So we are currently in between the two legs of the semi-finals, and it looks likely that there'll be a repeat of the final from two years ago. I have been living in Israel, with very modest means, for all of the three previous Champions League finals that we've played in since I've been born. This time, I land in London the night before the final, so all I need is a ticket. My options at this point are:
1. Malcom Glazer - need to contact my Uncle who I haven't seen or spoken to since my Grandmother died about 20 years ago. Chances: Hopeful
2. Nick Dasousa - a mate of Jez's and a guy I used to go to school with. He has the Jez's family season tickets and may let me take the second ticket if he is successful in the United ballot for tickets. Chances: Worth asking
3. Facebook- I managed to get a ticket for the derby at Eastlands last season by pestering my friends on facebook and updating my status saying that I am looking. It's a long-shot, but it may pay-off. Chances: Slim
4. Gary's uncle - Gary from Ravid went to the cup final two years ago with tickets he got from a mate of his uncle who worked in the catering department at Wembley. Chances: Desperate times call for desperate measures.
5. Tout outside the ground - Would probably cost me four figures, but I'd go to the stadium without a ticket in the hope that I chance upon someone selling a ticket at face value. If I fail, I'd just need to find a nearby pub to watch the match. Chances: Nothing to lose by that point.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
An unexpected acquaintance
This post on facebook jolted my memory, and offered me a ray of hope in my quest for a ticket for Wembley. Here's why...
So my Auntie Lana is in one of her shops one day, and she gets chatting to a customer. Somehow the conversation drifts to Lana revealing that she has a husband from Manchester (my dad's brother). "Oh", exclaims the woman, "my husband just bought Manchester United!". And so it came to pass that my Uncle and Aunt became friends with Malcom and Linda Glazer!!!!
In fact my uncle flew with the Glazers on their private jet to the cup final in 2007.
Could my uncle sort me out with a ticket for the final from the owner of Manchester United?
Keep reading to hear what happens...
So my Auntie Lana is in one of her shops one day, and she gets chatting to a customer. Somehow the conversation drifts to Lana revealing that she has a husband from Manchester (my dad's brother). "Oh", exclaims the woman, "my husband just bought Manchester United!". And so it came to pass that my Uncle and Aunt became friends with Malcom and Linda Glazer!!!!
In fact my uncle flew with the Glazers on their private jet to the cup final in 2007.
Could my uncle sort me out with a ticket for the final from the owner of Manchester United?
Keep reading to hear what happens...
Seemingly a diversion, but you'll soon understand the connection
On April 12th and 13th, I notice an update on facebook from my Aunt Lana. Now Auntie Lana is a bit of a celebrity. She makes exclusive handbags which cost ridiculous sums. Forbes recently wrote, "
www.wetpaint.com
We'd really love to see this guest judge's closet. Lana Marks, CEO/designer of Lana Marks brand, will be on the panel Wednesday night. Her line of handbags and accessories have been seen on a slew of celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner, Angelina Jolie, and Helen Mirr...
I downloaded the episode to see Auntie Lana. All that I can say is that her lifestyle differs ever so slightly from mine here at Kibbutz Mish'ol in Migdal Ha'emek.
I downloaded the episode to see Auntie Lana. All that I can say is that her lifestyle differs ever so slightly from mine here at Kibbutz Mish'ol in Migdal Ha'emek.
Then they go and get thrashed, but it's a big fat no from Uefa anyway
From: Gilad Segal
Date: 6 April 2011 13:45
Subject: Fw: Your Ticket Application UCLF London 2011 has been unsuccessful -Ref 573804
To: Anton Marks, Anton Marks
Anton
See below - no champs league final tickets for me I'm afraid. And after last night's debacle, it's not looking good for a trip with north london's finest.
Writing from madrid airport about to catch flight home.
Hope all is well.
