Football is one of the biggest sports in the world and there is no wonder why thousands of people flock to the magnificient city of Istanbul to watch the most beloved teams battle it out on the field. But if you’re planning to go to Istanbul for the greatest match ever, you need to make sure that you have your tickets in hand. Here’s how to buy football tickets in Istanbul.
Research ticket prices
Before you go out and hand over your cash for tickets, it is best if you do some research to know the average ticket prices. You can check reliable websites such as Stubhub and the official Istanbul club websites, as well as online forums, reviews, and social media accounts. This will give you a good idea of ticket prices and you can decide if the tickets you are looking for are worth the cost.
Check the availability of tickets
Before you buy tickets, make sure that these are available. This is a matter of checking the ticket page on either the Istanbul ticket office or the online ticket stores you have chosen. Check the seating map to see if there are still open tickets in the area you wish to sit. Seats can be limited and if you don’t want to miss out, you should act quickly.
Look for discounts
The great thing about buying tickets online is that there are often some awesome discounts available. Try to look for Istanbul football team tickets that come with a promo code or an online coupon, and take advantage of that. Usually, there are almost always discounts of some kind if you have a bit of patience in doing your searching.
Use the official website
If you are absolutely sure about going to a game and you can’t find any discounts, then make sure to use the official website to buy your tickets. First, there is more security when you purchase through the official website, and second, the tickets will arrive at your doorstep. You don’t have to wait in line for tickets, and it can be a less stressful situation.
Visit the stadium
If you are in Istanbul and you still haven’t bought your tickets, you can always visit the stadium and purchase them from the ticket office. The stadium will open an hour before the match, so you have plenty of time to buy your tickets. Make sure to arrive early to get the best spots.
Find the right vendor
If you planned on buying your tickets online from a trusted third-party vendor, make sure to read reviews, check the vendor’s reputation, and always check out all the details of the purchase, such as if your tickets are insured, or if there are any fees. You want to make sure that you get the most from your purchase.
Know the rules
Before you buy your tickets, it’s a good idea to make sure you know all the local Turkish stadium rules. Things like the size of the bag you can enter with, whether or not smoking is still allowed inside the stadium, and what items you’re not allowed to bring in. These rules are important to follow and can help you have a great time during the game.
Book accommodation nearby
If you’re visiting Istanbul for a game, make sure to book an accommodation nearby. This can be done even before you purchase your tickets. There are some great hotels close to the stadiums, and they can help provide a comfortable stay during your visit.
Organise transportation
Getting around Istanbul can be quite complicated and can lead to a lot of stress, so it’s best if you plan ahead and organise transportation to and from the stadium. You can use public transportation, a taxi, or even a rental car, depending on your budget and needs.
Find someone to watch the game with
Watching a football match in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience, and it’s even better when you have someone to enjoy it with. Consider asking a friend, or even a local, to come along to the match. This can add to the fun and you will have an even more amazing time.
Learn about the teams
Since you are going to a football match in Istanbul, you should take the time to learn more about the teams that are playing. Research is your friend in this case and it can provide you with more insight into the game. Additionally, you can look up the player’s history and take a look at some of their previous match results, which can be really helpful.
Observe the culture
Football culture in Istanbul is well known for being passionate, and it can be a great experience to be part of that. Even if you are an out-of-towner, you can still show your support for the team by wearing colours, or by joining in on the cheers and chants. Observing the local culture of the stadium can be really eye-opening and you can learn a lot from it.
Visit some of the historical sites
Apart from football matches, Istanbul is home to some of the most beautiful historical sites in the world. While you are in town, do take some time to visit some of these great sites, and don’t forget to take some souvenirs for everyone back home.
