Day 381: Buenos Aires, Argentina
While I have gone to a few football matches in South America along the way everyone has raved about seeing Boca Jr in Argentina and how I MUST go.
It was on my list of things to do here but actually getting to a game was more complicated that I realized.
Boca only sells to club members so you cannot simply go to the stadium and buy a ticket. However, members don’t go to all the games and give their tickets to an agency to sell.
At a hefty price.
The price of a ticket is roughly 10 dollars but the agency sold tickets go for 10 times as much.
But wait, there is alternative.
You can go to the stadium a day before, which is a sketchy end of the city, and try to buy from scalpers. They begin at a bargain basement price of three to five times the original price.
What a deal?
The problem is the scalpers also sell fake tickets so you can end up paying $50, getting a fake ticket and seeing nothing.
I couldn’t take a chance.
My friend Chris was coming to visit for the week and I didn’t want to end up with fake tickets so we sucked it up and shelled out $100 – a price I wouldn’t have thought twice to spend at home but is nearly three days budget for me on the road.
Totally worth it.
The game was so much fun. Our guide picked us up, took us to the stadium and wisely explained to sit underneath the seats above us.
Why? If you sit out from under the level above you, the visitors area, you are subjected to constant water, urine, spit and garbage being thrown on you.
The tip is worth the additional $90, having urine poured on your head ruins the game.
In the end Boca tied, they probably should have lost, but I was able to participate in two goal celebrations.
It was everything people said it was going to be and a highlight of South America.
I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
You don’t understand how I envy you for this one. I haven’t missed a Boca game on TV for the last 10 years… it is the only team I follow in the world and I’m very passionate about futbol.
It has been on my list forever, I know they don’t sell tickets… you lucky lucky woman!
Well Francisco come on down, I could be convinced to go to another game…
Very cool that you got to see a game!
Now let’s just hope your next post is about vomit so you can complete the unholy trinity.
Raymond recently posted..The World is Flat and You Can Be Too
I will try my best
As a huge Boca fan, that’s awesome that you went!! Glad you had a fun time. I grew up loving the team.
It was amazing to see people so personally connected to a team, while Canadians love hockey I don’t think we love it nearly that much.
I sooooo need to do this next time I am down there. Am going to miss the European soccer season when I head over there this summer. Really need to see some games in person, now that I understand it slightly.
Michael Hodson recently posted..What Happens When It Rains in the Desert
You should start playing, that’s when the real fun begins.
Definitely an experience in and of itself, a futbol match in South America. I bet it is probably a lot crazier than seeing a game in Europe.
Very cool, great picture and happy you “sucked it up” and paid the money to see that, definitely think that is something that neither of you will forget!
In La Boca they don’t allow any alcohol in the neighborhood for the day and up to two hours after the game. It was crazy to see so many people still out of their minds about the game but completely sober.
I wouldn’t bet that they were “sober”. They drink heavily outside of the kilometer dry zone as well as unofficial choripan locations. Also, in the “popular”, you might smell a doobie or two.
Haha that extra 90 was definitely worth it! We wanted to go to a football game will in S.A but never got the chance, there is just too damn much to do in that continent haha
Jozef @ Where Now recently posted..SUCRE SUCRE SUCRE!!
I know so much to do, what pushed me to go was that Chris was visiting and who knew when he’d get the chance again.
Loved this! When I went to La Boca, I lived up a huge fight between fans from La Boca Jr and… don’t remember, but another big football team. I hid in a cafe (literally) for 2 hours, in the dark, while people were throwing stones and glass bottles at each other on the streets.
That as pretty much my La Boca experience… but I still liked it! The guys from the cafe were all so kind and helpful at that time (we were their only guests).
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I can see how it would get pretty crazy, when we exited the stadium there were as many police as fans and they were pretty harsh about people leaving the area – NOW.
I bet it was River, they are the no. 1 rival of Boca. I’ve been in the cross hairs of some football rivalries here in Chile, but 2 hours sounds intense!
