Wembley Stadium – the iconic home of football in England! Recently I got the chance to experience the EFL championship play off final; Leeds United v Southampton. From the moment I stepped off the Tube to the final whistle, it was a day to remember. Here’s a rundown of my game day experience at Wembley.

Branding on Point

First things first, let’s talk about the branding. Everywhere you looked, the branding around the game was clear to see. From the giant posters of the game to directional signage, the branding was consistent and clear.

Bag Drop Off – Quick but Pricey

One of the first things I did was head to the bag drop-off. The process was surprisingly smooth and quick, which was a relief. The downside? The £10 fee. It felt a bit steep, especially since I had no choice but to leave my bag there.

Fan Zones

Both clubs had their own fan zones set up outside the stadium, and they were buzzing with energy. Each zone had live music and various forms of entertainment, getting everyone pumped for the game. It was like a mini-festival.

Clear Signage

Kudos to Wembley for their excellent signage from the Tube station to the stadium. The clear directions helped manage the flow of the massive crowds.

Atmosphere – Simply Electric

The absolute highlight of the day was the atmosphere. Wow. Just wow. The noise, the songs, the sheer passion from both sets of fans was incredible. When the teams walked out onto the pitch, the atmosphere generated by both sets of fans was fantastic. The atmosphere during the game made the experience unforgettable.

Food Options

When it came to food, Wembley didn’t disappoint. There were plenty of options to choose from, catering for a range of tastes.

Smooth Post-Game Management

After the final whistle, I braced myself for the chaos of leaving the stadium. But to my surprise, the fan management was spot on. The process of getting from the stadium to the Tube station was well-organized and efficient. Despite the huge number of people, the exit was relatively quick and hassle-free. A great end to a fantastic day.

Final Thoughts

All in all, my game day at Wembley Stadium was an absolute blast. The atmosphere was electric, the fan zones were good, the food was tasty, and the post-game exit was relatively smooth. If you ever get the chance to catch a match at Wembley, grab it with both hands. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

About Geoff Wilson

Geoff runs his own consultancy business, with a focus primarily on sport.  Previously Head of Marketing and Communications at the Irish FA,  Geoff now consults to a wide range of global sports organisations on areas such as strategic planning, marketing and communications, digital, fan engagement, public affairs, women’s football, league development, club development and knowledge sharing / capacity building programmes.  Geoff has created numerous academic models for the sports industry.  Geoff is on the Advisory Panel at the English Football League and Chair of the Sports Council Trust Company (Sport England organisation)