Last night, on the 4th, we went to an HSV soccer game. I have never experienced anything like this before, but it was very similar to a UNC-Duke game atmosphere. Going to the subway to get to the arena is where our journey began. The trains were packed like sardines, I barely fit in the door and I just knew it was going to crush me when it closed. I had no idea who the people were standing around me, but we got very close during that 10 minute train ride. After we got off the subway and began making our way to the stadium it was like college tailgating on steroids. There were stands set up everywhere selling beer, Bratwurst, and Krakaur, and it was crazy. Then you had the random people coming around collecting beer bottles to sell, because in Germany you get a good amount for turning in bottles.
When we arrived at the arena the game had already begun, so some people had taken our seats. We had to find security and ask them to move. The crowd was screaming and singing the ENTIRE time. Although I had no idea what they were saying, we tried to follow along :) This soccer league hasn't been doing so well lately, so when they got the first goal, then scored again to break the tie, the crowd went absolutely while. They were singing for the whole last 15 minutes of the game. It was also interesting to see that the opposing team fans were locked away in a "cage" to keep fights from breaking out, maybe they should try that at UNC-Duke games :)
After the game was over and the Hamburg team won, we made our way out of the stadium to see more interesting things. There were "Polizei" everywhere, but they were in full on riot gear, helmets, batons, and body armor. There were several police on huge horses lining the streets, they were ready for anything Luckily everything was fine, but it was a little scary seeing them walk around like that. In Germany there are apparently no public decency laws or open container laws. People can walk around and drink beer whenever and wherever they like, and take a break on the sidewalk if need be. On the way back from the game there were men the entire way "taking a break" off to the side, it was ridiculous.
In the end, we all made it home safely and had a great adventure, one that at least I will never forget!
When we arrived at the arena the game had already begun, so some people had taken our seats. We had to find security and ask them to move. The crowd was screaming and singing the ENTIRE time. Although I had no idea what they were saying, we tried to follow along :) This soccer league hasn't been doing so well lately, so when they got the first goal, then scored again to break the tie, the crowd went absolutely while. They were singing for the whole last 15 minutes of the game. It was also interesting to see that the opposing team fans were locked away in a "cage" to keep fights from breaking out, maybe they should try that at UNC-Duke games :)
After the game was over and the Hamburg team won, we made our way out of the stadium to see more interesting things. There were "Polizei" everywhere, but they were in full on riot gear, helmets, batons, and body armor. There were several police on huge horses lining the streets, they were ready for anything Luckily everything was fine, but it was a little scary seeing them walk around like that. In Germany there are apparently no public decency laws or open container laws. People can walk around and drink beer whenever and wherever they like, and take a break on the sidewalk if need be. On the way back from the game there were men the entire way "taking a break" off to the side, it was ridiculous.
In the end, we all made it home safely and had a great adventure, one that at least I will never forget!