There’s going to be a lot of football action in the coming months. If you’re planning on attending any of these matches at Cairo Stadium, here are some useful tips, especially for first-timers.
Dos:.Buy tickets two or three days in advance. This is the best way to purchase tickets at their actual price instead of resorting to the black market, where ticket prices can triple. It also helps you avoid the agony of queuing up at the ticket window before the game..If you’re going to a major game, it’s better to go three hours before kick-off to get good seats. If the game isn’t that important, a half hour beforehand should do..Take your food and drinks with you. The food at the stadium is bad and overpriced. Also avoid buying food from street vendors loitering around the stadium. .In case of a league match, Ahly fans are recommended to situate themselves at the south end while Zamalek fans should eye the north end. Both places see a lot of action and have a great atmosphere especially at kick-off, which is when fans start chanting the tifo (Italian word for match intro)..If you’re the quiet type and want to avoid the hassle, second-class seats are the right place for you.
Don’ts:.If you’re taking a cab to the game, never tell the driver you are going to the stadium – you’ll most probably be overcharged. I highly recommended you leave your car at home because you never know how the match will end and how the angry crowd may react to the final result..Don’t buy flags from people in front of the stadium gates. Security guards will break the flag-stick, leaving you with a piece of cloth. You can either hide your flag inside your clothes or simply wait to buy one once you are inside. Drive a good bargain since they tend to up the prices. .Don t take valuable items to the game and always check to make sure that your cell phone and wallet are still in your pockets..Never sit in the wrong end of the stadium, the repercussions of sitting on the opponent’s side can be a nightmare. Always check which side of the stadium is dedicated to fans of your team. If you end up sitting with the wrong crowd, it’s best to keep silent throughout the game..Don t hang around in the stadium after the end of the game, especially if it is a Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek or Ahly and Ismaili. There is a chance clashes will break out – you don’t want to be caught between security guards and disgruntled fans.
