If you have ever gone to see a football match, then you know there’s nothing like walking up the stairs and seeing the pitch for the first time. Hearing thousands of people singing and cheering their favourite club is an experience like no other. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than by going to a match in Europe, in one of the most popular leagues in the world.
For some travellers, however, figuring out how to take full advantage of these unique experiences can be overwhelming. Between travel details, securing tickets and the like, the details can go overlooked, leading to hasty decisions. Should you get an official jersey to wear? Should you go alone or with a friend? Do you need a plan for before or after the match?
Below we discuss some of the things you can do to make your experience absolutely unforgettable.
Go with a Group of Friends
Getting a ticket to an important football match might not be easy, especially if you are only visiting the city for a couple of days. So, chances are your first live match might not necessary be to the biggest match of the season for your favourite club.
This is one of many reasons to plan this occasion with a friend! Together, you can make an event off it regardless of which teams you’re seeing (or when or where). Engagement in an event is less about personal preferences and more about how contagious the atmosphere is, anyway, and you’ll be all the more likely to enjoy it with a buddy. There are even studies that show that watching sports with friends improves your mood! So grab a pal and make it happen.
Link Yourself to the Club
We are not asking you to start training and become a professional footballer of course –– nor to seek employment with the club in question. Instead, consider using cryptocurrency to acquire an official digital token from one of the teams you are going to watch play.
Obtaining a club fan token is a relatively new practice, but one that is becoming more and more common among European football supporters. Crucially, it can get you access to any of a number of different special benefits, like special discounts on apparel, and even the ability to participate in polls that will determine minor club actions. It’s easy enough to purchase these tokens online, and who knows? You may end up getting a percentage off a kit to wear for the match, or voting on a message the stadium will display. Whatever the specifics, it’s a fun way to get closer to a club you’re seeing for the first time.
Pack a Portable Phone Battery
Watching your first live football match is a captivating experience. Having said that, you will have to arrive at the match quite early to avoid traffic jams and crowds. Once you are there, you’ll have to wait some time before the match begins, and inevitably you’ll likely wind up using your phone a good bit (whether to text others about the experience, take photos, etc.).
At the end of the day you may be surprised by how much data and battery life you have used –– particularly given the extra strain a large crowd can put on your connection. In order to prevent having to go back home without being able to hail a ride or find your way around a strange city then, it’s best to carry a phone charging device. A small portable battery or even a hand-crank charger can become a life-saver during a long day out abroad.
Make a Small Bet
Getting back to the idea of connecting yourself to the action, one psychological trick that can help is to place a small bet. You can do it by visiting a betting site beforehand, or simply coming to an agreement with a friend. Even if the bet doesn’t involve money, it can make you a lot more invested in every single play, and make the whole occasion all the more memorable.
Being able to watch a match in one of the best football leagues in the world is a privilege. The enthusiasm of the fans, the amazing character of the stadiums, and the game itself are like nothing else you can experience in sports. Follow these tips, and you’ll get as much as you can out of the experience –– and find yourself counting the months until you can do it all over again.
