I am a football fan, but basketball is my second favorite ball game. If you love basketball in Moscow, you might rather attend CSKA games or watch NBA at nights. But I like second tier Dynamo for two reasons. First, my dad supports this team. Second, it plays inside the most beautiful basketball arena in this country.
I first visited Krylatskoe when Dynamo was on top. They won the Eurocup that season and were fighting for the title with CSKA. Today, after several years of playing in non-leagues due to bankruptcy the team finally made it to the second division. Now the entry is free, so the atmosphere is quite good, as there are many greedy basketball fans like me. The show is still the same and I find it more attractive than CSKA’s one. Though the club is poor, it still has enough money to afford cheerleaders and Dyadya Styopa mascot (a very tall policeman from a Russian children’s story).
The baskethall is beautiful both inside and outside. It is located in the Krylatskoe district, which reminds me of Strogino. I like the view on the river and sporting stadiums, including the skating palace and cycletrack. By the way, the river itself is a part of the rowing stadium, so, if you visit Krylatskoe in summer, it is worth attending rowing trainings or competitions.
The men’s club will miss the 16/17 season, so it may be a good reason to watch women’s basketball here.
