Bogota Sport

Soccer

The two traditionally big football clubs in Bogota are Millonarios and Santa Fe.

Millonarios, having a glorious history, has a bigger support in Bogota than Santa Fe, although Santa Fe also has a large fan base.

Despite being 'big guns' in the Colombian football league both have somehow gone decades without winning a championship. Millonarios won their last championship (their 13th) in 1988, and Santa Fe have not lifted the trophy since 1975.

For over 5 decades Millonarios proudly held the record of most championships won. Indeed when they won their last championship in 1988 it seemed improbable that any team would catch them such was their dominance.

America de Cali had caused slight concern in the 80s with five straight championships in 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 which, together with their previous triumph in 79, gave them a total of 6 championships. America de Cali have steadily added to their tally over the last couple of decades, whereas Millonarios have been stranded at an unlucky 13.

In December 2008 America de Cali beat Medellin in the final of the Copa Mustang to finally equal Millonarios' record of 13 championships, a feat which will only add to the anger and frustration of Millonarios' long suffering fans and to the weight of pressure on the manager and team to win that elusive 14th championship.

Both teams play their home matches at the Nemesio Camacho El Campin Stadium (Transmilenio station "El Campin" on carrera 30) which has a capacity of around 45,000.

In 2007 La Equidad Seguros gained promotion from Division B and have arguably had more success in the last couple of years than the ‘big two’ in Bogota. They even managed to qualify for the final in their first year in Division A, losing out to Nacional after a disastrous 3-0 defeat at home in the first leg.

Since then they have appeared in two more finals. In 2010 they lost out to Atletico Junior, and in lost once again to Atletico Nacional, this time on penalties after drawing 3-3 over the two legs.

Bullfighting

Bullfights take place at the Plaza de Toros de Santamaria next to the Parque de la Independencia and near the Colpatria skyscraper. Bullfighting season is January and February.

Tejo

In addition to soccer another popular Bogota sport is Tejo.

Traditionally a working class game Tejo is now enjoyed by people from all backgrounds and you will hear many Bogotanos (generally the men) mention a game of tejo in their weekend plans (almost always accompanied by copious beer drinking.)

Tejo involves throwing a metal disc into a sand pit mounted on a stand with the object being to land on a small explosive called 'mecha'.

Cycling

Every Sunday many of Bogota’s main streets are closed off and made available to cyclists. The routes, known as ‘ciclovias’, are very popular with people cycling, jogging, roller skating or simply walking with the family. The routes are well policed and you’re never too far from someone selling refreshments along the side of the streets.

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