Back to Stuttgart

This past week included playing soccer, watching soccer, hanging out, and having a send off party of sorts for a Spanish friend of mine that was moving back to Valencia.  It did not include any work in the slightest.  Sure, I went to class, but with my MKL group not meeting this week, I didn't really do anything productive.

After what may have been my laziest week as a college student, we decided to go to Stuttgart to attempt to go to the Stuttgart game versus Mainz yesterday.  I apparently slept through/turned off two alarms because Steve and Zach walked into my room at 11, the time we said we were going to leave.  I, of course, was still asleep.  A few muttered curse words and putting on a pair of pants later, we were on our way to the train station.  We missed the train we originally planned on taking, but luckily, there was another train that we didn't know about leaving soon.

After arriving in Stuttgart, we made our way to the stadium.  A good tip for someone who is in a new place is to profile people.  Now, I'm not saying that this is a good practice for airport security officials, but it's a lot easier to find the right train to the soccer stadium if you follow the people with soccer jerseys.  Just sayin'.

We arrived at Mercedes-Benz Arena about two hours before kickoff and went to the ticket booth.  Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, they were sold out.  Well, at least they were sold out for "home" fans.  The guy working in the ticket booth said that we could try Kasse 5 which was "somewhere in that direction" to try and buy away fan tickets.

A common practice in several European countries is for soccer stadiums to be built in such a way that large groups of home supporters and visiting supporters never come in contact immediately before, during, or after a game.  Considering the usual drunken belligerence of some sports fans, this separation is a good idea.  The downside is just how out of the way visiting supporters must go to arrive at the stadium.  We walked past the west end of the stadium then, per the signs, began verging more and more west and north of the stadium.  I suggested that perhaps "Kasse 5" is code for "walking back to Mainz".  Luckily, the path twisted more "stadium-ward".

Having made it through Daedulus' labyrinth, slaying the Minotaur, and seeing enough police to feel more than a little nervous, we finally arrived at Kasse 5.  The tickets were fairly cheap at 23 euros.  The food was also cheap as I had a delicious brat for about 3 bucks.  We ate then made our way into the actual stadium.  It was the usual security entrance like in the States with a quick pat down and an "On your way".  Well, it would have been if I hadn't forgotten that I strapped my camera to my belt like a holster.  Since my shirt was covering it, I was a bit confused when the security guard kept patting my side.  As you can probably tell by me updating, I was able to assure him that I, in fact, had a camera and not a 9mm.

We found our seats about an hour before kickoff.  The stadium was still pretty empty.  A solo Stuttgart fan braved the odds and sat next to us in the away section.  As kickoff drew closer and more people arrived, the atmosphere became electric.  About 15 minutes before kickoff, the stadium burst into "You'll Never Walk Alone".  I've been in Mackey Arena during big games with an amazing atmosphere, but the supporters of VfB Stuttgart definitely top that.

  Yes, that is barbwire around the away section

The game was good and ended in a 2-2 draw.  I must say, though, it was a bit awkward to cheer and celebrate goals in the away section as I was more so pulling for Stuttgart.  Mainz scored twice at first, so we'd stand up and clap then.  We couldn't really do too much of that when Stuttgart scored twice to even things up.

All in all, I had a great time, and the other guys (Zach, Steve, and Andreu) did, too.  It's too bad that it's already the end of the season.  I'd love to regularly go to games.  I think my Boilers will suffice (JJ, please stay!).

Until next time, Alles Gute.