Sheffield: Sports City

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 19:11 — Anonymous There are few cities in Britain with a
richer sporting heritage than Sheffield. The city is home to many major
teams, a multitude of world-class facilities and most importantly a community
who are as passionate about their sport as any you are likely to find. For
the sports fans amongst you a weekend away to experience the sporting
delights that 'Steel City' has to offer should make for a busy couple of
days. Whether you are travelling to Yorkshire to watch your favourite team
battle Sheffield's finest, or you are simply passing through the city and
fancy taking in a match, check out this list of Sheffield's best sporting
attractions. Football Sheffield as a city has played an integral part in the
history of English football. In 1857 Sheffield F.C, the first official
football club, was formed in the city. The second official football team in
the World also hail from Sheffield – Hallam F.C – who play at Sandygate
Road, the world's oldest football ground. There are now two professional
clubs in the city who both ply their trade in the Football League 1.
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday play at the Bramall Lane and
Hillsborough Stadiums respectively, with both teams attracting large crowds
to the two all-seater stadiums that both sit within the city limits. If you
are very fortunate and are able to acquire the much sort after tickets, then
a trip to experience the passion of a 'Steel City Derby' is a must. This
derby battle, between United and Wednesday, is widely considered as one of
the most exciting and hotly competed in English football, so certainly worth
a look. Rugby As you are in Yorkshire, it would only be right to experience
the fast paced thrill-ride that is Rugby League. The Sheffield Eagles are the
cities rugby league team, who share the Bramall Lane stadium with Sheffield
United and play in the British second tier, the Co-Operative Championship.
Tickets to see the Eagles are great value, with family deals available and
Friday night games played under floodlights providing a great night out for
Rugby enthusiasts. Snooker Although amongst esteemed company in the Brammal
Lane stadium, perhaps Sheffield's most famous sporting venue is the
Crucible Theatre. The Crucible is home to the World Snooker Championships,
the most important event of the year in the professional snooker calendar.
The World Snooker Championships have been held at the Crucible since 1977,
with the theatres seating arrangements allowing front row spectators a view
of the action mere feet from the players. The 2012 World Snooker
Championships is to be held in Sheffield between 21st of April and the 7th of
May, so if you fancy taking in the whole tournament, there is a great
selection of good value hotels in Sheffield to choose from.