Soccer or ‘futbol’ is ubiquitous in Colombia. It is a feeling that one needs to see in order to believe. It is the joy of thousands that visit our stadiums every weekend and it is a joy that we want all our clients to feel.
Allow us to walk you through this sensational feeling and try to verbally depict what we want you to feel.
Soccer in Colombia
The Colombian national soccer team has developed pretty amazing teams over the past few decades. The legendary ’94 team that was picked by Pele to win the World Cup in the US. As well as the 2014 world cup team that stole the heart of millions thanks to James Rodriguez’s majestic goal.
But we can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to catch a World Cup Qualifier game during your stay in Medellin. Most of their games are in Barranquilla. A city that’s 16 hours by car from Medellin. But the next best thing is catching one of our local teams from the national tournament. But not just any team, Atletico Nacional.
Futbol in Medellin
Every big city in Colombia has two teams that fight for the much-coveted place in its resident’s hearts. Bogota has Independiente Santa Fe and Millonarios. Cali has America de Cali and Deportivo Cali. Medellin has Deportivo Indpendiente Medellin and Atletico Nacional.
There are 20 teams in our first division league and there are two tournaments per year. Each team plays each other once and at the end, the top 8 teams get separated into 2 groups where the best team from each goes to the final.
But I digress, my friends. Chances are that while in Medellin you’ll be able to catch a game live at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium. With our luck, it will be an Atletico Nacional game (2 south American titles and 16 domestic cups). Now, let’s talk a bit about the actual experience.
Why the Medellin Soccer Experience?
Watching a soccer game on TV can be a bit boring. Especially if you don’t understand the language they’re speaking or aren’t rooting (or betting) for anyone. But being at the stadium, watching the home team sing the songs, cheer the entire game, and pick their team up when they’re down, is the ultimate thrill.
We recently had the pleasure of taking a team to the stadium to watch an Atletico Nacional game against our biggest rivals, Independiente Medellin.
The stadium was full. The talent at the game was amazing and the vibe these guys felt was indescribable.
Atletico Nacional Game with Medellin VIP
Many visitors regardless of how many times you’ve visited want to always experience something new. catching an Atletico Nacional game does that. But it can be overwhelming and scary if you don’t know anyone.
There are 4 places in the stadium where you can sit. If you sit in the south part, you’ll be with the home team hooligans. Northside is less popular but also some hooligans. On the east side, you’ll have some of the upper-class Paisas. While the west side you have a better crowd and a covered section in case it rains, not bad.
We stock up on tickets, pick you up at your hotel or Airbnb, and bring you to the stadium with a host. The tour includes tickets, transportation, snacks at the stadium, and round-trip transfers.
When you’ve set up dates for your Medellin trip, we’ll check the schedule and look for the perfect game. There are regular season, playoff, and even international cup games we can catch if you’re lucky.
Want to learn more about the Medellin soccer experience? Be sure to contact us today for details.
