Football fans have never had more options for watching the game. With streaming services like ESPN, FOX, and Amazon all broadcasting matches at home or mobile, there’s no shortage of ways to keep tabs on your favorite team. But what about actually going to the match? In a time when local bars are closing left and right across America, it can be tough to find an affordable way to watch your team play live. A lot of people feel put off by the cost of tickets or the rowdy crowds that some stadiums experience. However, attending a match in person is one of life’s greatest experiences. If you’re on the fence about attending a match but want to give it a shot, here are some tips for watching live football in person.
Plan Ahead
Even if you are going to a nearby stadium, you’ll want to plan for a few things. First, keep track of the match schedule to see when your team is playing. Next, research the stadium’s location so you can plan out how to get there. Most stadiums are in city centers, which can cause traffic or public transportation issues. Make sure you leave early enough so you have time to navigate the area and park your car. You might also want to bring some cash to purchase a program or souvenir! If you’re planning on taking the family to a match, be sure to check out the stadium’s website to see if they offer discounted or family-friendly tickets. Stadium websites are a great source of information. They often offer live match updates, maps of the stadium, directions, and even insight on what the best seats are for your group size.
Stay Safe and Celebrate After the Game
After the final whistle blows, the celebrations begin. This can lead to some unruly crowds, and it’s important to stay safe in these situations. If you plan on staying for the celebrations, make sure to keep aware of your surroundings at all times. If you notice a crowd getting out of hand, don’t be afraid to leave the area. There are often stadium staff members nearby who can help you get out of the way if needed. If the stadium has a big screen or projector, it will often show the highlights of the match after the final whistle. It’s a great way to relive the game if you don’t have time to go home and watch the football match on TV. If you’re celebrating a victory, be sure to celebrate responsibly.
Watch the Warm-Up
The warm-up is one of the best parts of attending a match in person. There’s nothing like seeing the players you watch on TV walk right past you on the pitch. The warm-up is usually open to the public and free of charge. If you arrive early enough, it’s a great chance to get some photos and autographs from the players. There are usually designated areas where you can stand for autographs. Be sure to keep track of the time so you can get a good seat for the match! If you’re a big fan of one player, in particular, try getting to the stadium super early and see if there’s a way to get near his entrance. Many players use this time to sign autographs and take photos with fans. You might have better luck getting a signature from a player if you’re near their entrance. If you’re attending a friendly match, you might even get an opportunity to train with the players.
Use Friendly Apps During the Game
Many modern stadiums offer free WiFi to their patrons. This can come in handy for checking scores, looking up statistics, and even placing bets on sporting events. Streaming apps like FOX Sports GO! can be a great way to keep up with the game if you’re attending a game where you can’t hear the commentators. If a stadium offers free WiFi, it will usually be listed on the stadium website or somewhere near the entrance. If you’re attending a football match in Europe, you might see fans using apps like Football Whispers to follow the game. These apps are a great way to keep up with the match without having to listen to the commentary. They can also be helpful if you’re attending a match where you can’t hear the commentary because of language barriers. They can also be useful if you have to leave before the match ends!
Try Sitting in Different Sections
If you’re attending a match at a stadium you’ve never been to, try sitting in a section that isn’t your usual spot. If you always sit in the same seat, you might miss out on some of the stadium’s features. Different sections have different atmospheres. You might discover a great new place to sit! If you’re attending a friendly game, try to sit near the team’s bench. You may be able to catch a glimpse of the coaching staff or even the players themselves. If you want to try something truly unique, you can also attend a training session with the team. This is usually only available for friendly games, but it’s an experience like no other.
Summing up
Attending a match in person is a truly unique experience. It’s important to keep safety in mind and celebrate after the match, but don’t be afraid to let loose at the stadium. There’s nothing like the adrenaline of being there when your team scores a crucial goal or makes a crucial save. If you’re worried about the cost of attending a match, there are usually cheap or free options for students. Most stadiums offer student discounts or free admission for students, so be sure to check with the stadium to see if you qualify!