Ok, I have a confession to make… I know nothing about soccer, errr, I mean football… but on my latest trip to the UK, I faked it.
Three weeks before boarding our flight to London, B texted me to say he could score Premier League tickets for under $150 CAD each. While it’s a steep price to pay for a game that I know very little about, I’m always up for an experience while on a trip. And honestly, what’s more authentic than seeing a game of footie? After some himming and hahhing around the price, we bit the bullet and bought the tickets through Stub Hub.
If you’ve never been to a premier league game before, or even if you have, these are some observations/lessons learned from my first-time experience.
Don’t expect to actually sit in your seat. Unless you’re in the first few rows of the lower bowl of course. Our seats where at the end field behind the net, which would have been fine if we were sitting… but everyone stands THE ENTRIE GAME! Since our seats were behind the net, there was a bit of an overhang. This wouldn’t have been an issue if everyone was seated, but instead we were forced to bend over every time there was action at the other end of the field. While it was annoying, it was a lesson learned.
There are no beverages allowed in the stands. Going into the game, I knew this, but coming from Canada where sports and beer are a match made in heaven, it was a bit strange. Instead, hoards of people begin to leave their un-sat-in seats to pound two brews during the brief intermission about 5 minutes before the first half of the game is over. I admit, it’s not a terrible idea to not allow alcohol in the stands (it keeps it cleaner for sure), but the pounding of multiple pints isn’t very enjoyable for someone like me who likes to enjoy a beer unrushed.
The chants are about anything and everything. I had heard that some of the chants were offensive but I came to realize that most are completely random. One in particular seemed to have been created on the spot about a lone pigeon that was enjoying the sun on the field. While the game played on around him, he appeared to give little care to who was winning, or if the ball was flying in his direction. After about 15 minutes in his front row view of the game, he took off for flight and the chant “One Chelsea Pigeon” started up. I assumed it was something that happened so often that the chant was a common one, but I looked… it’s not. I’ll never forget the One Chelsea Pigeon chant for as long as I live.
You’ll need a ticket to get into the Club’s Pub after the game – and you’ll want to do it! After the game everyone takes to the street in search of winning celebrations. If your team loses, then I’m sure everyone’s out to drown their sorrows, thankfully Chelsea won! In our case, we wanted a pint at a local and it just so happens that the pub where Chelsea FC all started it just down the road a bit from where we exited. To get in post-game, you’ll need to show your ticket… and if you’re wearing the away jersey, don’t expect to get in. The place is packed and like most pubs, you go straight to the bar to order your drink… then it’s standing room only (unless you left the game in time to get a table). Post game celebrations are a must and really round out the entire experience.
Have you been to a premier league game before? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below 🙂
