estadio victoria de giron

Just love this team even though we have come in second place in the last couple of years. The stadium is alive with spirit and it is always a pleasure to cheer the team on. I was a bit disappointed when they stopped allowing alcohol (a cold, cold beer in the heat of the day was refreshing), and unless I take a cushion with me the concrete is a little hard on the backside.I will be there, making lots of noise, this season - perhaps this year we will be Numero Uno!!!

So much fun! What a great experience. I try and get a few playoff games in a year! The popcorn is amazing, bathrooms are around, typical baseball stadium.

Been there a lot, great experience, highly recommended for afternoon Sunday's games, great people and food..

We had been to Cuba 4 times before but never had the opportunity to take in a game. Last year the only home game was the day we had to leave. This year however, they were playing at home the week we were in Varadero. Finally we had the chance to make it to a game and we were not disappointed.We asked around the resort and found the Matanzas Crocodiles were to take on the Santiago Bees on a Saturday afternoon game. We contacted the Nolitours rep in the hotel lobby and she told us there was a planned excursion for the game and the cost would be 22 pesos. This would include the transportation there and back on a tour bus, a guide, and admission to the game. There were several others at the resort that were also booked for the game, as it seemed the word had spread. Day of the game everyone loaded the bus and off we went. Nicholai was our tour guide for the trip and he was an obvious baseball fan wearing his own Crocodiles jersey. He was very knowledge about both the history of baseball in Cuba as well as his favorite team the Crocodiles. We arrived at the stadium and he led us to our seats, the first rows up right along the first base line. Talk about prime seats! The whole section seemed to be reserved for us tourists. What atmosphere there was from the playing of the national anthem to the final out of the game. The fans were defiantly into the game. To say that Cubans like baseball is as much of an understatement as to say that Canadians just like hockey.The game was fantastic! We all enjoyed every minute of the game. Not a single hiccup for the tour except that once back on the bus for the ride back to the resorts we ran out of cold beer that Nicholai had purchased for us. Well one quick stop and he solved that problem.All in all it was probably the biggest highlight of the trip for me and for only costing 22 pesos I consider that very cheap. I would pay more and still consider it worth every penny. I cannot wait to get back to Cuba, and if at all possible take in another game.

This place was absolutely nuts! Went to a game between Matanzas and Villa Clara in February 2014. The atmosphere was wild, you could really tell the fans were into it. There was a lot of street vendors selling some food/drinks outside the stadium since there were rules against alcohol inside the stadium itself. The game cost us 3 CUC each, so it didn't burn the pocket badly either. Now, for my problems.the children. Children. EVERYWHERE.These children had neck tattoos, bellybutton piercings, Macklemore cuts and fake Versace on. I'm a full grown man (6'1, 250), and I was scared to laugh at how crazy these kids looked because I didn't think I could handle them if they wanted to rough me up. They were hackin' darts left and right. My feeble Canadian mind did not understand this. I felt like I was at Neverland Ranch circa '93 at some points during this baseball game. They walked aimlessly around the stadium obstructing your view if you're shorter than 5'8", and NEVER seemed to find a seat. The friend we made at our resort told us that they were looking for sex, and it was common. WHAT?THESE KIDS ARE UNDER 9 YEARS OLD.Aside from that, there were guys selling horns and "la rosita", which turned out to be popcorn. Be prepared for obnoxious horns and "LA ROSITA LA ROSITA LA ROSITA" yelled every 5 seconds.All in all, the baseball game was incredible. These guys played like they're descendants of the guy who invented the game. Completely different from the Blue Jays games I've gone to in Toronto. They're trying to make a name for themselves and it shows in their play. I recommend it even if you're not a baseball fan. It's easy to appreciate the players' love for the game. If I ever go back to Cuba, I will go back 100%. Just a blast.

I'm not a baseball fan, I watched a few games in my life. Reading reviews made me want to visit this place. My young family and I took a bus and went to the stadium. All I can say is O M G!!! This was the highlight of our trip!! You want to experience Cuba and it's rich culture, go see their baseball...they are fanatics!!! had the time of our lives. My 5 yr old daughter was entertained the whole time...I was laughing and amazed...the crowd roars!!!! They have a band, trumpets, maskots...it's exciting. Popcorn, nuts, all dirt cheap and you feel safe at all times.Tourists sit in a section, it's mixed with locals but security is everywhere and there are gatekeepers...you ask them for washrooms "Banos" and they take you to VIP bathrooms...they refuse tips! Great service, perfect day trip!!! I highly recommend this experience.ps, if you catcha ball, throw it back!!!! They give back the balls there and the crows roars if you keep it...it was wild...truly a memory I'll never forget!Cab drivers will take you from varadero for $75 for the day, stay with you and drive you back and pay your entry. Our hotel offered the tour, 22$ per person! Can't go wrong. Pays the ride and entry fee. No booze in stadium...no booze needed it's wild as it is!!

We were fortunate to be able to attend the final game of the first half of the season of the Cuban baseball league in December. The Matanzas Cocodrilos had already clinched first place and would be playing in the second half of the season, but their opponent, the Santiago Bees needed to win to make it to the final 8. It was an experience I imagine it would have been like in the '40's heyday of MLB. There was a live band playing, being answered by the constant honking of air horns - an electric atmosphere. Cuban fans know their baseball - and we saw some very skilled players. We were able to take an arranged bus from our resort to Matanzas city, including admission to the game in reserved seats very close to the action on the first base line for $22 CUC each. The game is usually at 1:00, but was rescheduled to 10:00 am so players could begin their holiday break earlier. Our seats were in a shaded section - thankfully as it was a sunny and hot day. There was food and drinks available outside the stadium, and a variety of items sold in the stands, although we didn't purchase anything. We did share some items with Cuban friends who met us at the game - they purchased them with local pesos. There were many Canadian baseball fans at the game, more than our friends had noticed before. It should be publicized more to baseball fans staying in Veradero - it was one of the highlights of our trip.

