By Panos Katsiroubas/ info@eurohoops.net
These days in Malaga the biggest fiesta of European basketball is taking place and that is the Copa Del Rey final eight of course. After being present in three Copa Del Rey editions the last four years, I believe that the presence in this four day tournament is the best way for every basketball lover to fulfill one of his basketball dreams. In Spain everybody lives for the Copa Del Rey, the teams, the fans, Liga Endesa and of course the city that is organizing the competition.
The importance for the teams is obvious as they play the first round of the championship without thinking the playoffs, but only how to be in the first eight places in order to qualify for the Copa. In many cases, being in the Copa fiesta is a bigger target for smaller teams that being in the play offs at the end of the season, because the importance everybody gives in this competition is huge. Moreover many surprises have taken place in the Copa because even the smaller teams have the opportunity in a knock out game to win better teams in terms of talent and bigger budgets, something that is very difficult in playoff series of 3 to 5 games.
For the fans “Copa Del Rey” is a real fiesta. Fans not only of the eight participant teams, but from all over Spain and also some other lucky fans like us from abroad are attending the Copa. Fan zone is the heart of the Copa for the fans because there are beautiful events, competitions where everybody can take part and win prizes. There are also the stands of the teams giving you the opportunity to buy anything you want from their products and also there are basketball courts where you can play against your friends. Moreover in the fan zone is also the stand of Liga Endesa where you can buy the official Copa Del Rey products. In addition great basketball players of the past visit the fan zone, they give autographs and take photos with the fans, they participate in many of the competitions that take place and they are just havving fun with the fans that spend their time there.
Inside the arena the atmosphere is incredible. A real big mosaic of colors, chants, music from the bands of the fans, cooperation of all fans – mostly against Barcelona and Real Madrid 0 and in total one party that never ends. Even if their team loses in the quarter finals or in the semifinals the majority of the fans are staying to watch the remaining games and the final.
At the same time simultaneously with the actual Copa is taking place the Minicopa which is the competition of the youth teams of participants in the final eight. The fans can also attend the games of the Minicopa if they want and the presentation of the winning team of the Minicopa takes place during the halftime of the final game of Copa Del Rey, giving the young athletes the pleasure to get a big applause of the whole arena.
The attraction: Baskonia fans
The attraction of every Copa Del Rey final eight are the fans of Baskonia!! The most crazy fans, the most loyal to their team, they are having a party inside the stadium and all the fans of the other teams love to participate in this. Their band giving an unbelievable rhythm and energy to the other fans and is something very beautiful to see. It is very difficult to describe how they perceive this great competition, but if you watch one tournament with them for sure you are going to love them.
The only thing that we can add is that if someone really loves basketball Copa Del Rey is the greatest competition to attend. Go and visit it and you will not be disappointed in any way. Passion for the Copa!!!!
