Basketball -- Tijuana basketball has been foundering as much as the city's tourism industry, but a new team hopes to win back fans with a fun attitude and a mascot beloved of old Tijuana. The Zonkeys -- named for the zebra-painted donkeys you'll still see on Revolución -- are the new sports ticket for hip Tijuanans; catch a game at the Municipal Auditorium (tel. 664/250-9015), about 3km (2 miles) west of the center at Bl. Díaz Ortaz 12421. Schedules and tickets are online at www.tijuanazonkeys.com.
Bullfighting -- Whatever your opinion of it, bullfighting has a prominent place in Mexican heritage and is even considered an essential element of the culture in Tijuana. The skill and bravery of matadors is closely linked with cultural ideals regarding machismo, and some of the world's best perform at Tijuana's historic stadium. While the last few years' schedules have been unpredictable, reforms and a new manager announced in the spring of 2011 are hoped to bring a more reliable performance schedule in the future. For up-to-date ticket and season information, contact San Diego's Five Star Tours (tel. 619/232-5049 in the U.S., or 664/622-2203). Plaza de Toros Monumental, or Bullring-by-the-Sea (tel. 664/680-1808; www.plazamonumental.com), is 10km (6 miles) west of downtown on Hwy. 1-D (before the first toll station), at the edge of both the ocean and the California border. You can also negotiate a fare to Bullring-by-the-Sea, which will range anywhere from $12 to $25, depending on the bargaining mood of the taxi driver.
Dog Racing -- There's satellite wagering on U.S. horse races at the majestic Caliente Racetrack, Bl. Agua Caliente 12027, 4.8km (3 miles) east of downtown, but these days only greyhounds actually kick up dust at the track. Races are held daily at 7:45pm and at 1pm on Sunday. General admission is free. For more information, call tel. 664/682-3110 or 619/231-1910 in San Diego.
Soccer -- Soccer is far and away Mexico's favorite sport, and the largest sporting crowds in Tijuana are to be found cheering on the Xoloitzcuintles (their mascot is the famed Mexican hairless fighting dog), or Xolos, at Caliente stadium (Agua Caliente 12027, Colonia Hipódromo). U.S.-side fans organize trips across the border with buses, U.S. parking, and tickets to games; contact Xolos US at tel. 619/600-5233 in the U.S., or go to www.xolos.us.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
