Planning a trip to the bridge and need advice

[focht]

Hello, I'm a newbie from the states and am planning a trip to london. and hopefully to the 2.5.2009 fulham derby game. I've never been to europe and need some advice from locals or people who have traveled to see a game. I can handle getting to the bridge, but have some questions about the game and london.

First, whats the best way to get tickets?

I've seen tickets online anywhere from 35-350gbp ($50-500 usd)

cfc website says they won't release tickets until 4 weeks prior to match.

does anyone have experience with ticket exchanges, and if so, what would you recommend as the safest and best deal?

Second, where (if i have any choice) should i get a seat?

best stand? best view? i would hate to be in the upper with the sun in my eyes all afternoon.

Third, best way to get around london?

i'll probably get a hotel room in the kensington area and don't mind walking a bit. but if i'm there i'll want to see a bit of london. don't care about typical tourist crap. are taxi drivers gonna see an American "sucker"? i figure the tube will get me where i want to go, but is there anything i should know?

Finally, can anyone recommend the best pubs/resturants in the area especially matchday before and after.

Thank you in advance to any replies!

[loz]

In terms of tickets they go on sale to season ticket holders and members first - if there are any left over after that they are made available for general sale. Given that you are wanting to go to the Fulham game which is our local derby you may struggle to get a ticket through the normal channels.

The Viagogo ticket exchange may be your best bet http://chelseafc.viagogo.co.uk/ Never used it myself so can't give you any details about it however it is the only official one so us your best bet.

As for where to get tickets try and avoid the East Stand. Personally I like the Matthew Harding Upper however other people may think differently.

Don't bother with taxis - definitely use the tube however make sure you buy a day travel card rather than individual tickets every time you travel as it is far cheaper.

On match day pretty much every pub in the surrounding area will be packed out so it doesn't matter all that much which one you go to given that you won't know anyone anyway.

[maddoo]

Hello, I'm a newbie from the states and am planning a trip to london. and hopefully to the 2.5.2009 fulham derby game. I've never been to europe and need some advice from locals or people who have traveled to see a game. I can handle getting to the bridge, but have some questions about the game and london.

First, whats the best way to get tickets?

I've seen tickets online anywhere from 35-350gbp ($50-500 usd)

cfc website says they won't release tickets until 4 weeks prior to match.

does anyone have experience with ticket exchanges, and if so, what would you recommend as the safest and best deal?

Second, where (if i have any choice) should i get a seat?

best stand? best view? i would hate to be in the upper with the sun in my eyes all afternoon.

Third, best way to get around london?

i'll probably get a hotel room in the kensington area and don't mind walking a bit. but if i'm there i'll want to see a bit of london. don't care about typical tourist crap. are taxi drivers gonna see an American "sucker"? i figure the tube will get me where i want to go, but is there anything i should know?

Finally, can anyone recommend the best pubs/resturants in the area especially matchday before and after.

Thank you in advance to any replies!

Whereabouts in Philly my friend

[focht]

Whereabouts in Philly my friend

northern suburbs. montgomery county. north wales township.

[focht]

thank you to loz! very helpful.

[maddoo]

northern suburbs. montgomery county. north wales township.

Just wondering focht, I have a brother in Philadelphia.

[loz]

Focht - I was in Philly for 2 weeks way back in about 1997 and have to hold up my hands and admit I did the Rocky run and jump up the steps - is it safe to assume you get plenty of people stupidly doing that or was I an even bigger tool then I thought I was being?

[focht]

Focht - I was in Philly for 2 weeks way back in about 1997 and have to hold up my hands and admit I did the Rocky run and jump up the steps - is it safe to assume you get plenty of people stupidly doing that or was I an even bigger tool then I thought I was being?

haha......i've done it. it's almost mandatory...

[focht]

Just wondering focht, I have a brother in Philadelphia.

where does he live?

[maddoo]

.

Focht - I was in Philly for 2 weeks way back in about 1997 and have to hold up my hands and admit I did the Rocky run and jump up the steps - is it safe to assume you get plenty of people stupidly doing that or was I an even bigger tool then I thought I was being?

I thought I was the biggest tool when I did it Loz,well there you go.

[loz]

You know what they say - a tool feeling shared is a tool feeling halved!

Now I have 'thirded' it.

[maddoo]

where does he live?

Havertown,just off the W.Chester Pike

[focht]

Havertown,just off the W.Chester Pike

yea, that's not too far from me

[Liam]

Be careful that you don't lose your match ticket, as they won't let you into the ground, and then you'd be truly Focht.

[focht]

gotta get one first Liam :lol:

thanks for everyones help!

but i've come up with a new problem...

viagogo seems like the best way to get a ticket (thanks loz)

but you need to be a true blue member, which i am not, and according to the cfc website cannot become this season.

is there any other way to get a membership?

does anyone have any other ideas?

i've also seen pricey thomas cook ticket and hotel packages, and chelsea "hospitality packages" which are a lot of money.

i'm going to be spending a ton of money getting there anyway, so if i have to get some "package" its not the end of the world...but i'd still just like the ticket on its own.

thanks again