Trading my Champions League final ticket for Wigan

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
07 May	3:00 PM	P	Wigan Athletic (H)	4	2	Win

Last week I made the biggest decision in my life as an Arsenal supporter.

I decided to trade my Champions League final ticket for a ticket to the Arsenal v Wigan match. Many of my mates said I was crazy. I was trading the chance to be at Arsenal's biggest match in history for a match against Wigan.

I didn't see it that way though.

There will be other Champions League finals (I hope!), but there will be no more Highburys. I saw it [Arsenal v Wigan] as a chance to say farewell to the stadium that has seen me go through a roller-coaster of emotions since I started watching Arsenal.

It was a chance for me to see the inside of Highbury one last time; and to possibly say goodbye to the trio of Bergkamp, Henry and Píres. Of course, I hope the latter two stay on at Arsenal for the rest of their careers.

And I didn't (and still haven't) regretted my decision one bit.

The last match at Highbury had all the trademarks of what we've been accustomed to from Arsenal over the years. Do we make it easy for ourselves? Of course not.

We were one-nil up and then two-one down within the first half an hour, before Thierry Henry decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck and play football. He wasn't having one of his mood swings today – Thierry was up for it.

And what a way to see Highbury off. A hat-trick from the master guaranteed us Champions League football for next season, albeit from the qualifying stages.

It's a bit disappointing that we've just managed to finish fourth in Highbury's last season, but I suppose there is still chance to bring home the biggest trophy of them all.

It was a nice, classy touch from the club to provide each supporter with a red or white shirt, and the Wigan supporters with a blue shirt, imprinted "Arsenal v Wigan – I Was There." It was also almost comical that every shirt was XXL in size, so little children looked like they were swimming in this large shirt.

I'm still hoping for a Champions League final ticket, but the last time I asked around, these were going for almost £2000. That is stupid money, as I only paid £48 for mine before I traded it with another Arsenal fan. Highbury's last match was only being touted at £150.

There is no way I'll be able to afford a Champions League ticket at those prices, but I don't have any regrets. I'll be there at the next Arsenal Champions League final.

When the next generation of Arsenal fans turn back and look on Highbury Square, trying hard to imagine that it once housed a listed building that kept 93 years of Arsenal memories, I'll be able to say that I was there.

I owed it to Highbury (and myself) to say good bye.

User Comments

arsemaniac

Posted on 10 May, 2006 at 08:24 AM - Reply

lozza - I won't buy off a tout in principle. I think they're disgusting people who take advantage of other fans.

Gooner

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 09:11 PM - Reply

I would have done the same thing, especially with the way that it went! Would have like to have seen the UEFA Champions League Final though, possibly the biggest game in Arsenal's history! But then consider the cost of flights, accomodation and the tickets in Paris, i would have picked to see off Highbury and what fashion we did it in, only wish i could have gotten tickets to one of the ocassions.

Marce07

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 05:23 PM - Reply

Yeah, I agree too. But even more, just that specific moment:
Around min.80, last 10 minutes of football at our unforgettable temple, we were 4-2, Iceman just to get in, and the news with West Ham second goal arriving…
Gosh just being there at that moment value anything!
Just hope our band of brothers will give us some new amazing memories May 17th.

goonerjae

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 05:01 PM - Reply

great article! would have done the same

Jeff

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 03:26 PM - Reply

You are a brave man for doing this but I probably would have gone to the champions league final!

Natalie

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 03:03 PM - Reply

I would've loved to have been there - what an amazing day. One a Gooner shall remember forever! Although...The first London club to reach Champions League Final? In the the home of our legendarycaptain? Henry, Cole, Ronaldinho, Eto, Messi...all on the same pitch... and if Arsenal win? WOW! Now that would be a day!

lozza

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 02:52 PM - Reply

why didnt you buy off a tout for wigan and keep your ticket for paris! 200 quid for both games!!

Josh

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 02:41 PM - Reply

Before the game, I would have said it was the most foolish thing you ever did, but after watchin it, I think you made the right choice. What a match and what a farewell. It was the best organised football event in the past decade or so.

Marcus

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 01:53 PM - Reply

I would also traded my CL ticket for the ticket to the last game on Highbury without doubt!

Nicky

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 01:50 PM - Reply

Too right mate I would have done the same, unfortunately I didn't have a ticket to either!

names_dave

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 12:03 PM - Reply

well done mate.

Exiled In Newcastle

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 11:53 AM - Reply

I think you made the right choice. I'm lucky enough not to have to choose but if it was an either / or I would not have missed saying goodbye to the grand old lady.

Simon M

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 10:59 AM - Reply

The game was probably one of those moments i will never forget, ive never seen highbury like that before, truly a great occasion, just hope the ending ceremony made Henry think about staying, he got a great reception through out the whole game

rusty

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 10:42 AM - Reply

well played that man.

Rachel

Posted on 9 May, 2006 at 10:20 AM - Reply

I can understand why you traded, think I would have done the same thing. So many memories in that wonderful stadium, needed the chance to say goodbye. Final tickets are at a riduculous price, good luck in finding one though.

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