The UEFA Champions League Final is this Saturday, and we’re all going bonkers. Here’s why:
Champions League is an 8(ish)-month long tournament and host to the best of the best of Europe’s Club teams. Each team must be in the top of their respective European League to gain a spot in the tournament. The leagues include the likes of the the Premiership, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga ….so we’re talking about Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, PSG, AC Milan, Dortmund (to name only a few). And, with Juventus and Real Madrid matched up for the final this Saturday, we’re looking at a Serie A vs La Liga Championship final.
But, no matter who’s in the Champions League Final (and Juventus v Real Madrid really is a helluva match up), the pub is ALWAYS packed for it. Now, I don’t mean “wow, it sure is busy in here.” I mean more like, when you go to the bar mate, best to order two.
THAT busy.
Like most matches during the World Cup, the Champions League Final is always an intense few hours (goals notwithstanding) so you’ve got to play it smart.
So, here’s our version of how to “Navigate a big game day like a Pro”
Arrive early.
Do: Arrive early …duh. And, 20 Minutes before kick off is NOT early -more like 45 minutes to an hour. Just order a beer, chill out and feel satisfied. Come game time, you’ll be psyched you’re in an actual seat.
Who are ya?
Do: Wear your colors. Fly your flag. Sing ….The English, Germans, Argentines and Spanish all do this quite well. And share it…before kick off go on and get your ‘Gramming out of the way. Make your predictions and get that snapchat filter posted stat. Because if you haven’t posted it, it hasn’t happened, right? #sharethecraic
P.S.A: DON’T stand on the tables. Sure it’s understandable- your girlfriend is only 4 1/2 feet tall and you’ve been drinking. I get that sensible doesn’t always get a vote, but trust me here, it’s just dumb. And, no one likes cleaning up after dumb.
DRINKING:
Do: Order in Rounds. And, always try and keep up with the fastest drinker of the group. So, if someone is heading to the bar and you still have a third of a pint left, just go on and get your next drink in. On a big game day it’s just smart.
Not drinking? That’s cool. We love D.D.s. How about asking for that water with a pitcher. Are you seeing the theme here?
EATING:
Do: Order during off-peak times. Peak times would be described as a time when soccer fans stop, breath, go pee and realize also that they are hungry …a.k.a. Halftime. But ordering with the masses just means you wait a few extra minutes with the masses. How about you arrive early and get eating out of the way. THAT’s a Pro move.
Don’t skip the food part. Nothing is worse than day-drinking on an empty belly. But Big Game Day means some of you will be standing. No table? No problem. My suggestion is to order these perfect little sam’iches to nosh. They’re tasty as Hell but aren’t messy and don’t require juggling.
CHECKING OUT:
Do: Request your check in advance of when you actually want to leave. For example, if you want to leave as soon as the whistle blows …like really bolt (because you’ve painted your face and your team’s conceded 3 in the 1st 20 minutes), give your server an extra heads up. Only so many people can check out at once so at the very least anticipate it. In general, it’s best to avoid the mass exodus when the whistle blows.
Don’t: Seriously, how about don’t bolt? I say, have another pint. You need to celebrate your win or inoculate your loss. You’ve navigated game day at the most serious soccer bar in the city. As far as I’m concerned it’s time to relax and really let loose.
So, come THIS Saturday have a blast and don’t forget to take care of your servers. It’s fun for us too, but it isn’t as easy as it looks!