American Football in Slovakia
Almost everyone knows that if you say the word “football” in Europe, people will think you are referring to soccer. There are a lot of passionate soccer fans in Europe, and Slovakia too, though I would say ice hockey is the sport that lies closest to people’s hearts in Slovakia. Even though American football is popular in the US, it’s not that popular abroad. Still, if you’re a fan of American football like I am, look for it while you are abroad and you will likely find it being played somewhere.
A little over 10 years ago, an American football team was established in Bratislava. They’re called the Monarchs. They play a full season of games in the Central European Football League with teams from Czechia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia, and Austria. I haven’t yet been to a game, but I’ve seen them practice at their stadium in Rača.
The American Football season in Slovakia has already begun. It started in April and will run through August. The Monarchs are scheduled to play lots of games at their home stadium off of Nobelová street. Check out their schedule to see if you will be in town for any of the games and then go cheer on the team!
