Euro League basketball match: Real Madrid vs. Fenerbahce

 

I am a big time basketball fan (Bucks in 6!) and although Spanish sports are typically dominated by football, basketball has a huge following and I was fortunate enough to attend a game to get a taste of the experience. 

There was a EuroLeague game scheduled for a Thursday night with an 8:45pm tip off. I bought tickets the day before, noting the limited availability, and expected a solid turnout. The team plays their games at El Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid, commercially known as the Wiznik Center, which is located in downtown Madrid. It was very easy for me to take a quick Metro ride to Goya Station, a short walk from the venue. The pedestrian walkway leading up to the stadium added a nice touch to the pre-game atmosphere.

The stadium is tucked into dense urban development. Even just a block away, it was surprisingly inconspicuous! This setup led to a strict entry policy, you could only enter through the side corresponding to your seating section. Once inside, I was struck by how cramped and utilitarian the interior felt. That said, navigating the stadium was straightforward, and it wasn’t overly crowded. Aside from a small photo gallery showcasing concerts and sporting events over the years, the interior felt spartan, especially compared to sporting venues in the USA.

But stepping into the arena itself was a whole different story. The clear sightlines to the court, combined with the size and energy of the space, made for an incredible first impression. The crowd was huge, yet the arena didn’t feel cavernous, it somehow managed to maintain an intimate vibe. Behind one backboard was a group of dedicated Real Madrid fans, complete with a megaphone-wielding leader and members pounding on large drums to keep the energy alive throughout the game.

EuroLeague’s FIBA rules make for a much smoother-flowing game compared to the NBA, and the lack of commercial breaks only adds to the fan experience. True to schedule, the jump ball went up right at 8:45 PM, and the game wrapped up by 10:30 PM, a perfect timeline for Spaniards to still make it home for dinner at a reasonable hour!

I also have to give props to the lone concession stand. Water was reasonably priced at 2 Euros, with beers and soft drinks at 4 Euros, hot dogs for 5 Euros, and small jamón sandwiches for 7 Euros. While not exactly cheap, for stadium prices, it felt more than fair.

Overall, I had an amazing time. While the game wasn’t super competitive, it never felt like a complete blowout either. I was surprised by how many former NBA players were on the rosters with names like Boban Marjanović, Facundo Campazzo, Mario Hezonja, and Serge Ibaka. The quality of play was impressive, with Fenerbahçe putting on a solid performance while Real Madrid struggled to generate much offense.

Attending a EuroLeague game at the WiZink Center was an amazing experience that blended the passion of European basketball fans with the charm of Madrid’s urban setting. From the electric atmosphere created by the Real Madrid supporters to the seamless flow of the game itself, it was a fantastic way to spend a Thursday night. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or just looking for an authentic slice of local culture, catching a game here is well worth it. 

A very cool gallery featuring huge artists and teams

I was in row 6 and had a great view, I thought this photo was cool with the overhang

Madrid: Gran Via

 

Gran Via is an impressive street in downtown Madrid, sometimes referred to as the, "Spanish Broadway". I love to wander around downtown Madrid as its very conducive to walking and the dense development gives a vibrant and bustling vibe. Gran Via is a term used in cities and towns throughout Spain to indicate the main road of the city. The Gran Via of Madrid, the capital of Spain, represents the Gran Via's of the country well with wide pedestrian walkways lined with massive buildings and bustling businesses. There is everything from broadway venues to American fastfood to shops selling Spanish tourist trinkets. 

I initially thought the great road was an artifact of the old monarchy times with parades and horses so I was surprised to learn it was constructed in the early 1900s. Apparently hundreds of homes and dozens of roads needed to be demolished to literally pave the way for the road. The road is 1.3km long with a few metro stops along the way with plenty of lanes for vehicle traffic as well. 

Walking along Gran Via is a must for any visitor to Madrid. Walking from Sol to Plaza de Espana via Gran Via gives a nice feel for the downtown of Madrid albeit there are plenty of businesses that are pandering to the tourists so it's not exactly the most authentic. I love to hear all the different languages and see the excitement of people in the big city taking selfies and soaking in the atmosphere.