Soccer Time

If you're in South America you gotta talk about soccer or footbol as it’s called down here.

So, I went to a game on Sunday and it was fun. Because I am staying with a family that supports the local team called “the Strongest” I am now a fan of the club too. Here are the essentials: Colours are yellow and black, mascot is a tiger and the chant is “Tigre” (pronounced "teegray"). Here’s how it works. You arrive at the stadium and buy your ticket, regular price 20 bolivianos (about $3) and then you find your seat in the open seating section. Before heading out make sure you are not wearing the visiting team colours. If your are, change. If you’re lucky your seat is clean if not bring something to sit on or you can buy a square piece of styrofoam for about 1 boliviano. You will want to sit up a bit because the banners that are hung on the fence around the stadium may block your view of the action.
Once you’re inside the stadium don’t worry if there is already a game going on it may not be the one your team is playing. Be patient and wait. Everything is on Bolivian time here. Take a look at one end of the stadium; you will see the fan club jumping up and down, chanting and singing to a drummer and trumpet player. They will not stop for the entire game by the way so if it annoys you don’t bother. There are riot police at all the entrance and exits but even if the occasional smoke bomb is thrown they won’t do anything its really only for out of control crazy stuff.

If you`re hungry, don`t worry there is lots of food being sold. Ice cream is cheap and there are fries, cotton candy, even tissues to wipe your hands with. Sandwiches are also available but best bought at the concession to avoid getting something that has been out in the sun for a while.
When your team comes on to the pitch cheer, when the visiting team comes out whistle (this is like booing), or if you can’t whistle don’t do anything. If this is your first time at a footbol match in South America follow the locals during the match. If a player makes a dumb move they will probably whistle at him. If he makes a good play then it will be cheers and claps. If it’s a goal, cheer and shout and stand up and chant the team name.

So enjoy football South American style.