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PHOTO REPORTS Betis vs. Liverpool Attending a Betis match More Information: Jeff on Betis Real Betis Official Site Sevilla F.C. Official Site Soccer-spain.com (English) PRICE OF TICKET: 25 - 90 € depending on seat and match. REAL BETIS BALOMPIE: Founded: 1907 Stadium: Ruiz de Lopera Address: Avda de Heliópolis s/n Capacity: 52,500 Tel: (34) 954 610 340 Web: realbetisbalompie.es SEVILLE FUTBOL CLUB: Founded: 1905 Stadium: Sánchez Pizjuán Address: Avda Eduardo Dato s/n Capacity: 45,000 Tel: (34) 954 535 353 Web: sevillafc.es SCHEDULE: Season generally begins late August and runs through early June. League matches are most often played on Sunday, with some matches falling on Saturday or Wednesday nights. | |||
When it comes to spectator sports there is perhaps none more popular than fútbol, and Seville boasts two first division teams in Real Betis Balompie and Sevilla Futbol Club. Betis colors are green and white and their games are held in Ruiz de Lopera Stadium, in the Heliopolis neighborhood. Sevilla colors are red and white and they play in Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, in the Nervión neighborhood. The season generally runs from late August until early June. The league schedule ensures there will be a match in Seville every weekend, as the two teams alternate home and away games. The only exception is twice per year when the two teams play each other in a match which captivates the entire city. The rivalry between the two is heated, and it is hard to find a sevillano who doesn't have an allegiance to one team. Matches typically take place on Sundays, although a few are on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Both teams compete often compete in the UEFA Cup, bringing visitors to Seville from other countries in Europe. The regular season brings teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid to Seville, which are often the most popular games for visitors to the city. We recommend purchasing tickets to the matches in Seville for a better price. In General you can show up at the stadium a few hours before the match and purchase from the ticket window, or taquilla. Depending on the match you may choose to purchase from a reseller at the stadium and obtain a better price, but be sure to verify the location of your seats before purchasing. This also gives you the opportunity to see some of the pre-match activity around the stadium. It is possible to purchase a few days in advance at the stadium ticket window, which is generally open in the mornings. Tickets can be purchased in the center on calle Tetuan in a small shop which specializes in ticket sales for football, bullfights and other events. Before attending a game you may want to purchase team gear such as a scarf, shirt or flag. Both teams have official stores: for Real Betis you can find one in the center on calle Castelar, in the Arenal neighborhood. There is also a store at the stadium. Sevilla F.C. has a team store at the stadium. You can also purchase team apparel and gear at El Corte Inglés (Plaza del Duque location) and other sports shops in the center. If you are looking for a team jersey many times you can find better prices from the past year's model. |
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PHOTO REPORTS A round at Real Pineda Golf Club GREEN FEES: 30 - 90 € depending on course and day. SEVILLE GOLF COURSES: Real Club Pineda de Sevilla Address: Avenida de Jerez s/n Tel: (34) 954 611 400 Real Club de Golf de Sevilla Autovia Sevilla-Utrera, km 3,2 Tel: (34) 954 124 301 Course designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. Las Minas Golf Ctra. Isla Mayor, km 0,800, (Aznalcazar) Tel: 34 955 750 678 Club Zaudín de Golf Ctra. Tomares-Mairena, km 1,5, (Tomares) Tel: 34 954 154 159 Course designed by Gary Player. | |||
There are several golf courses close to Seville, some within a short taxi ride. Golf in Seville has also recently received a boost when it hosted the World Cup of Golf in 2004. Perhaps the best course is at the recently opened Real Club de Golf, just outside of Seville's city center, which was the site for the World Cup. The course was designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and the facilities, which also include tennis courts, swimming pools and more, are some of the finest in the province. The Real Club Pineda is the closest location to the center of the city with slightly more affordable rates. Further outside the city in smaller towns are Las Minas Golf and Club Zaudín de Golf, which are even more affordable. Club Zaudín de Golf features a course designed by former golf great Gary Player. If you come to Seville planning to golf we do recommend hiring a car to reach most of the courses. A taxi ride is reasonable when visiting the Real Club Pineda and the Real Club de Golf. However, there are several courses within the province of Seville for which a car is recommended. The neighboring provinces of Huelva, Cadiz and Malaga offer even more courses, some of which are an easy day trip from the city. There are many sports shops which stock golf equipment and El Corte Ingles may be the best location in the center of Seville. Almost all of the golf courses also have pro shops where equipment can be purchased. |
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PHOTO REPORTS A visit to the Arab Baths More Information: Aire de Sevilla web site PRICE OF BATHS: 15 - 18 €. PRICE OF MASSAGE: 24 - 38 €. LOCATION: Aire de Sevilla, Arab Baths Calle Aire, 15 Sevilla, 41004 Tel: (34) 955 010 025 HOURS OF OPERATION: 10:00 - 02:00 | |||
In recent years many of the larger cities in Andalucia have seen a revival in the tradition of the baños arabes, or Arab baths. These establishments have expanded to offer full spa services and in most cases tea salons and dining. Less than a year ago Seville opened it's first establishment, Aire de Sevilla, situated on calle Aire in the Santa Cruz Quarter. Located on the site of a former Arab bath, the renovation took several years and complex covers three floors, plus a roof terrace. Aire de Sevilla's principal attraction is the three baths of varying temperatures. Most begin their visit to the baths with the Sala de Relajación, a steam filled room where it's best to sip cold tea. Afterwards one can visit the baths or varying temperatures: the warm bath, or Tepidarium; the hot bath, or Calidarium, as well as the Frigidarium, a cold bath. The facility includes a central patio just off the reception with a sitting area and small Arab style fountain. Upstairs is the entry to the baths, including the men's and women's changing rooms which offer lockers and showers. Both therapeutic and relaxing massages are offered in 25 or 45 minute durations. A range of other corporal treatments as well as aromatherapy are also available. The second floor houses the two tea rooms, one with a high vaulted wood carved ceiling. The other is larger with comfortable sofas and a ceiling hand painted with bright colors. The tea salons are popular way to wrap up a visit to the baths, although guests are welcome to stop by just to sip tea. A variety of teas are available, served in traditional silver tea pots and colorful painted glasses. |
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More Information: Skydive Spain web Sato Sport web List of gyms in Seville Sky Dive Spain: La Julian Aerodromo Bollullos (Sevilla) Tel: (34) 687 726 303 Sato Sport Santa Justa c/ José Laguillo (across from the train station) Tel: (34) 954 546 290 | |||
OTHER SPORTS AND WELLNESS ACTIVITIES Skydiving Just 20 minutes outside of the city of Seville you can experience the thrill of skydiving with a professional team. The founder of the company, Allan Hewitt, has many years of experience and has even performed stunts for a recent James Bond movie. Beginners can choose the tandem jump option with a professional and only 15 minutes of preparation needed. Courses for beginners are an excellent way to begin the sport. Skydive Spain also offers AFF, or Accelerated Freefall jumps as well as Solo Jumps for the more experienced. Sato Sport The newest sports facility in Seville, Santa Justa Sato Sport is one of Europe's largest gyms. With over 5 floors and spectacular views of the city, the gym is located just across the street from Seville's Santa Justa train station. The facilities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, machine and free weights, cardio equipment, squash and paddle courts, a cafeteria/restaurant, parking and much more. Classes range from aerobics, general fitness and aqua-gym to tai chi, taekwondo, and ballroom dancing. While the most common memberships are monthly, classes and one-day passes are available to non-members. |