Gilad
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
-----Original Message-----
From: "uclf2011@ticketmaster.co.uk" <UCLF2011@TICKETMASTER.CO.UK>
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 23:20:57
To: <giladsegal@hotmail.com>
Subject: Your Ticket Application UCLF London 2011 has been unsuccessful -
Ref 573804
Dear Gilad Segal
We are sorry to inform you that, as a result of the lottery process, your ticket application with Customer Reference Number: 573804 for the UEFA Champions League Final 2011 has not been successful.
Best regards,
Ticketing
2011 UEFA Champions League Final
Another dead end on my quest. Meanwhile, United march past Marseille and face the easiest of the 3 potential semis opponents: Schalke.
Date: 6 April 2011 13:45
Subject: Fw: Your Ticket Application UCLF London 2011 has been unsuccessful -Ref 573804
To: Anton Marks
Anton
See below - no champs league final tickets for me I'm afraid. And after last night's debacle, it's not looking good for a trip with north london's finest.
Writing from madrid airport about to catch flight home.
Hope all is well.
Gilad
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange
-----Original Message-----
From: "uclf2011@ticketmaster.co.uk" <UCLF2011@TICKETMASTER.CO.UK>
Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2011 23:20:57
To: <giladsegal@hotmail.com>
Subject: Your Ticket Application UCLF London 2011 has been unsuccessful -
Ref 573804
Dear Gilad Segal
We are sorry to inform you that, as a result of the lottery process, your ticket application with Customer Reference Number: 573804 for the UEFA Champions League Final 2011 has not been successful.
Best regards,
Ticketing
2011 UEFA Champions League Final
Another dead end on my quest. Meanwhile, United march past Marseille and face the easiest of the 3 potential semis opponents: Schalke.
Arsenal out, Spurs progress
A friendly reminder to Gilad:
From: Anton Marks
Date: 16 March 2011 00:55
Subject: Re:
To: Gilad Segal
Have you applied? Need to apply by Thursday. I'm hoping someone will agree to sell me a ticket if they get in the ballot. There's no way I can stump up over 300 quid in advance.
and his reply...
From: Gilad Segal
Date: 17 March 2011 12:58
Subject: Re:
To: Anton Marks
I did stick in an application for a pair at the lowest category but chances low I fear. If spurs get there I will, of course, be guaranteed a (cheaper) ticket!
From: Anton Marks
Date: 16 March 2011 00:55
Subject: Re:
To: Gilad Segal
Have you applied? Need to apply by Thursday. I'm hoping someone will agree to sell me a ticket if they get in the ballot. There's no way I can stump up over 300 quid in advance.
and his reply...
From: Gilad Segal
Date: 17 March 2011 12:58
Subject: Re:
To: Anton Marks
I did stick in an application for a pair at the lowest category but chances low I fear. If spurs get there I will, of course, be guaranteed a (cheaper) ticket!
And their replies...
From: Gilad Segal
Date: 1 March 2011 11:22
Subject: Re:
To: Anton Marks
I have applied a few times in the ballot in the past but with no success. You are right that the ticket prices have massively increased this year (was quite a controversy here in the news) - as you say, something like 150 quid for the cheapest category with increasingly higher prices for better seats. The only way to get a cheaper ticket is if your team gets to the final and you can get hold of one of those - those tickets will be in the 80 quid region. So there's no easy answers I'm afraid.
I send a reminder to Craig.....
Date: 1 March 2011 11:22
Subject: Re:
To: Anton Marks
I have applied a few times in the ballot in the past but with no success. You are right that the ticket prices have massively increased this year (was quite a controversy here in the news) - as you say, something like 150 quid for the cheapest category with increasingly higher prices for better seats. The only way to get a cheaper ticket is if your team gets to the final and you can get hold of one of those - those tickets will be in the 80 quid region. So there's no easy answers I'm afraid.
I send a reminder to Craig.....
Anton Marks 06 March at 10:42
I'll try it, thanks. And the champions league final - you going to apply?
On the 8th March Barcelona knock Arsenal out. The day after I get my reply...
On the 8th March Barcelona knock Arsenal out. The day after I get my reply...
Not anymore!
North London rivals
So the application process opens on the Uefa website, but applying for one ticket at the cost of £186 is prohibitive.
