European royalty are not uncommon in season. Contact the Asociación Argentina de Polo, Hipólito Yrigoyen 636 (tel. 11/4331-4646 or 11/4342-8321), for information on polo schools and events. La Martina Polo Ranch (tel. 11/4576-7997), located 60km (37 miles) from Buenos Aires near the town of Vicente Casares, houses more than 80 polo horses, as well as a guesthouse with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Soccer -- One cannot discuss soccer (called fútbol here) in Argentina without paying homage to Diego Armando Maradona, Argentina's most revered player and one of the sport's great (if fallen) players. Any sense of national unity dissolves when Argentines watch their favorite clubs -- River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing Club, Independiente, and San Lorenzo -- battle on Sunday in season, which runs from February until November. There is also a summer season when teams travel, so essentially soccer never really stops in Buenos Aires. Passion for soccer here could not run hotter. Try to catch a game at the Estadio Boca Juniors, Brandsen 805 (tel. 11/4309-4700), in San Telmo, followed by raucous street parties. Ticket prices start at US$3 (£1.60) and can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
