The atmosphere of a European or South American soccer match is difficult to imagine. It’s different to television, and the culture runs deep. For those who enjoy soccer, taking a trip to an iconic ground can be the perfect vacation. It combines local and sporting experiences, leaving a lasting impression.
Selecting The Right Match & Destination
Your ‘away day’ vacation hangs on the choice of game. There is no singular football culture, and so your choice heavily depends on the country you visit. To add to that, it’s also worth considering visiting an iconic football stadium – one that has a steep history, mirroring a museum. Camp Nou, Anfield, San Siro and Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park are all great options. German stadiums allow beer to flow directly on tap, while British stadiums erupt with bantering chants.
Ideally, you will watch a derby. Or, at least, a game of importance, such as a league or cup game. Friendlies can be cheaper, and the stadium you will witness, but the atmosphere and meaning will not be there.
Planning Tickets And Logistics
Match tickets need to be secured ahead of time. Prioritize official club websites, as these will be both legitimate and face value – and some club’s have secondary markets that they oversee. But, authorised third-party vendors are also an option. Avoid unofficial sellers, as this risks turning up only to find you have an invalid entry ticket.
Arrive in the host city at least a day before kick-off is worthwhile. This way, you can meet some locals the night before, understand where everything is, and check out some local museums and landmarks. The trip shouldn’t solely be about soccer, because it would be a wasted opportunity. The day of the game, however, can be where the immersion begins – starting in nearby pubs that attract the locals, as well as fan zones.
Pre-Match Immersion
It’s worth turning up to the stadium an hour or so early, just to soak in the surroundings and get through security without a fuss. Depending on the country, you can buy drinks and drink them in your seat (but not everywhere, like the UK). You may be lucky enough to see – or hold – tifos, depending on which stand you’re in.
To add to the experience, you can heighten the stakes with some football betting. Of course, never bet more than you can afford to lose, but it’s a common way for people to enhance their once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Finally, grab a matchday program or an official club scarf for some sentimental memories. It’s not uncommon, if you’re travelling as an actual away fan, so swap shirts or scarves with an opposing fan (providing it’s not a heated derby).
Creating Lasting Memories
Soccer tourism is a great way to maximize your experience in a short time. It allows you to see a new place, but also throws you into the deep end of local culture. Soccer is at the core of working-class culture in most of Europe and South America, and it’s a fast track to immersing oneself in that. But, to make the most of it, you need to choose an iconic stadium that resonates with you and find a fiercely competitive game to attend.
By Gregory O'NeillGreg is a modern-day explorer with an insatiable love for travel. His passion for adventure has led him to far-flung corners of the world, where he immerses himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Greg's zest for life is epitomized by a continuous pursuit of new horizons and captivating journeys.