This past December was the second time I've seen a Cuban league game live in Matanzas. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience a real part of Cuban life and for those that enjoy baseball. The games can be quite entertaining and the fans really get into the game. The quality of baseball is quite high and some of these players could definitely be playing in MLB if given the opportunity. The stadium is a 45 minute drive from Varadero and you should be able to hire a taxi driver to take you there, stay with you at the game and take you back for under $100CUC. Go with four people in total to save some money. In the past I've paid $80CUC to $90CUC to go. Game times are normally at 1PM but they can also take place at 7PM sometimes. Talk to some of the locals at the resort to find out what time the game is. You can search their schedule on the Cuban league baseball website. Tickets at the game for foreigners cost $3CUC, which is amazing (locals pay $1 Peso which is 1/24th of $1CUC. Outside the stadium you can purchase beer (alcohol is not allowed inside the stadium) and other cooked food for reasonable prices. After the game there are vendors by the side of the road selling fried chicken and other local food items. Inside the stadium there are concessions for sale by vendors walking throughout the stadium. You can purchase popcorn, ice cream bars, nuts, ham and cheese sandwiches, guava patties and other Cuban fare. I'd recommend if you do want to purchase items to get your driver to do so as they are priced in the local currency, not in CUC.Currently Matanzas is Managed by Victor Mesa who is one of the best Cuban Managers to ever live. He's also the Manager of Cuba's national team. He's eccentric and manages with an iron fist. The fans here love him but also think he's crazy. He's transformed their team into one of the best in the Cuban league. If you have the opportunity to go, do it! It will be one of the best experiences that you have in Cuba.

If you love baseball you know the Caribbean pumps out it's fair share of all-stars. While if you're visiting Cuba make a day trip to catch a Matanzas game. The atmosphere is intoxicating, the ticket price is cheap and the stands are always full. We came to take in a game while staying in Varadero and it was one of the highlights of our trip! The baseball was exceptional and very exciting! No one speaks english so keep that in mind, but we didn't have any issues. We brought a few baseballs to give to the local kids and that was a big hit, the players tried to buy our hats (Blue Jays) and after the game we got to met lots of the players and actually bought their game worn jerseys (excellent souvenirs!) They don't sell beer at the ball park but there's local cola and ball park snacks (also for a great price). The atmosphere outside the park before and after the game was incredible - just avoid the stray dogs. We had a great time and hope to catch another game in the future. Excellent, exciting ball!

Was very exciting! The Cuban people certainly enjoy their ball games! Felt very safe. Bathrooms were not very nice, and avoided the food being sold. Beer sold outside, but none allowed inside.

I was able to attend two games here Jan 17 and 19/2013. I was staying in Varadero and asked around a bit to see about start times and so on. We were told 1300 for the Jan 17 game, so we got a driver for 1100 to leave the hotel. After we had left we realized that the game only started at 1900, so we killed a few hours in Matanzas at the Bellamar caves, some local pub and a neat little restaurant. At 1800 we were able to purchase our tickets, which were 1 Cuban peso, and then when inside, upgraded to the front row first base line seats for 3 CUC, very cheap. There is no alcohol served inside, but no big deal, there is vendors outside the stadium, which is nice to just go for a drink. The Jan 19 game was a Saturday and this one started at 1300. Both games were full of energized crowds! Very cool to see and definitely worth the time and the few pesos it cost!!

Caught a game in April 2012 versus Camaguey and was blown away by this experience. If you're staying in Varadero, forget about all of those "tourist" trips the hotels and resorts organize...rent a car or get in a taxi and make the trip to Matanzas and catch a Cocodrilos game. Cubans are crazy for their baseball!There's no comparison to the North American (MLB) experience...this is a party! Inside the stadium...outside the stadium...all the way down Avenida Martin Dihigo.I'll definitely be back in 2013!

Awesome crowd, greats fans, awesome experience, great ham and cheese sandwichs and by far on of the best ways to understand the cuban culture.

I was lucky enough to catch a playoffs game 7 game where the home team (Matanzas Cocodrilos) won, it was an experience I'll never forget! I love baseball, but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy a game here - watching the crowd by itself is entertaining enough. If there's a game when you're in town, make sure to go!Tickets are dirt cheap and it's very crowded, I'd recommend going with some Cuban friends. It's also very loud and crazy inside, but of course lots of fun! You can bring in outside food and drink, and I'd recommend it. They sell some food/drinks inside but due to the crowds are very hard to buy. If you bring a backpack or large purse, security will want to check it before you enter the stadium, but I had no problems getting in with my backpack full of food and drinks.

se ha convertido en un armatoste rojo que desencaja con el entorno, fue un sitio bonito, el palacio, la casa de los cocodrilos hasta que apareció alguien con muy poco gusto y lo cambiaron a rojo desde ese entonces no es mas que metros cúbicos de hormigón en una zona verde de mangle y naturaleza virgen, espero que algún día alguien recapacite y vuelva a tener un color que armonice con el entorno