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I guess I don’t get it, coming from a non-soccer nation. Would have rather watched the game in the pub and use the money saved on beer
Roy | cruisesurfingz recently posted..7 Crew Theme Party Nights
Watching football in a pub here is fun as well but no where near as electric as in a stadium.
This is awesome!!! I’ve heard the Boca games can get really crazy! I enjoyed the singing during the game… Did people got nuts on the streets afterward?
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The singing was really fun, amazing to hear so many people in unison. Afterwards the riot squad is pretty quick at moving people off the street.
Haha! Love to go see Boca. What’s the big rival game they have?
I imagine you’d probably get coated in shit during that…
Just after this one the riot squad was out on the street, I think every game can get pretty crazy.
They know how to do fútbol right. I thought Spain had some rabid fans until I heard stories of the Argentine fans!
When I was in Ecuador people wore their rosaries to the game. It was intense.
Very cool. Seeing a football game’s what I want to do when I get to South America too. Would love to see a Pumas v Club America in Mexico City.
Ceri recently posted..A Farewell to Love
I try to get to one every chance I can get. The one I saw in Ecuador was still so much fun but only $5.
Cool – seeing a football match somewhere it’s played so well!
robin recently posted..Cielo
I once saw an exhibition game in Toronto of Liverpool and FC Porto, seeing players of that level live is an incredible experience.
Funny you mention that, I was just thinking the other day that the two major football (soccer) games I have seen were with you.
Felt so great to see all that synchronized celebrating going on. Thanks for sharing and for reminding me that sometimes, it’s worth it to spend a little (or a lot!) to experience a unique slice of culture.
Marsha recently posted..Weekend Intelligence- Special Edition- A Tribute to Mom
It was tough to shell out the money but definitely worth it.
That is something I wouldn’t have paid for lol. Doesn’t matter if it’s considered a ‘must do’ in Buenos Aires
Football doesn’t interests me at all… But I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve played football since I was 12 so perhaps I have a bit more of an attachment but I can understand how some people wouldn’t be as excited about it.
jealous! I still haven’t been. I used to see games in the US all the time and now I live here and never do. Thanks for the tip about avoiding urine though, I’ll remember that.
Rease recently posted..How to Protect Your Wallet from Vegas
I’d still be up to see a River game if they are less expensive.
The Boca’s weren’t playing while we were there…but we did catch a ‘friendly’ game in Santiago Chile. I was so enamored with the crowd and the ‘choreographed’ cheering that went on. That crowd chanted, and cheered, sang and danced for the entire 90 minutes of play. Amazing!!
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There was a section that literally jumped up and down singing for 90 minutes, it was unbelievable.
I love visiting local sporting events! Especially when the locals are so crazy about their teams!
I hope you successfully avoided the “water, urine, spit and garbage”… haha eww!
Annie recently posted..Cliffs of Moher- Ireland
You could see after each goal things being thrown down onto the crowd, it was disgusting.
I originally had no desire to go to a game, but this post makes me think I might just have to do it once. And I will definitely shell out the extra cash if I go because nobody wants to deal with fake tickets and urine.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Discovering Kentucky in Buenos Aires
OR we could go see a cheaper game….
If you’re going to a Boca home game then really a tour is the only way to go. It is expensive but a ticket bought from “some guy on a website” will still cost you half the package price with the strong possibility of being fake. I highly recommend Juancho as the best of the tour companies out there.
The same companies run tours to River home games, but tickets can be got in advance from the stadium so if you’re comfortable in Spanish then it’s a lot easier to go independently. The same goes for the other teams such as Independiente, Racing, Huracan or San Lorenzo, which are all great experiences and each have their own Clásico against their rival.
Jonathan Evans recently posted..El Superclásico – Boca Juniors vs River Plate – 15th May
So good to know. I’m still contemplating going to a River game, especially if they aren’t as expensive.
I don’t think you’re doing the amount of urine being tossed justice.
