Football is a wonderful sport- and it’s even better if you can see it live.

Fans all over the globe will frequently make pilgrimages to their favorite stadiums to see their favorite teams, with some taking time off work, selling beloved possessions or enduring long trips simply to make it in time for the big game. If there’s one thing that you can say about football fans with certainty, it’s that they’re dedicated.

Live matches are an experience like no other. With the rise of popular new sports trends, like online betting and sports themed gambling, some people within the industry queried whether live matches would remain as popular in 2020. If you’re involved in sports at all, you’ll know that the popularity of football is showing no sign of slowing down.

If anything, the latest developments in technology, gambling and media have made the world of live sports even more accessible and alluring to people all around the world. People will travel for miles and miles to see their favorite football team but they’ll travel even further if they’ve put a bet on the match.

In terms of travelling to a match, it can seem difficult to know exactly what to bring and how to prepare, especially if you’re a newer fan. What exactly should you have in your backpack when you’re heading out the door to go to the stadium? That’s what we will be looking at today.

In this post, we’ll be going over the essentials that you need if you’re heading to a big match.

The correct tickets and paperwork

Before you even think about preparing the more enjoyable aspects of your day, you need to make sure that you have the right tickets and paperwork to get yourself into the actual event. There’s nothing more mortifying than hyping yourself up for a big match, getting in the car, turning up and being refused entry.

Make sure that you have your tickets and a receipt of purchase if possible, and try to have them in an easily accessible pocket so that you don’t hold up the queue. If you have extra receipts that you need to bring, like pre-ordered food or specific seat receipts, then make sure that you remember to bring these as well.

Identification (e.g. your driver’s license)

Following on from the last point, it’s important to remember to bring ID.

This is twofold- it allows you safe entry into the stadium if asked, and also allows the purchase of alcohol if you’re of legal age. Getting a pint with a football match is fairly standard practice, as is a post-match pub visit, so make sure to pack some ID as well.

Comfortable shoes

Your comfort should be one of your main priorities when preparing for a big football match, so make sure to wear comfortable and practical shoes. Sure, you’ll be sat down for a long time- but what about the walk to the stadium, or any stairs you might need to go up? Try to plan in advance and have shoes that you know you’ll be able to walk comfortably in.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Wearing clothing that’s going to keep you comfortable in the weather is very important as well. Check the forecast before going- don’t leave it up to chance. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you know it’s going to be hot and sunny, and bring appropriate layers if it’s going to be cold.

Snacks and drinks

While it can be great to enjoy the stadium food and drinks, it’s nice to have a few snacks with you when you head out to a game. Bring something tasty to keep you fuelled when heading to the match or returning from it. This can be a great way to save money if you’re on a budget.

Bringing a water bottle can be a great move, as this can help to reduce single use plastic and save you money in the long run as well. We’re big fans of stainless steel bottles. Check out this great article review shown here from CoolThingsChicago.

A disposable camera

A final suggestion to bring to your big football match is a disposable camera. This may seem old school or out of date, but having a disposable camera will help you to focus more on the match and take away any focus that you might spend on your phone instead. It can also help to create some treasured mementos, which are perfect if you’re heading to the match with a loved one.

Instant cameras like Instax cameras or Polaroid cameras are a lot of fun, but a simple disposable camera will suffice. The disposable ones don’t require any expensive film, which is always an added bonus.

To sum up

As you can see, it’s important to prepare as much as possible before a big football match. Live sports events are absolutely fantastic to attend, but they can be uncomfortable if you don’t consider things like the weather, your clothing or snacks. Treat it as a full day out, and prepare yourself accordingly.

Above all, make sure to pack for a football match with your comfort in mind. Don’t worry about wearing your brand new coat if it’s uncomfortable, or bringing an expensive watch and risking it getting taken. Keep yourself comfy and happy throughout the day, and remember that you are there to focus on the sport.

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