My first time was less than 2 weeks ago, Jan. 10 vs. Middlesborough. I have been an Arsenal fan for almost 20 years now, but following them from the States, especially before the internet, wasn’t easy. I always told myself I would make the pilgrammage before the team moves, but never done anything about that. This year I decided it was time to do something, over my winter holiday I planned a trip, coinciding with the Jan. 10th game.
I became a bit fearful in December when the tickets went on sale for the match, but I was having difficulty purchasing through the ticketmaster website only to find out the tickets were all sold out…I next started looking at websites for ticketbrokers and became fearful attendance at the game would be an impossibility on my student budget… I pressed on with my girlfriend and we took the tube to Arsenal on the day of the match, it was a wonderful feeling seeing the car fill up with Arsenal supporters on the way, but since we still didn’t have tickets and kickoff was in 2 hours, a mixture of nervous tension and joy had me wound up. First a disclaimer, I only learned about this site after purchasing a copy of Gooner outside the stadium and I probably should have been smarter, but after finding out there would be no tickets put on sale the legal ways, I went the stupid way through a tout. I paid over the ticket price and feel like an idiot now (especially on reading this page), but I HAD to get in the stadium and it turned out our North Bank seats were only 3 rows from the field. To see my heroes warming up so close was absolutely amazing. Not only that, but Arsenal obliged in making my first time a real gem, scoring 4 goals and seeing Henry go around Mills in front of me…after the game my girlfriend and I didn’t want to leave the ground and kept snapping pictures, not wanting the moment to end. I now know better than to go through touts or at least to do more dealing, but its okay, the experience of Highbury is truly priceless. I guarantee it won’t be another 20 years before I return again!
5 Responses to “all that matters was those 2 hours!”
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January 23rd, 2004 at 3:51 am
You are much better than me in posting “My First Time” - it’s too bad you didn’t hear about Arsenal America earlier - you could’ve joined the Second Annual Roadtrip. However, the game you went to . . . whatever you paid, it was worth it . . .
It’s been several weeks since the trip but I really want to think about what I will share - I’m still going through all the things I bought at the shop plus the magazines! What a wonderful team we support!
Welcome to Arsenal America!
January 23rd, 2004 at 12:40 pm
My first trip is planned for the April 10th Liverpool game and my 2nd, 2 days later at Newcastle. I sitll can’t find tickets. At least none that are quoted under 200 pounds by online brokers. I am fearful of doing the ‘day of the game’ thing myself and having to go to a tout, but what choice do I have?
Thanks for telling your first time story.
January 23rd, 2004 at 1:33 pm
I’m also thinking of going to the Liverpool game but tickets are also a problem. I’ve found that the ticket price is a little less if it’s part of a hotel package deal but still extortionate.
The Leeds game a week later may be a less attractive but more affordable aloption.
January 23rd, 2004 at 5:49 pm
Tickets will be tight for Liverpool and Arsenal has yet to receive their away allocation from NUFC. On the one hand, it’s a Monday night game and a lot of Arsenal fans might not make the trip, but on the other that just means NUFC might give a smaller allocation of tickets.
Attending any games at Highbury in April or May is tough, as 1) every point counts and 2) a lot of fans are trying to see a game “just once this year” and the club tries to be accomodating.
I’d like to say we can help, but I’m not sure. I’m talking to the club about these games and will have more details soon.
January 30th, 2004 at 6:34 am
I was at the very same game! It was a great introduction to Highbury and I?m very glad you enjoyed yourself!