Berlin is a city known for its vibrant culture, history, and diverse entertainment options. One such option is sports. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just looking for some exciting entertainment, Berlin has plenty of sports events to offer. Here are some sports to see in Berlin that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Football (Soccer)
Football is the most popular sport in Germany and Berlin is no exception. The city has two major football teams – Hertha BSC and Union Berlin – both of which play in the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football. The atmosphere in the stadiums during matchdays is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their teams. The Olympiastadion is the home stadium of Hertha BSC and has a capacity of over 74,000. On the other hand, Union Berlin’s home stadium is the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, which has a capacity of over 22,000. The rivalry between the two teams is fierce, and attending a match between them is an experience you won’t forget.
2. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is another popular sport in Berlin. The city has one professional team – Eisbären Berlin – which plays in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), the top tier of German ice hockey. The team has won the DEL championship title several times and has a large following of dedicated fans. The Mercedes-Benz Arena is the home stadium of Eisbären Berlin and can hold up to 17,000 spectators. Attending an ice hockey game is a thrilling experience, with fast-paced action and enthusiastic fans.
3. Basketball
Basketball is a relatively new sport in Germany, but it has gained popularity in recent years. Alba Berlin is the city’s professional basketball team, which competes in the Basketball Bundesliga, the top tier of German basketball. The team has a strong record in the league, having won the championship title several times. The Mercedes-Benz Arena is also the home stadium of Alba Berlin and has a capacity of up to 17,000 spectators. The fast-paced action and high-scoring nature of basketball make it a fun sport to watch.
4. Athletics
Berlin has a strong tradition in athletics, with the city hosting several major international athletics events over the years. The Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, is the city’s premier athletics venue. It has a capacity of over 74,000 spectators and has hosted major events such as the World Athletics Championships and the European Athletics Championships. Attending an athletics event at the Olympic Stadium is a unique experience, with a sense of history and grandeur.
5. Tennis
Tennis is another popular sport in Berlin, with the city hosting the annual German Open tennis tournament. The tournament is part of the ATP World Tour and attracts some of the world’s top players. The tournament is held at the Tennis Club am Rothenbaum, which has a capacity of over 13,000 spectators. The club has a long history and has hosted the tournament since 1892, making it one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world.
In conclusion, Berlin has a diverse range of sports events to offer, from football and ice hockey to basketball, athletics, and tennis. Attending a sporting event in Berlin is not just about watching the game but also about experiencing the passion and energy of the fans. So, whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just looking for some exciting entertainment, make sure to catch a game or two in Berlin.