For affluent football fans, gearing up for the next round of on-pitch action means more than getting comfortable on the sofa in time for kick off, with many opting instead to follow their teams around Europe and watch the magic unfold live from the comfort of privileged VIP seating.
The ‘beautiful game’ holds a special place in the hearts of millions across the globe, and when it comes to getting the best vantage points to see the biggest moments happen in real time, for those who can afford it, it’s a case of no expense spared. Europe is home to many an iconic football stadium, each one steeped in rich history and heritage and offering its own unique brand of luxury experiences for spectators, which makes catching away games a real pleasure. And, with a chance to take exclusive tours, luxuriate in VIP lounges and maybe even encounter a famous face or two, the wealthiest fans delight in the opportunity to jetset around Europe throughout the season squeezing every last bit of excitement out of the season.
If you’re considering joining the ranks of those that do so each year, then there are some iconic stadiums you’ll want to add to your itinerary, some of which also happen to be modern architectural marvels. Whether you’re a life-long supporter or are simply curious about the sport’s cultural significance, these four, handpicked by the experts at Boyle Sports, the leading online platform the very latest Champions League winner odds, should be at the top of your list.
Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Starting on home soil, take a trip up north to Old Trafford – the famous home of Manchester United, and a must visit for any football enthusiast, even if they aren’t your team of choice. Also known as the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, the stadium dates back over a century, initially having been built in 1910 – although it’s fair to say that it has undergone more than one or two upgrades since then. The VIP experience at Old Trafford affords affluent guests exclusive access to the stadium’s inner sanctums, including the trophy room and exclusive lounges where gourmet fine dining is the order of the day and drinks run freely. And of course, you’ll get privileged seating, too, offering panoramic views of the pitch – as well as the chance to meet club legends during a tour of the stadium pre- or post-game. The stadium’s statues of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson are thoroughly Instagram worthy, too, so don’t forget your camera.
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
The impressive home ground of the esteemed Barcelona FC, Camp Nou is undoubtedly one of the most iconic stadiums Europe has to offer, and with a setting capacity upwards of 99,000, it’s also one of the largest. Steeped in rich history, construction on the stadium began back in 1954, taking three years to complete, and today, it offers some impressive VIP experiences for spectators as well as the chance to witness some of the world’s top players in action. You can also take advantage of the guided tours on offer here, which include exclusive access to the pitch, press room and the Barça Museum, which is a showcase of the club’s heritage – as well as meeting and greeting some of the stars of the team, if you’re lucky!
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
The home ground of F.C. Bayern Munich is another must-visit venue to add to your bucket list, with its distinctive illuminatedfaçade changing colours depending on which teams are playing (red for Bayern Munich and blue for TSV 1860 Munich) at the time to offer a show-stopping performance off the pitch as well as on. Once again, the stadium offers a host of stand-out VIP packages that you can choose from depending on what you hope to get out of the experience, with access to the player’s tunnel and the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt Museum, where you can peruse and admire the club’s various successes over the years and revel in its most memorable moments.
San Siro, Milan, Italy
If you fancy a side of sun with your soccer, then the San Siro Stadium in the sophisticated Italian city of Milan is just the ticket – particularly if you plan to go in the next month or two while temperatures are still balmy. The city itself is awash with rich history and heritage, including numerous museums and art galleries and some impressive architecture, too – but the stadium is for football fans, truly unmissable. For starters, it’s home to not one, but two footballing giants, with both AC Milan and Inter Milan sharing the pitch. With a seating capacity of over 75,000, it exudes a sense of grandeur that you won’t find elsewhere, and for the right price, can be enjoyed in the ultimate lap of luxury.
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