Opinion
Most punters know a friend of a friend, the person with the golden ticket.
Your average fan will sit randomly in general admission seating. Or dedicated members will have an allocated area, but apart from a better view, the trimmings are rare.
Corporate seating, on the other hand, is the rumoured holy grail of the sporting world.
I’ve spent most of my A-Leagues existence either on a grassy hill, or stuck behind the goals, watching the nets ripple.
A few weeks ago, however, a mate of mine pulled a favour, and I was gifted prime position at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, situated in Kogarah.
It was for a Sydney FC game against Western United.
Four of us fans were spaced out in a six-seater box, at the back of the beautiful stadium.
The first difference I noticed was thick carpet as I placed my beer down on the ground.
Although it was a small contrast, I still felt rather regal, even distinguished, having been granted a little luxury.
Oddly, I also become aware of our conservative nature, as our replying chants to the Cove fanatics were murmured at best. Had we gone soft?
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
While watching the game, a few of us wistfully chatted about the freedoms of general admission fans lounging on the opposite hill.
That is until we noticed another, more exclusive area behind us. Concealed behind glass was a bunch of well-dressed folk sipping drinks.
Suddenly the four of us became jealous, each timid soul badgering the other to run through gauntlet and enter the cave of wonders.
Eventually, half of our travelling party departed, disappearing for a few minutes, before sheepishly returning.
The culprit was thongs. Inappropriate footwear gave the game away.
After much mockery, we settled our eyes back on the field, having missed a large portion of the game.
“Didn’t we come here for the football?” someone asked.
I’m sure there have been wild stories about behind-the-scenes shenanigans at matches.
Tales of the elite rubbing shoulders with the crème de la crème of society.
If you can afford it, that is, you can join them too.
In the meantime, make sure you locate the elusive friend of a friend.
Because a bit of pampering is never a bad thing
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