Unless you support one of the top clubs, preparing for a Cup Final in Wembley isn’t something you will do each year, so it’s important to get it right.
Supporters live and breathe football. They are amongst the most passionate fans in sports, so if you’re lucky enough to be a supporter of a club that makes it to Wembley for the Carling Cup Final, the FA Cup Final or the Championship Play-off Final, you should make the most of the occasion.
Football clubs reward loyalty, so being a season ticket holder, club member or a supporter who has bought a ticket for one of the current season’s home matches, is often vital in order to stand a chance of getting a Wembley Cup Final ticket. But being a loyal fan is not enough to guarantee a ticket. Clubs normally find that there are more applicants for Cup Final tickets than their allocation, so a ballot is held.
If you are lucky in the ballot and you find yourself on your way to Wembley, then you will probably find it easier to use the club’s official away match coach provider for the journey. Most will pick up and drop off at the club’s ground and take you straight to Wembley. Coach travel is convenient and it allows you to mix with other supporters prior to the match, which will help build the atmosphere before kick-off.
With matches going to extra time and penalties, a Wembley Cup Final can often end late. For supporters of clubs like Middlesbrough and Newcastle, travelling over 250 miles in each direction, is often too much to ask. Thankfully there are plenty of hotels in Wembley, and they don’t have to add much to the already inflated price of a Cup Final weekend. There are 6 hotels within walking distance and a further 3 situated a short taxi ride away. Bed and Breakfast accommodation can also be found and there’s something to suit every pocket.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re lucky enough to be a supporter of a Cup Final club, put yourself forward, try and get a ticket and most of all, no matter if you win or lose, enjoy the occasion.