There's no shortage of sporting events in Buenos Aires, from the highbrow International Polo championships where locals hobnob with European royalty, to rowdy, immensely popular soccer events. Check the papers for events, especially the English-language Buenos Aires Herald.
Golf -- Argentina has more than 200 golf courses. The closest to downtown Buenos Aires is Cancha de Golf de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Av. Torquist 1426, at Olleros (tel. 11/4772-7261), 10 minutes from downtown and with great scenery and a par-71 course. Prices start at $10 during the week and $15 on weekends, with additional fees for caddies and other services. Jockey Club Argentino, Av. Márquez 1700 (tel. 11/4743-1001), is in San Isidro, about 30 minutes from downtown. It has two courses (par 71 and 72). The entrance fee ranges from $40 to $60, but be prepared for extra fees for caddies and other services.
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, and you can watch some of the best right here in Buenos Aires. Races happen at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, Av. del Libertador 4205, at Dorrego (tel. 11/4778-2839), in Palermo, a classically designed track with modern additions, 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 and run through early evening, and entry prices range from $1 to $10, depending on your seating area.
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 $25 per person. This is one of the most important polo stadiums in the world, and visits by European royalty are not uncommon. Contact the Asociación Argentina de Polo, Hipólito Yrigoyen 636 (tel. 11/4331-4646 or 11/4342-8321), for information on polo schools and events.
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. Passion for soccer in Argentina could not be more intense. 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. 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 $4 and can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