I’d put the Boco Jr urine waterfall just slightly behind Iguazu Falls in terms of liquids going over a ledge.
I think you may be right, it was a waterfall of piss that lasted through the whole game.
I am a HUGE football/soccer fan. Even here in the US, I watch matches every weekend and catch all the highlights from around the world. South American soccer is crazy and passionate and Boca Jr and River Plate are the big rivalries there. One of my best experiences was watching Barcelona play at the Nou Camp so I totally know how you felt being at the match!
Jeremy B recently posted..Why my first Sacramento Scottish Highlands Games & Festival won’t be my last
Barcelona would have been amazing. Even here people get crazy just watching Barcelona on television.
Glad it turned out good as I know how much Frugal Franie would hate paying that price and not getting her money’s worth and no one like or deserves to get ripped off!
Oh you know me, if it wasn’t amazing I would have been talking to someone about it.
Yes and you would have been able to complain in two languages!
I just found out that Boca is playing River Plate while we’re in Argentina. Of course the official tourist tickets are sold out already, but somehow I feel like my husband’s going to do his best to get tickets some way or another – although hopefully we will avoid the urine. Riot squad I can do, we get that in Chile, but bodily fluids are a little more than I can handle.
Emily recently posted..Pincushion
Yeah its strange how riot squad gear don’t even seem strange anymore. How long are you here in BsAs?
We’re just there Thursday night – Sunday night. I’ve got work, and Rodolfo’s got handball, so it would have been hard to get away for much longer than that. We’re really looking forward to being tourists all day Friday and Sunday though!
Emily recently posted..Pincushion
jealous x50,000,000,000
No exaggeration.
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Well Boca will be here waiting for you
I went to a game about a year and a half ago and I WISH someone would’ve told me to sit underneath the seats above us. Although I didn’t get urinated on, the amount of spit coming from above was absolutely disgusting.
Although it was gross, I tried to think positively and believe it was part of the experience in seeing the Boca Juniors.
Thanks for telling the story!!
I have to say I think it’s worse to have spit on your than urine. It’s terrible that I had to even contemplate that.
Hey Ayngelina, you know what? I saw them in 1998 when I visited Argentina. Wow, that’s a long time too.
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Langkawi Duty Free Shopping
Doesn’t just seem like a few years ago. Time flies.
Must. Do.
Talk about contagious.
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Sounds like a cool experience! I lived in Buenos Aires for a year and never once went to a game (although “Soy de Boca”). My local friends weren’t into sports, or were into other teams. I’ll have to check it out!
Leslie (Downtown Traveler) recently posted..Update- Egyptian street art celebrates religious unity
We went to two games when in Argentina (River Plate instead of Boca) – and both games ended nil-nil. What the eff? Such a disappointment.
But still CRAZY fun. Hockey’s got nothing on futbol. Those fans are nuts!
Dalene – Hecktic Travels recently posted..West Bay Beach – Roatán’s Queen
My first ever game was Boca and I’ve been hooked ever since. Amazing the energy they put forth and it’s for every match. Ahh I miss going. Luckily I found a place in NYC that shows the games, still nothing beats being there!!!
I can see how you would get hooked. I’d love to go to another game.
Sounds like a great experience. I love the look of the stadium. Funny, I thought a stream of “constant water, urine, spit and garbage being thrown on you” only happened at Mötley Crüe concerts
Sounds fantastic. Love the atmosphere, although the youtube vid couldn’t quite capture it.
Good call on not going with a post title of ‘how not to get peed on at the football’…
Andrew recently posted..On the Eighth Day of Christmas – US Options Trading Part 2
Actually that would have been a fantastic title….
Sounds like money well spent to experience something so popular with the locals. Not having urine poured on your head? – Priceless.
Laurel recently posted..6 Things I Learned From Getting Deported
Ha, so true!