At this point, Arsenal and Spurs are still in the competition, so my thoughts turn to Craig and Gilad, who may be applying themselves. Maybe they can help out.
I fire off these emails:
From: Anton Marks <antonmarks@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 08:02:41
To: <giladsegal@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re:
So I'm in London for the Champions League Final. I was thinking about
applying through the ballot on the UEFA website til I heard that the
tickets were 150 quid!!!!!!!
Any ideas? Suggestions? Jez told me that you generally apply each year.
and
At this point, Arsenal and Spurs are still in the competition, so my thoughts turn to Craig and Gilad, who may be applying themselves. Maybe they can help out.
I fire off these emails:
From: Anton Marks <antonmarks@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 08:02:41
To: <giladsegal@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re:
So I'm in London for the Champions League Final. I was thinking about
applying through the ballot on the UEFA website til I heard that the
tickets were 150 quid!!!!!!!
Any ideas? Suggestions? Jez told me that you generally apply each year.
and
Anton Marks 02 March at 17:12
So I'm in London for the Champions League Final at the end of May. From what I understand, the best chance of getting tickets is through the Uefa website, but the cheapest ticket is 150 quid!!! Have you ever applied through their website? Are you going to apply?
Rip-off merchants
Now I remember from previous attempts to get a ticket for the champions league final, or to be more honest, drooling online and not being in any sort of financial position to actually try and purchase a ticket, that the Uefa website sells a few thousand tickets for the final directly to the public. I remember it being something like March 1st and set reminders in my phone to keep checking the website, which I do periodically.
Then this appears:
Then this appears:
Uefa defends high price of attending Champions League final at Wembley
• Tickets for most expensive final ever start at £150 plus booking
• 'Compared to other events we don't think the final is overpriced'
- guardian.co.uk,
Uefa has been forced to defend the high price of attending the Champions League final at Wembley on 28 May, admitting it would be the most expensive ever with the cheapest tickets on general sale costing £176 each.
Some 11,000 tickets will go on sale to the general public costing £300, £225 and £150 plus a £26 "administration fee". An allocation of 50,000 tickets which will be reserved for fans of the two finalists will include "category four" tickets at £80 each, according to Uefa.
The cost of Champions League final tickets has rocketed since Manchester United played Barcelona in Rome 2009. The category three tickets have almost doubled since then, when they cost £80.
The Uefa director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti insisted the prices were based on the market rate and compared with those for the World Cup final.
Flights booked
And the flights are booked - budget flights can't be changed without incurring huge fees - there is no going back. Come on you reds!!!
From: Eric F Marks
Date: 17 February 2011 02:48
Subject: Emailing: easyJet - - Confirmation
To: Anton Marks
Your confirmed itinerary
From: Eric F Marks
Date: 17 February 2011 02:48
Subject: Emailing: easyJet - - Confirmation
To: Anton Marks
Your confirmed itinerary
Your booking is now confirmed.
Passengers
- Mr ANTON MORRIS MARKS
Tel Aviv (Terminal 1) to London Luton
Please print and take this booking confirmation with you to the airport. It may speed up your check-in experience.
Mr ANTON MORRIS MARKS is flying on: | ||
| Friday 27 MayCheck in opens Fri 27 May 13:45 | Tel Aviv (Terminal 1) To London Lutonflight 2086; dep. Fri 27 May 16:45 |
and the return flight:
From: Jet2Reservations@Jet2.Com [mailto:Jet2Reservations@Jet2.
Sent: 16 February 2011 23:40
To: ericfranklynmarks@gmail.com
Subject: Booking Confirmation
Online Booking Confirmation
Dear Anton
Thank you for booking your flight with Jet2.com
Your passengers and Flight details
------------------------------
Name: Anton Marks
Outbound Flight: LS907
Departure Date: 06 June 2011
From: MANCHESTER TERMINAL 1
Departure Time: 10:00
To: Tel Aviv (arrive Terminal 3)
Arrival Time: 17:15
Seat: -
Check-in Type: On-Line
Check-in Status: Not Checked In
Change of plan
By the middle of Feb, I realise that the prices for a 3 week stay are exhorbitant, and the prospect of being in England for that long, not to mention not being in Israel for that long, convince me to change my plans.
