My Rotterdam Challengers Experience

Rotterdam Challengers Game

Last night I went to my first Rotterdam Challengers game here in Rotterdam.  A friend of mine (who will remain nameless to save her from being hounded for favors) told me she had a friend who could get her free tickets so I was like, oh HELL yeah!  I love basketball!

I’ve been to many basketball games back in Canada, but I somehow remembered it as being more exciting than the game was last night.  Perhaps it was the lack of fans that attended (or maybe there just aren’t that many, I don’t know), or the poor performance by the team I was supposed to be cheering for, but after a short while I was thinking more about how sore my ass was from the plastic chairs than anything about the game.

I brought along my camera to play around with and have a go at some sports shots.  I’m pretty sure I’ll never be a sports photographer, but it did make the evening a bit more interesting.  Not having the first clue on how to take photos of sports, I did what any good camera newbie would do and set it to the sports setting and hoped for the best.

Rotterdam Challengers Game

Rotterdam Challengers Game

Rotterdam Challengers Game

They were playing WCAA Bergen op Zoom who I’m afraid to say wiped the floor with our Rotterdam team.  There were a few moments where I thought they were going to perhaps make a comeback but they were short lived.  The away team just seemed to have their game on more than ours did, it was pretty obvious and even a non-sporty like me could see it.  I’m pretty sure that’s what the referees were discussing as well.

All in all it was a good evening, I enjoy getting out with friends and trying new things, even if your friends spend the evening whacking you for clapping for the opposing team! (Hey, it’s the polite thing to do!  I’m Canadian, remember?  It’s just how we roll!)  Not sure I’m really eager to go to another game but at least now I can say I have been.  Plus, we had a good time comparing which of the players we thought was cuter.  Mine was on the opposing team, which earned me another smack…

Rotterdam Challengers Game

So, not a huge fan of basketball in the Netherlands.  In a country where it’s not a very popular sport, you definitely feel the difference when compared to North America where the stands are full and the crowds are boisterous!  I think if I want to really get a feeling for Dutch enthusiasm for sports, I will have to catch a football game instead.  Living only a stones throw from Stadion Feijenoord should make that a pretty achievable goal!

Getting my non-sporty, rather dive into a pool of razors and lemon juice than watch a game hubby to go with me may prove to be the real challenge!

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6 comments

  1. I thought you got some great shots.

    We saw an amateur volleyball game when we were in Holland, and Fierlepping… now THOSE were fun times. Basketball is kind of hard to imagine there, even though there are lots of tall people walking around.
    .-= Michele´s last blog ..15 000 Messages =-.

  2. I’ve been meaning to go to an FC Utrecht match. We just never think about it until it’s too late. Sorry the basketball game wasn’t a ton of fun. I can see how a smaller crowd (and a not so great team) could take some of the enjoyment out of the live game. You got some nice shots, though. The last one of just the ball is quite artsy and very nice!
    .-= Alison´s last blog ..Ribs, Glorious Ribs =-.

    • It was fun but more because of hanging out with my friend than the game itself. I definitely want to try a football game though, I think I’d probably fill my card with spectator shots alone!

  3. Fantastic shots with the camera!!
    .-= Sonya´s last blog ..Homemade Whoopie Pies for St.Patty’s Day =-.

    • Thanks Sonya! We did have pretty good seats right in front, so that helped! I thought it’d be best to be in the middle but being near the basket proved to be where all the action was.

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