Over the past several weeks I have had the opportunity to see several important games in different locations.  For example, I saw the UEFA Cup championship in an Irish pub, I regularly watch games from the couch, and I sat in the seats for a DC United match.

Hands down the in person viewing of football is the best in my opinion.  The crowd energy and enthusiasm is awesome, even if you don’t care for the teams playing.  You can’t help route for the home team, and DC’s fans are rabidly loyal to their team.  If you wear an enemy jersey to a DC United match, you might get pushed around the crowd.  I look forward to seeing Chelsea vs AC Milan, and DC United vs Real Madrid this summer.

Watching the UEFA Cup title match in an Irish bar with friends comes in second in my book.  The energy was great, and the food was cheaper, but it was missing the fan unity.  There were equal fan split in the bar, which made the cheers and jeers more contentious.  Due to the timing of some international games, I will be seeing more games at the bar down the street after work, than running home and missing the first half.

Now home viewing of games are by and large the format that is the cheapest, and most comfortable.  Yet, all the energy and spirit of the game is gone.  I have fallen asleep during more games lately than I’ve finished.  The MLS games that start at 10:00 est. are starting to bug me, but I get why they are on so late.  I have my DVR scheduled to record all of the US Men’s games in South Africa next week, and I’m still hoping to run out to a bar to watch the game.

Well fans, how do you want to watch the beautiful game?