I was super lucky to be in Mendoza a few months back when Boca played River Plate. I am still not sure why they were playing in Mendoza, but I was able to buy the expensive tickets for only AR$100 and the experience was great, though to be honest I thought the level of play was disappointing.
JB recently posted..Travel Tips- Peru
I have to agree with you there, what made it so much fun was in the stands, not on the field.
Amazing!! The one thing I regret not doing (ok, I did have the chance, but was a bit scared) back when I lived in Buenos Aires.
Glad you did, and that you wrote about it. Now I have a reason to go back!
Jenna recently posted..A Brief History of my Travel Shenanigans
I wouldn’t bet that they were “sober”. They drink heavily outside of the kilometer dry zone as well as unofficial choripan locations. Also, in the “popular”, you might smell a doobie or two.
Looks like a blast! As a massive sports fan, soccer matches and hockey games will play huge roles in the when and where of my RTW next year and Bocas is on the list for sure.
Scott recently posted..A Locals Guide to Showing Off St Louis- Part One
Argentinian football atmospherically is awesome, still got my treasured Argentinos Juniors Scarf. Think you got ripped off though.
What a blast! You are so lucky that things turned out so well. I loved the video … I could feel the excitement. You lucky duck!
Wow first poo now pee I’m scared what comes next. As for the tip, I definitely say that not getting peed on was worth the cost.
Cornelius Aesop recently posted..New Brew Tuesday- Rogue Chipotle Ale
If it had been $10 tickets but drenched in urine it wouldn’t have been such a nice post – although interesting…
Ah I’m so jealous that you went to a game in Argentina! That looks amazing. Now you need to go to Brazil where I believe the atmosphere in the stadium must be insane.
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Brazil is definitely on my list, once my Spanish is good enought that Portugese starts to makes sense!
Ahhh I love this. I wish I had been there with you. Crowd is crazy eh!?
Lindsay aka @_thetraveller_ recently posted..Travelling With My Family Vs Travelling With My Backpack
Totally agree, a football match is a must in Buenos Aires and a experience in itself. When we were there 2 months ago we were told the same, only members can buy or you can go in a expensive tour. We refused to believe it, we showed up 10 minutes before the match and they still had tickets at the box office. To avoid the flying yellow liquid we bought expensive ones in the upper tier. $35 was quite expensive for Latin America, but then again Argentina is expensive. If it was Boca- River or 2 porteño teams they would all have been taken by the members for sure, so we were lucky. Are you liking the Argentinian food? We were not crazy about it. Have to agree with those who say it’s a bad imitation of Italian and comparing the meat to Irish…We loved the Peruvian food, one of the best in the world. But Malbec wow! We couldn’t get enough of it and some of their bubblies are as good as some champagnes. Keep enjoying!
Oh I am so with you there, Argentinean food is really mediocre. I’ve been in Chinatown a lot lately.
Hey Ayngeline
It must have been a while since I last visit your blog. I haven’t even noticed that you have been traveling to Argentina. Damn I would have loved to see a Boca Jr. game live. It must have been a great experience. They really love soccer don’t they?
Thomas recently posted..How to Change Windows Explorer default startup folder
Such an understatement! They are loco for futbol!
We went to see Boca play and hated the whole experience. It was awful! Nothing against the team but here you can read why:
http://buenosaires.for91days.com/2011/04/29/watching-soccer-in-buenos-aires-part-1-boca-juniors/
We then went to a San Lorenzo game and we had a blast:
http://buenosaires.for91days.com/2011/04/30/watching-soccer-in-buenos-aires-part-2-san-lorenzo/
For 91 Days Travel Blog recently posted..The Mercado Central of Sucre
Oh my goodness, I LOVE the video!!! I grew up hearing kids chant that at school
Our classroom was divided between Boca and River fans.
Catching a game at La Bombonera is high on my list of things to do!
This was a 3 – 3 tie between Boca Jrs and Tigre.
Quite an exciting match you got to see: 6 goals! And the last one, if I am not mistaken was an excellent strike by Clemente Rodriguez