With the Euro in its knockout stages, and the South American football championship, Copa America in its final leg, it’s not just about watching the game anymore – it is, if you have stayed up to watch the game. Bengaluru’s diehard football fans have had to switch up their sleep schedules and juggle work to root for their favourite teams and players, live. But are they complaining?
No seems to be the obvious answer. “In all fairness, these matches are happening on the other side of the world. If you are a real fan, you’ll catch them no matter what,” says 25-year-old Akash Nair, a user interface designer who is rooting for Argentina in their game against Chile on June 27.
Although the game will be underway at 5.30 am – even before you hit on that snooze button, it’s a game that nobody wants to miss. “Argentina hasn’t won anything in a long time and Messi doesn’t have an international trophy yet. And for them to bag the title in Copa’s 100th edition will be a bonus,” says Akash, not willing to miss the match for the world. Luckily, fans don’t have to pick between a Euro match that starts late at night on this particular day.
“I don’t stay up for every game. If it’s happening over the weekend, then for sure. It’s always best to watch it live and not a repeat as, otherwise, the whole element of supporting a team playing live dies out,” says Belgium supporter and an executive at The Fuller Life, Vicky Melvyn.
The 24-year-old chimes in the sentiments of countless fans – “Apps available today tells you exactly what’s going to happen next and you don’t want that happening especially if it’s a big game or you’re watching a recorded telecast.”
The matches at 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm are the most popular as fans flock pubs straight from work, to catch the game on the big screen. For most, watching it with different supporters adds to the camaraderie and spirit of the game. “I’m rooting for Germany and trying to catch all the matches live, even if that means staying up late,” says Prateek Thakker, a senior account executive who moonlights as a food blogger.
According to him, it’s especially hard if you’ve missed a big moment “I missed the Iceland versus Austria match and everyone knows what a shocker and nail biter it was!” he says. “I’ve woken up at 4 am to catch cricket matches. So, if you’re a fan of the sport, it shouldn’t matter,” he adds.
Football fever is on the rise. Travel agents are on a rampant making bookings for some footie fans from the city.
Bengaluru based Leanne Wakefield, head, leisure and sports, Aster Travel & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, says, “We have seen an interest in football in general and as we have launched a sports vertical of travel we are actively involved in promoting football packages including Euro 2016. There is a lot of interest among youngsters, football academies, schools etc that is on the rise. Although we have had only few bookings, we are flooded with enquiries from corporate travellers and others travelling to Europe and are exploring possibilities of watching the matches in France. Ticket prices and hotel accommodations are higher than usual, as they haven’t been booked in advance but air fares are following normal market trends.”
