Attending Sheffield football matches
Going to the football just feels normal to me, but I know to a lot of people it's not something they do regularly. Football has been a part of my life since I was a little kid watching with my grandad and helping him keep score on teletext. As I got older I wanted to go to the games myself and I've now been going to all the Sheffield United games for almost 20 years! I've seen the ups and downs throughout the journey and enjoyed much of their history (check my post on the football history book here)but one thing I absolutely love is the whole match day experience. As Sheffield is the home of football I thought I'd give a little insight into a typical match day
Before the game
Before matchday, I'd recommend sorting a ticket out to make it easier for you on the day. Ticket prices change depending on the fixture but there are sometimes reduced ticket prices for children. Typically prices are around £25 - £30 for an adult. It's also a good idea currently to check social media and sports news* to make sure the game is going ahead. Due to covid there have been a number of postponements last minute so it's always best to check before setting off
Matchday around the ground
A typical crowd for a Sheffield United football game is around 20 - 25k so it's important you get there early enough to sort everything you need to and get to your seat, there's always a rush the nearer to kick off as people leave local pubs to get to the game.If you're around the ground with time to kill the players tend to start arriving anytime from 11:30pm so you could wait near the player's entrance to try and spot any and get autographs. There's also the club shop where you can buy memorabilia for the match.
There are a number of pubs for the home fans on the corners of the ground and shops to buy snacks. While walking around the ground you will also pass a number of sandwich shops, pizza shops, burger vans, and even a subway. However, my particular recommendation is the Man Friday chip shop. There is usually a queue but it's absolutely worth the wait and for me is an essential part of my matchday
Entering the ground & Prematch
When you've bought your tickets you would have chosen which of the stands you'd like to sit on - turnstiles open around 45 minutes before kick off. I've sat everywhere over the years but find the atmosphere the best on the Kop. The turnstiles are unmanned with a barcode scanner for your ticket to enter. Once inside you'll find food kiosks, betting kiosks and toilets. If you're on a covered concourse you'll also find screens showing SUTV with pre-match content. The players tend to do a warm up so it's worth going in early.
During the game / Half Time
Football can be a loud environment, and some unsavoury language can be heard so if you're needing a child friendly environment make sure you choose the family stand. Otherwise enjoy the game, I'd recommend taking a drink and snack as half time is only 15 minutes and there's a lot of people trying to get served. Hopefully your football match experience is enjoyable. I remember my first game like it was yesterday and can't imagine time without football in my life!
Do you go to football?
Who do you support?
