If you’re a football fan, Spain is a must-visit destination. You have some of the world’s best clubs and players here, which has helped shape the country into a true footballing paradise. From the passion of El Clásico to the electric atmosphere of the Seville derby, there’s no shortage of thrilling matches to watch.
Of course, it’s not just the big teams that you can watch, you will be able to pick up a cheap ticket for a lower LaLiga match, which can still have a great atmosphere at a fraction of the cost that a big club game would cost you.
It’s not even just about the football sometimes. It’s also a chance to explore a new city and environment, and soak in some new culture. If you’ve never been to Spain at all, let alone a football game in Spain, then there will be a lot of things to consider. That’s why we have put together this article, as we can cover a few useful tips to help you get the most out of your Spanish football experience. Read on for five tips to help you make the most of your Spanish footballing experience.
Find A Stadium You Want To Visit
Spain is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world, with the two most well-known being Camp Nou in Barcelona and the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Of course, it’s not just these two stadiums that are well known, but they are certainly the ones that will be familiar to most football fans and non-football fans alike!
It will be in your best interest to figure out where you want to go, so that you can buy your tickets in a more efficient way. The quicker you figure out which stadium you want to visit, the better you will be able to search for cost-effective tickets. If you’re unsure where you want to go, consider visiting a hostile atmosphere, or somewhere more family friendly. Each stadium has its own unique atmosphere, and the experience can vary depending on where you sit.
It’s not just the stadiums you have to consider, but the blocks you sit in too! Do you want to be in the heart of the action, surrounded by the most passionate fans? Or do you prefer a more relaxed experience, with a great view of the pitch? Research the stadiums and their seating plans and choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Buy Tickets In Advance
Once you’ve chosen a stadium, it’s time to buy your tickets. Hopefully, you will be able to buy tickets ahead of time, as this will allow you to save money. Of course, it is possible to buy tickets on the day of the game, but you may pay more of a premium price, and you run the risk of not being able to actually get the tickets.
Plus, if you get your tickets ahead of time, you can avoid long queues and allow yourself to properly enjoy the game. Most Spanish clubs have websites where you can buy tickets online, or you can use third-party ticketing sites. Be aware that prices can vary depending on the match and the seat location, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
Arrive Early
On the day of the game, it will be in your best interest to arrive early. Spanish stadiums can be very busy, especially for big matches, and there can be long queues to get in. Arriving early also gives you a chance to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. You can grab a drink or a bite to eat, buy a scarf or a shirt, and take in the sights and sounds of the stadium. Plus, if you’re driving, it’s worth leaving extra time for traffic and parking. You essentially are getting more value for your match ticket, and you can pack your day with more things to do.
While travelling to the game, especially on a long flight, bus, or train, you will want to keep yourself busy to help pass the time. This can be done in many different ways, from playing sport games, to looking at the bets for the upcoming fixtures. You can also play slots online to help pass the time through various online casinos. This can make the time fly and provide you with some excitement ahead of the big game, too!
Learn Some Spanish Phrases
While it’s not essential to speak Spanish to enjoy a football game in Spain, it can certainly enhance the experience. Knowing a few phrases can help you communicate with locals, order food and drink, and even join in with the chants. Some basic phrases to learn include:
- Hola (hello)
- Gracias (thank you)
- Una cerveza, por favor (one beer, please)
- Gol! (goal!)
- Vamos! (let’s go!)
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and you may want to learn some more relevant phrases too. You should also memories local addresses that are important, such as your hotel and the stadium, as well as various telephone numbers.
Book An Extra Night
Finally, consider booking an extra night in the city and country to get more out of your trip. Attending a football game can be an intense experience, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By staying an extra night, you can relax, explore the city, and reflect on the match. Plus, you might even be able to catch another game or two while you’re there, especially if you go for a whole week.
You could book one night in Madrid for a game, before taking the train over to Seville or Bilbao to enjoy a new city and catch a different game. Giving yourself the time to relax will just improve your overall experience, and allow you to do more outside of football. Ask anyone who has been to watch a football game there before and they will tell you the same.