A few notes about my experience of a game in Germany.....
1). I got the tram to the ground from the centre, and all modes of public transport to the ground was free on match day!
2). I could drink beer at my seat, and they had these guys going around on the concourse with pre-poured beer to avoid the queues at the bars, such a good idea. Not sure if they went up to the seated area like American sports or not, because I went down to the concourse. Presumably these are paid commission like programme sellers at Carrow Road for each pint they sell. This meant I didn't even have to queue for a beer at half time.
3). As for programmes, there wasn't one. There was a four or six page booklet with key information in it e.g. squads etc, and they got dished out for free as you walked into the ground.
4). At no stage did I ever get told to sit down.
5). The ultras / rowdy area was terraces, proper terraces. That part of the ground had netting in front of it, presumably to prevent flares or projectiles entering the field of play.
6). They sold beer OUTSIDE the ground too.
7). Huge police presence despite only about 100 away fans for this game, found that a bit weird but then nothing in Germany is understaffed is it.... I did wonder whether there are incidents of rival fans just hijacking the bits around the ground on matchdays for a tear up though? E.g. if Dusseldorf were playing miles away some of their fans might turn up for a ruck? Only way I can explain 6 police horses being present for this fixture.
8). The chanting is very organised and led by a few guys at the front of the terraces who don't really watch the game. Seen similar in Italy and Turkey in the past. E.g. the flags didn't actually go up until half way through the first half, prompted by a specific chant. Then they stayed up until the end of the match. Before the game was a 5 minute long German song, their equivalent of Never Walk Alone.
9). Very random but every fan got a free packet of crisps. Not sure if this was a one off promo, or because of a sponsorship deal, or just an FC Koln tradition.... but if I had to bet then I'd say probably a promo.
10). Apart from a momentary groan, the fans didn't stop singing when they went 1-0 down at home to a team much further down the table to them!
I've got photos and videos which I'll share at some stage. Really enjoyable experience.....
- my ticket will be delivered to my house for 4 euros within 7 days.
