There are some amazing soccer matches around the world that are famous for being the most passionate and exciting games to watch, and taking a trip to see one of these games is on the bucket list of many sports fans. These include the clash between Spain's two biggest teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, along with the Manchester derby which sees City go up against United. In some ways, it can be better to go to these games alone, but there are still challenges when it comes to organizing a trip to this kind of football occasion.

Getting Tickets To The Big Games

The toughest part of getting to enjoy a big soccer match is actually getting your hands on a ticket, and in many cases this can be particularly challenging as there are very few tickets that will be sold on the open market, and they are snapped up very quickly.

One way that you can improve your chances of getting such tickets is to buy a membership of the club hosting the game for the year, which will make it easier but can also be quite expensive. The alternative is to purchase your ticket through a reseller or from a tout before the game, but both of these methods will usually see tickets changing hands for several times the face value of the tickets.

Transport To The Stadium

Make sure that you research your transport options well in advance, and if you are planning to get to the stadium by public transport it is worth trying the route to make sure you are confident on how you will get to the stadium.

If you are thinking of taking the bus down to the stadium the day before to check out the route, many big stadiums also offer stadium tours that will allow you to get your bearings before you go to the game itself.

Taking public transport is definitely the best option, as you will be among all of the fans and this will give you an excellent taste of the atmosphere and the anticipation.

Is It Worth Buying A Hospitality Ticket?

Hospitality tickets are often frowned upon by the "real" sports fans, particularly in the Manchester derby where those taking a hospitality ticket are sometimes referred to as the 'prawn sandwich brigade'.

However, for those who are taking the trip of a lifetime to see a big game, then these can be worth considering, as a hospitality ticket bought through a club will usually be not too much more expensive than those bought in the stands from ticket resellers. These can also offer a much more luxurious experience, with some clubs employing former players as hosts to welcome guests, and good food and drink to enrich the experience.

Soaking Up The Atmosphere At The Game

For those who really want to get the most from the experience of a big derby match, it is best to get to the stadium early, and to look into what the locals do in the build up to the big game. In some countries it is traditional to go to one of the pubs or bars around the stadium for a few drinks before it starts, while in other countries there are organized events in and around the stadium.

It is also worth getting to your seat well before kick off, as many big games will see bands or performances before the action begins.

Getting Away From The Stadium After The Match

When it comes to preparing for your trip to the big game, don't neglect to plan how you'll be getting back to your hotel after the game. This is particularly important if you are watching a game on a Sunday evening, as public transport can often finish early, so make sure you know where the bus stops are and whether it is safe to walk back to the city center or even walk to another area that will have good transport links.