Colombian Football Stadiums: 4 Practical Tips for Attending Your Next Match
Colombia, a stunning country in South America, shares a great passion for soccer with many of its neighboring nations. Attending a soccer game in this country can offer an exhilarating experience for all types of travelers, regardless of whether you have a personal interest in the sport. The locals' enthusiasm and love for the game make it an exciting event to witness.
In this guide, we will provide you with essential information to help you have a memorable experience and make the most out of attending a local soccer match and possibly even placing some sportsbets along the way.
- What kind of stadium should you pick?
Choosing the right stadium to attend a soccer match in Colombia largely depends on whether you're interested in the sport itself as an aficionado, or if you're more drawn to the overall atmosphere of the experience. Typically, stadiums in Colombia have a similar layout, with the comfortable seats situated in the west and the sections with the most passionate fans located in the south and north. The eastern part of the stadium is usually a middle ground between the two.
If you're seeking an electric atmosphere, the eastern part of the stadium would be the best option for you. However, it's worth noting that the south and north tribunes are not recommended as they may be unsafe for most travelers unless you're willing to take risks. On the other hand, if you're interested in enjoying the sport in maximum comfort, the west tribune would be your best choice.
- How to purchase tickets
Unless it's a crucial match such as a final or a semifinal, obtaining tickets at the entrance of the stadium shouldn't be an issue. However, it's recommended that you arrive at the stadium at least two hours before the game's scheduled start time to ensure that you have ample time to settle in, get a ticket, and soak up the local atmosphere.
If you're planning to attend a match that is expected to generate more interest, it's advisable to purchase your ticket a few days in advance. However, it's worth noting that tickets cannot be purchased online. Instead, you'll need to visit one of the many ticket shops located across the major cities. It's also important to bring cash, as most of these shops do not accept credit cards.
As per the current conversion rate, 1 USD equals roughly 4740 Colombian Pesos. The cost of a ticket will typically range from around 50-100k COP (approximately 15-30 USD) for the west tribune and 20-50k COP (approximately 6-15 USD) for the east tribune.
- Essentials
For the most comfortable experience, don’t forget to bring the following:
- A rain coat would be an essential as the weather can often be unpredictable at games.
- Cash is an absolute must as you won’t be able to buy anything with a card.
- Your passport is something you should also bring with you as you might need it to get in (or the police might need to see it).
- If the match is taking place during the day, it's essential to wear sunscreen to avoid getting burnt and uncomfortable in the hot Colombian sun while enjoying a good game of football.
- What not to bring
It’s advisable to leave certain items at home or at your hotel:
- Do not bring any sort of valuables as football stadiums are cramped and pickpockets run rampant in these types of areas.
- On certain occasions, the police may prohibit large bags from being brought into the stadium, so it's advisable to only bring a small bag or purse. However, this should not be a problem in the west tribune.
- It's worth noting that a belt or an umbrella may be considered dangerous weapons by the police and will typically be prohibited from being brought into the stadium. You may be asked to leave them at the entrance, but it's unlikely that they will be returned to you afterward.
- As is the case in most countries, bringing your own food, drinks and cigarettes is not allowed.
Conclusion
Sharing your love for football with the locals during a trip to Colombia is a great idea, but there are certain things to keep in mind. We’ve outlined some of the key considerations that every foreigner should take into account when attending a football match in Colombia.