Comments on: The Return of Jai Alai

By: Russell

Russell — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 15:42:11 +0000

Greatest sport in the world to play! I’m headed up to the Connecticut facility in September to play there for the first time. Watching Jai-Alai on video does not do it justice. From the moment you first just bounce the ball and here the “click” of it hitting the ground (Think bouncing a golf ball on pavement, with the same speed and action) to the three massive, towering green walls that you know it will come screaming at you from all possible angles, you’re hooked. Great article!

By: James

James — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:50:16 +0000

They also play that in the French Basque region, there are (well were in the early 90′s when I was there) several outdoor “cancha” that they called terrain (French word for courts), like you said they’d usually be up against the side of the local church.

By: Adan Solano

Adan Solano — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 04:07:18 +0000

Hey I live in Tijuana. LOL

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:29:23 +0000

Hi, folks – I’m pleased to report that in Connecticut, jai-alai is indeed making a comeback!

I am affiliated with Connecticut Amateur Jai-Alai, LLC, which upon completion will actually be the only jai-alai facility in New England. The reference to a fronton coming to Hartford is actually an initial misinterpretation of the news of our project during its inception. We have a projected Grand Opening of late Spring ’10, and it is anticipated to be a media event. Ironically, we hope to have Churruca, one of the greatest players of all time, throw out the first ball…he just so happens to be the gentleman catching the ball in the first picture you have on this page!

This fronton is not a pari-mutuel facility – its sole purpose is to provide a place for the legions of aficionados in New England who want play this sport purely for the love of the game. Pros, Ex-Pros, Amateurs, and those new to the game are welcome here – training for the uninitiated will be free. We are truly invested in establishing a new generation of players and fans…

Please visit us on the web at http://www.ctamateurjaialai.com and spread the word – we’re very proud of this venture and feel privileged to play a role in the resurgence of this great sport!

By: dabit

dabit — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:52:30 +0000

This sport came up on an episode of Jackass a while back. The Jai Alai players hurled oranges at Knoxville and Steve-o. It looked pretty damn brutal.

By: Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:40:35 +0000

Have always wanted to give the sport a try, but never had an opportunity to, being in America and not being in Florida. Would be great to get one in the vicinity of me.

By: jamahl

jamahl — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:36:58 +0000

I remember seeing this game on the opening cedits to Miami Vice as a kid. Always thought it looked cool, but thought it was pronounced “high-line”.Now I want to find a local group who plays.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:23:50 +0000

I grew up in Tampa, and worked as a valet at Jai-Alai as a teenager. It is a very unique sport, with a rich history. Back then, almost all the players were Basque, super nice folks too.

I found watching and wagering on Jai-Alai to be much more interesting than dogs or horses. The games lasted longer than a race and the action was intense. The game and how it was played (round robin tournament style) kept my attention. You are always trying to figure out how your numbers can come in based on the game at hand.

I think the lottery in Florida was the final blow to Jai Alai. The Tampa fronton closed shortly after I moved away to college. I hope this cool sport can make a comeback. Thanks for blogging about it!

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:25:55 +0000

While living in San Diego, I attended Jai Alai matches (and dog races) in Tijuana in the early 80s. Fast action, a lot of fun.

By: Jonny | thelifething.com

Jonny | thelifething.com — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:34:45 +0000

Man, that looks like a fikkin awesome game. I want in.