Heading to a city for a massive sporting event can be nothing if not exciting. Maybe you’re headed to a venue such as Headingley Stadium where many cricket and rugby league tournaments are held, or perhaps more well-known football stadiums that ring of history and whose stories seem etched into the very walls.
The cities in which you’ll find these places will be as affected by local sporting culture as anything else. Usually, the capacity is there for fans and tourists to come and visit, and if you behave well, you’re usually seen as a boon to the local economy, even if you’re on the opposing side.
Heading to a space like this for a fun event can be nothing if not exciting, too. But as you’re traveling in, it’s worth having a few tips for your adventure to make it all more exciting and worthwhile. Here’s how to get started:
Plan Your Journey In Advance
Now, planning any journey in advance is just good sense. But remember that high-profile matches or tournaments often mean increased traffic, completely overbooked hotels, and crowded public transport, especially if it attract global attention.
Be sure to check the event schedule and plan your route to the venue ahead of time, accounting for traffic jams. If you’re driving, look for parking options well in advance or consider using park-and-ride schemes to avoid congested areas near the stadium too, even if you have to travel an hour outside of it, you might still save money given the parking. This way you can make certain that your experience of the new stadium isn’t a frustrating one.
Set off early and eat some food in the city before the match too, as it will help you avoid some of the overpriced refreshments there, and lets you learn some of the culture before you get there. Try to eat in local and smaller places.
Stay Close to the Action
Convenience is often the best during a big game day, especially if you hope to stick around, enjoy some beers while watching, or just celebrate in a larger group. In other words, you don’t want to hike in from three hours away to save a little money.
Keep in mind that accommodation can get expensive during big events, but staying close to the venue has real worth, as not only will you cut down on travel time, but you’ll also be able to fully immerse yourself in the energy of the area.
Remember that hotels and short-term rentals near stadiums often cater to fans, with many offering themed packages or shuttle services to the event too. If staying nearby isn’t an option, look for neighborhoods with good transport links to ensure you can get to and from the event easily, as services like AirBnB or local bed and breakfast services can be a good alternative.
Culture & Sport Are Entwined
Sport is a wider part of culture even among non-fans for the most part, so depending on the sport and country you’re in, you might visit local pubs near the venue where fans gather pre- and post-game.
But it’s also a nice time to explore if you make a day of it. f you have extra time either side (such as the match starting at noon but letting an entire evening free after that), you could check out nearby landmarks, museums, or other attractions that celebrate the city’s history and connection to the sport. For instance, learning about Leeds Rhinos and the recent story of Rob Burrows could be nothing if not inspiring.
Dress For Comfort & Occasion
Unless you’re headed to relatively posh horse racing events or Wimbledon, your dress doesn’t particularly matter as long as it’s functional. Don’t look unkempt of course, but we don’t need to tell you that specifically. For this reason, comfort is a good way to dress, especially for weather protection, because few stadiums allow for heating unless you’re inside in a private box.
Having team colors can be worthwhile but they’re not expected. It’s also best to have good footwear because you might be climbing a fair amount of steps up and down to find your seat. If you’re staying overnight, it can be worth using luggage storage services to keep your suitcases safe, because hotel checks in are usually around 3pm, and the match might have started before then.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily visit a huge stadium event in a city, plan for the experience, and have a great time.