Visitors to the Venice/Mestre region of Italy who enjoy participating is sports activities will be pleased to find that the area has several options for active things to do--those who wish to be spectators will also find plenty of things to keep them busy. 

Because the region is full of water: canals, rivers, and lakes, boating is popular.  Most famously, the area is host to several gondola races and rowing regattas each year.  These events draw hundreds of spectators from the surrounding areas.  Often these races create a sort of festival atmosphere with food stalls and live music lining the waterways.  The gondola races are considered the most exciting to watch as the gondoliers can be very competitive.

Visitors are also often welcome to join in the rowing races.  Sculls can be rented for use in races at many of the area's local rowing clubs.  They can also be rented for pleasure purposes when no races are being held.

Also popular in the area, as with all of Italy, is football, or soccer.  The area's local team, Venezia, has a loyal following.  They play their home games at Venice's Pierluigi Penzo stadium.  Tickets can be purchased at the stadium or at local branches of the Banca Antoniana Popolare Veneta, a local bank. 

For more information on sports activities in the Venice/Mestre region  click here.