But what do I choose?
At this point United are seven points clear at the top of the table with Rooney lashing in a stupendous overhead kick in the derby, the FA Cup fifth round home match against Crawley is just around the corner, with upcoming home and away ties with Marseille, which would put us into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Now, I've been present to see United win the league on more than one occasion, so being there for the final Premier League weekend is not my first choice. However, I've never been to the new Wembley, and a trip to the cup final would be superb. What are the chances of us getting to the Champions League Final anyway? It's not as if we are playing amazing football to warrant such optimism.
So, I'm leaning towards booking to coincide with the cup final. At this point I have a telephone conversation with Jez, who convinces me that I've been to cup finals before (1983, 1985, 1990, 1996) and that if I have a chance to be there for the big one, it's worth missing a cup final for that chance.
That evening I send this email to my mum:
From: Anton Marks
Date: 16 February 2011 19:02
Subject: Re: flights
To: Elaine Marks
Are the prices any better for the 26/27th May to London, returning from Manchester on 4th/5th/6th June?
But what do I choose?
At this point United are seven points clear at the top of the table with Rooney lashing in a stupendous overhead kick in the derby, the FA Cup fifth round home match against Crawley is just around the corner, with upcoming home and away ties with Marseille, which would put us into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Now, I've been present to see United win the league on more than one occasion, so being there for the final Premier League weekend is not my first choice. However, I've never been to the new Wembley, and a trip to the cup final would be superb. What are the chances of us getting to the Champions League Final anyway? It's not as if we are playing amazing football to warrant such optimism.
So, I'm leaning towards booking to coincide with the cup final. At this point I have a telephone conversation with Jez, who convinces me that I've been to cup finals before (1983, 1985, 1990, 1996) and that if I have a chance to be there for the big one, it's worth missing a cup final for that chance.
That evening I send this email to my mum:
From: Anton Marks
Date: 16 February 2011 19:02
Subject: Re: flights
To: Elaine Marks
Are the prices any better for the 26/27th May to London, returning from Manchester on 4th/5th/6th June?
November 2010 - the story starts...
So I have a flight to England to visit my family in December of last year, and Adi mentions that, for the sake of my parents, I should not be leaving England and coming back to Israel without a definite plan for my next visit roughly six months later. It's often difficult finding dates to travel and reasonable prices when I book at the last minute.
"Why not plan your next trip for May 2011?", suggests Adi. Why not indeed?!
A quick scan of the fixture list sees a potential cup final visit on 14th May, the final weekend of the premier league season on the 21st, and a European Cup Final on 28th May, which happens to be at Wembley!
Here is my first email to my mum:
From: Anton Marks [mailto:antonmarks@gmail.com]
Sent: 14 November 2010 14:20
To: elaine.marks1@btinternet.com
Subject: Coming in May
Hi Mum,
I'm looking at dates for coming in May:
Not sure which day they fly but I think Easyjet to and from Luton
Airport will be the best. There is obviously also Jet2.
Please try and price 13th -29th May. It's a long time but I would also
like to spend some time in London.
xxxx
"Why not plan your next trip for May 2011?", suggests Adi. Why not indeed?!
A quick scan of the fixture list sees a potential cup final visit on 14th May, the final weekend of the premier league season on the 21st, and a European Cup Final on 28th May, which happens to be at Wembley!
Here is my first email to my mum:
From: Anton Marks [mailto:antonmarks@gmail.com]
Sent: 14 November 2010 14:20
To: elaine.marks1@btinternet.com
Subject: Coming in May
Hi Mum,
I'm looking at dates for coming in May:
Not sure which day they fly but I think Easyjet to and from Luton
Airport will be the best. There is obviously also Jet2.
Please try and price 13th -29th May. It's a long time but I would also
like to spend some time in London.
xxxx
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