The Unexpected Benefits of Attending a Soccer Game

Even if You’re Not a Fan

It was an ordinary evening when I suddenly received a question I totally didn’t see coming. Out of the blue, one of my best friends texted me with the question of whether I wanted to join him for a soccer match. Although I don’t follow soccer at all, I naturally replied, “Absolutely, mate!”

I actually don’t follow any sports and I hardly watch television. So, I’m not a fan of anything. My mate is a fan of the Dutch soccer club PSV. Therefore, my very first soccer match to physically attend is one of this club. So, just to clarify:

For the first time in 35 years, I’m visiting a soccer stadium.

And my first experience couldn’t have been better.

PSV played at home, which means the match took place at “The Philips Stadium” in Eindhoven. I live in Roosendaal, so you have to imagine it’s about an hour’s drive.

Once we arrived, the reception was surprisingly welcoming. We weren’t frisked but warmly greeted. Charming ladies dressed in red outfits welcomed the visitors on a red carpet where they then scanned our tickets. After that, we could immediately proceed upstairs to the business class area.

It all looked premium and luxurious. I found it a very special idea that I was surrounded by entrepreneurs. It was clearly visible that a lot of money was ‘walking around’, so to speak. All of them are business owners with a heart for the soccer club.

There was also a dress code. This was mentioned on the ticket. You had to look neat because otherwise you wouldn’t be admitted. A regular sweater and jeans? Not welcome.

On the one hand, I didn’t mind because I actually like going somewhere in style.

At the bar, we got something to drink and then proceeded to our seats. Since we were in business class, we could enjoy unlimited drinks of our choice. I see us as simple lads, so we stuck with Coke Zero and non-alcoholic beer.

We also had our own seats with the name of my friend’s company mentioned on them. From that spot, we could see everything very well and truly enjoy the game to the utmost. Additionally, there was a QR code on the armrest of the seat that we could scan with our phones to order food and drinks, which they would then bring to us. This is damn nice! Because you don’t miss anything that way.

There was also a fun and cozy atmosphere. A different atmosphere than in the stands. I think the best description for it would be “calmer.” This doesn’t mean that there wasn’t a fun atmosphere in the stands, though. The ‘hardcore’ fans were right of us in the stands. They made themselves heard!

But besides watching the match, there was an even more important element: the company. This wasn’t just any soccer match for me, but an outing with a friend.

With someone I respect and appreciate.

I’m very grateful for this experience and for the fact that he asked me to join him. This is life (and something different than sitting behind that damn laptop).

I told him I’d be keen if he ever had a spare seat and wanted to go to a match.

If my words hit home for you or if this was valuable, consider showing some love — buy me a coffee. It’s cheaper than therapy!