Sports in Cologne

Here's an interesting fact that I recently learned: Cologne has the greatest variety of professional sports teams than any other city in Germany. (Berlin has more teams because they have two soccer teams and three volleyball teams.)

As someone who has never been to a professionally basketball or football match in the U.S., it's amazing that I've seen all these teams — with the exception of ice hockey. I turned down my chance to watch them since, I went to hockey matches in the States and didn't find them all that interesting. In retrospect I probably should have gone. The fans in Cologne are awesome and probably would have made the game more interesting.

Here's a list of all the teams and their Web sites. I recommend attending a game if you can.

• 1.FC Köln – Fußball/Soccer
• Kölner Haie – Ice Hockey in German
• VfL Gummersbach – Handball
• Köln 99ers – Basketball
• Köln Renn-Verein – Horse Racing
  

Playing the Ponies in Cologne

For Kevin and I, Sunday was a day at the horse races in Cologne. The Galopprenbahn Köln-Weidenpesch, the cities racetrack, is open from March through November with races taking place once or twice per month. Admission is 5 Euros per person — more to sit in the grand stands, less for kids — and all of yesterday's proceeds where donated to a charity that helps orphaned children in Cologne.

Thankfully for us, we attended the event with German friends. Without them I don't know how Kevin and I would have puzzled our way through placing a bet. And really, what fun is going to the races if you don't put some money on the line.

Though none of us hit it big, both couples came out ahead for the day. In my book, that's a very successful afternoon.