Over in Portugal for a conference in late Nov, then staying on for a couple of nights in Lisbon. Coincides with a Benfica match. Anyone been? If so, care to share tips eg re getting tickets, best areas of ground, how early to arrive etc?
Thanks in advance.
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It was the same architects used for Benfica and Arsenal. The grounds are identical. I much preferred the old Estadio da Luz, I went there in '91, one of the best grounds I have ever been to.
Bought them online a couple of days before and picked them up from the club shop and only a €1 booking fee. It does get pretty busy getting in so get there at least an hour beforehand.
Saw them beat an Israeli side 5-0
You cant get a cab straight to the stadium but to the Colombo mall beside it, which is pretty handy to go to before and get something to eat or afterwards as well. Again, to get a taxi you have to go back to the mall and line up which can take a while.
The ground itself is alcohol free so make sure you get your fill before going in.
The Eagle at the beginning is cool and the crowd can get into it, mind you, the champions league game was pretty garbage.
There is a ticket office right outside of the ground for walkups so you shouldnt have an issue getting tickets.
The new one is identical to the Emirates.
I'm seeing Sporting in 2 weeks tomorrow but am gonna have to make do with lower league games the rest of the weekend, they still haven't bloody confirmed who is playing when.
As you'll know you can still get some decent grounds, and original ones with character.
In Europe, after Benfica, I would say the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm is my favourite.
Great experience if a bit too Palace/Arsenal for my liking! Goal celebrations very orchestrated and lacked spontaneity.
I do have a few snaps, @cafc4life, but afraid I am totally incompetent when it comes to uploading them on here...