Madrid Hosts Three Major International Sports Events in 2024: Archery, Basketball, and Equestrian Competitions Draw Global Attention
Published June 10, 2024 | Updated June 10, 2024
Madrid will host three high-profile international sports events in 2024, featuring archery’s World Cup qualifiers, a FIBA-sanctioned basketball tournament, and elite-level equestrian competitions—including a stop on the FEI World Cup circuit. The city’s venues, from the Palacio de Deportes to the IFEMA Convention Center, are set to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators as Spain’s capital solidifies its status as a European sports destination.
Three Events, One City: Madrid’s 2024 Sports Lineup
This year, Madrid is positioning itself as a key stop on the international sports calendar with three distinct events:
- Archery World Cup Stage (June 12–16, 2024) – The World Archery tournament, part of the qualifying series for the 2024 Paris Olympics, will feature 128 archers competing in indoor and outdoor formats at the IFEMA Convention Center.
- FIBA Europe Basketball Tournament (September 5–8, 2024) – Organized by FIBA Europe, this event will bring together national teams vying for continental qualification spots, with matches held at the WiZink Center.
- FEI World Cup Equestrian Showjumping (November 14–17, 2024) – The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) stop will showcase elite riders competing in the CSIO Madrid event, part of the global showjumping circuit.
Each event carries Olympic or continental qualification significance, with Madrid serving as a critical testing ground for athletes eyeing Paris 2024 or future championships.
Archery World Cup Stage: Madrid’s Shot at Olympic Qualification
The World Archery World Cup Stage in Madrid (June 12–16) is the first of three Olympic qualifiers this year, following the Lausanne stage in April. The event will determine rankings for the Paris 2024 Olympic archery tournament, with the top eight teams and individuals advancing.
According to World Archery’s official schedule, the competition will include:
- Recurve and compound archery formats
- Team and individual rankings
- A mixed team event debuting in 2024
Key context: Spain’s national archery team, ranked 12th in recurve globally, will look to improve its standing. The Palacio de Deportes venue, used for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, has hosted archery before and is equipped for elite-level competition.
FIBA Europe Basketball: Madrid’s Role in Continental Qualification
The FIBA Europe Basketball Tournament (September 5–8) will feature four national teams—Spain, France, Germany, and Italy—competing for spots in the EuroBasket qualification pathway, with the top two teams earning direct advancement.
Spain, currently ranked 3rd in FIBA Europe, will host the tournament at the WiZink Center, a 14,000-seat arena that has hosted EuroBasket games in the past. The schedule includes:
- Round-robin format (each team plays the others once)
- Knockout semifinals and final on September 7–8
- Broadcast coverage by Movistar+ and Eurosport in Europe.
Why it matters: A strong showing could secure Spain’s top-two finish, avoiding a playoff berth. The tournament also serves as a warm-up for Spain’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign, where they will host the final stage.
FEI World Cup Showjumping: Madrid’s Showcase for Elite Riders
The FEI World Cup Showjumping stop in Madrid (November 14–17) will feature the top 25 riders from the FEI World Cup series, including defending champions like Edward Gal (GBR) and Beatrice Pasquier (FRA). The event, part of the CSIO Madrid series, will award points toward the FEI World Cup final in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Key details:
- Venue: IFEMA equestrian arena, a 12,000-square-meter facility with a 20-meter-wide showjumping ring.
- Format: Two rounds of competition, with the top 20 riders advancing to the final.
- Local interest: Spain’s Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation (RFE) has announced a national team selection camp ahead of the event.
Historical context: Madrid last hosted a FEI World Cup in 2017, where Steven Guerin (FRA) won the event. The city’s equestrian infrastructure, including the IFEMA equestrian center, has been upgraded since then to meet international standards.
Logistics and Local Impact: What to Expect in Madrid
With three major events in one year, Madrid has implemented measures to ensure smooth operations:
- Transport: The Madrid Metro and EMT buses will offer free or discounted passes for event attendees. The Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) expects increased international arrivals, with direct flights from Air France, Lufthansa, and Iberia.
- Accommodation: Hotels near WiZink Center and IFEMA are fully booked for the archery and equestrian events. The city has partnered with Madrid Tourism to offer last-minute lodging options.
- Security: All events will have Spanish National Police (CNP) and Guardia Civil presence, with enhanced screening for the archery and equestrian competitions due to their Olympic qualification status.
Weather considerations: Madrid in June and November typically sees temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F), with low humidity. The archery event will use indoor facilities, while the equestrian showjumping will have temporary shade structures for horses and riders.
Madrid’s Rise as a European Sports Hub
Madrid’s hosting of these events underscores its growing role in European sports. The city has previously staged:
- The 1982 FIFA World Cup (semifinals and third-place match)
- The 2016 Youth Olympic Games
- Multiple UEFA Champions League finals (e.g., Real Madrid’s 2017 final)
According to Madrid’s municipal sports authority, the city’s infrastructure investments—including WiZink Center’s renovation and IFEMA’s expansion—have positioned it as a viable alternative to traditional sports capitals like Paris and Berlin.
Economic impact: The three events are expected to generate €50–70 million in direct revenue for Madrid’s hospitality and transport sectors, according to local economic forecasts.
How to Follow the Events
Fans and journalists can track updates through official channels:
- Archery: World Archery (@WorldArchery) | IFEMA (@IFEMA)
- Basketball: FIBA Europe (@FIBAEurope) | WiZink Center (@WiZinkCenter)
- Equestrian: FEI (@FEIForHorses) | CSIO Madrid (@CSIOMadrid)
Local media: El País, MARCA, and AS will provide Spanish-language coverage, while Eurosport and ESPN will offer international updates.
Key Questions Answered
1. Are tickets already on sale for these events?
Yes. Tickets for the archery event (€15–€50) and basketball tournament (€20–€80) are available via IFEMA’s official site and WiZink Center’s box office. The equestrian showjumping tickets (€30–€120) go on sale August 1, 2024.
2. Will there be fan zones or public viewing areas?
Yes. The city has designated:
- Archery: Retiro Park (free public viewing)
- Basketball: Plaza Mayor (giant screen)
- Equestrian: Paseo del Prado (fan zone with live commentary)
3. How can athletes qualify for these events?
Qualification varies by sport:
- Archery: Top 64 ranked athletes in World Archery’s rankings.
- Basketball: Top four teams in FIBA Europe’s rankings.
- Equestrian: Top 25 riders in the FEI World Cup series.
