Bohemians Prague (known variously as “Bohemka”, “zelenobílí” (green and whites) and “klokani” – the kangaroos) play their home games at the Doliček, South of the city centre in the district of Vršovice.<br /> <br /> Their distinctive kangaroo mascot derives from a tour of Australia that the team conducted in 1926 in which the team represented Bohemia. The anglicised name they inherited from this has stuck – although under communism it was changed a number of times, with the club at one stage bearing the somewhat bizarre name of Spartak Stalingrad.
The club’s best era came in the 1980s with Bohemians making it to the UEFA cup semi final in 1983, the year they won their first league title.
Myself and my boyfriend stumbled upon Bohemians on our first trip to Prague in November 2000. Sparta Prague had played at home to Teplice on the Saturday night and we had gone up to the Letna to watch the game. Although the game had been a top of the table clash and fairly exciting the atmosphere at this uninspiring all-seater stadium had been lacking somewhat.
The following afternoon at the Doliček was an altogether different experience. The tumbledown, but perfectly serviceable stadium had all the character that its flashier cousin lacked. The vociferous crowd, bedecked in the team’s distinctive green and white colours and the kangaroo mascot (featuring footballs for feet) that hopped across the park doing somersaults won us over instantly. Bohemians that day were hosts to Brno and managed to dismiss them with a 2-0 win.
On our next trip to Prague in 2002 we decided to brave an away match in the north of the country against Jablonec. A quick email to the official website before we left England had seen us allocated a place on the fans’ coach – which was an unexpected bonus. Unfortunately the game itself wasn’t so good – featuring as it did a sizeable downpour that soaked everyone on the uncovered away terrace, a lack of floodlights that made the game appear decidedly dingy, some crowd trouble and worst of all, a 3-1 defeat for the kagaroos. To top it all the fact that Jablonec wore green and white themselves meant that Bohemians had to play in orange – the same colours as Blackpool – my most hated English team! It wasn’t all bad though – the drenched bohemians fans were in good voice and friendly towards us. Bohemians also had spells in which they dominated the game.
Essentials
Fixtures
Games are generally played on Sundays. Check this website for details of fixtures, or alternatively buy a copy of The Prague Post – a local English language paper that publishes listings for sports and cultural events.
Pricing
Cheap – particularly for those subjected to the ludicrous cost of getting through the turnstile in the English leagues. Expect to pay in the region of 40 – 100 kč for a match here (about a fiftieth of the cost of your average Chelsea match!). Programmes are also available for between 10 – 20 kč.
Food and drink
Food is served outside the Bohemians ground at home matches. Standard fare last time we went was a sausage, a slice of bread, a gherkin and mustard. We also managed to buy crisps from a vendor within the ground. The pub/bookmakers that borders the ground has also served us well for liquid refreshment in the past.
Getting there
By this time it's still unclear whether Bohemians will play their home matches at the Dolicek or will use Strahov stadium as an home venue.
In case of Dolicek, directions are: Red metro line C to IP Pavlova or green metro line A to Námestí Míru the tram 4 or 22 to Vršovice Námestí. Alternatively Yellow metro line B to Karlovo Námestí (watch for exit signs and use "Palackeho namesti" one) then tram 7 from stop on Vltava embankment just below Palackého bridge.
In case of Strahov: Yellow metro line to Karlovo Namesti (exit "Karlovo Namesti") and then bus 176 to stop Stadion Strahov (timetable). Alternatively tram 22 all the way around Prague Castle to stop Malovanka and then walk to steep hill or use bus 217 (not very frequent on weekends, timetable).
Please check this website to find out where Bohemians will play.
Hooliganism
Regrettably some hooliganism does exist within Czech football – largely amongst travelling fans. Police can be a bit heavy-handed in dealing with offenders, but so long as you don’t get involved yourself you’ll be fine.
Women
Watching football remains something of a male pursuit here. Although outnumbered, women are very much accepted on the terraces.
