Tyrone Hardisty: Cuba's Remarkable Sports Facilities

25% of the population in Cuba is involved in sports in one way or another. There are more than 2000 baseball fields throughout the island and at least one modern stadium in each province. Cubans take baseball, soccer, track sports, and other recreation very seriously and this is reflected in the care they take with their sports facilities, stadiums, and training programs.

The Cuban government built several modern facilities in order to host the 14th Pan-American games in Havana in 1991. The Pan-American Stadium is commonly known as the Colossus of the East and built to accommodate track and field as well as soccer. It has a pool complex for water polo, diving, and swimming events such as races and synchronized swimming exhibitions. It has beautiful tennis courts and facilities for cycling, too. Across from the national coach station in Havana you'll also find the "Kid Chocolate" Hall that provides a venue for boxing, another sport in which Cubans excel.

Havana's baseball stadium is an experience you won't want to miss. Admission is just a couple of dollars for tourists and you have your choice of seats. The best ones are quickly taken so getting there early is essential if you want the best view. You should double check the schedule as it can change abruptly and you may find yourself outside an empty stadium if you don't confirm the time and day. Snacks are available for purchase.

Cuba's Remarkable Sports Facilities

Near the Havana airport you'll find Antonio Maceo Stadium with a synthetic field for hockey which is nearly as popular as baseball in the area. The Cerro neighborhood is home to the Latin-American Stadium which is free for everyone to use.

In Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city on the island, you'll find the Estadio Guillermon Moncada, a multi-use stadium and the second most important stadium for baseball. With 25,000 seats, it opened in 1964. It was named after Guillermon Mancada, a Cuban patriot nicknamed the "Ebony Giant". Mancada was one of the Generals of the Wars of Independence. He participated in 3 wars to liberate Cuba from Spain and died in 1896 of tuberculosis. There is also has a softball stadium, soccer field, athletics track and a gymnasium where athletes can lift weights and practice and learn judo.

Estadio Pedro Marrero was originally built in 1929 and it hosted the 1937 Bacardi Bowl. Before the Revolution is hosted many Cuban League baseball games. Originally named Gran Stadium Cerveceria Tropical, it was renamed after the Revolution for Pedro Marrero, a patriot who died in the Moncada Barracks attack.

Cuba's Remarkable Sports Facilities

Source: http://tyronehardisty.blogspot.com/2013/02/cuba-remarkable-sports-facilities.html

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