Let’s Football

my first ever Stadium Live 🏟️

Last Friday, on 6th December 2024, I had the chance to watch my first-ever live football match in a stadium. This Indian Super League (ISL) match was played between Punjab FC and Mohammedan SC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN). The tickets were free—apparently, Punjab FC wanted to build a stronger home crowd presence, so they made tickets available at no cost to encourage attendance.

As someone who had never experienced a live stadium match before, I was thrilled to go. As the day unfolded, my experience turned out to be a mix of good and bad moments.

yup, that's me

When I arrived at the stadium, the first hurdle came during the security check. The frisking staff informed me that water bottles and coins weren’t allowed inside, and I’d have to deposit them—with no guarantee of getting them back.

Unfortunately, I had switched wallets that day, and the one I carried happened to have extra coins in it—aargh! Reluctantly, I handed over my coins and water bottle, feeling uneasy. I even cried (a lot). When I returned after the match, my coins were gone, though the bottle was still there.

I wasn’t surprised—I had a feeling this would happen—but I let it go. I wasn’t in the mood to argue or fight over it.

By the time half-time rolled around, hunger struck. I decided to grab a bite, and of all the two options available, I chose noodles. Big mistake. The noodles were too spicy for me and cold on top of that! I ended up eating them anyway because, well, I needed the energy.

The match started at 7:30 PM IST and was supposed to end by 9:30 PM, after which it would take me around an hour to reach home. That meant I wouldn’t be home before 10:30 PM, assuming I stayed for the entire match (which I undoubtedly intended to).

Now, here’s the thing—I’m not allowed to be out late at night, and 10:30 PM is a death wish by my home standards. While my mom had permitted me to attend the match, my dad didn’t know.

While I was at the stadium, I got a text from my dad. It read:
“Please come home immediately
JLN stadium is far away from here
Reach home before 9”

Wow. Asking someone an hour away from home to return before 9 PM, when the match itself starts at 7:30 PM, is sheer absurdity.

I called him during the half-time break to explain. I told him about the match timings and assured him that I’d book a cab and come home immediately after the match ended. He didn’t say much—he just hung up on me.

That’s how my dad is. He wants what he wants and dislikes what he dislikes, and there’s no room for compromise.

By the time I reached home, my dad was asleep, but he had a huge frown on his face the next day. Thankfully, he didn’t scold me—because if he had, there would’ve been war. *like father, like daughter* — it is what it is.

the moon looked spectacular that night

Despite the drama and minor inconveniences, the match itself was a treat. Sitting in the stands, I realized how wrong I’d been about live matches. I’d always assumed that watching at home on TV was better—with the camera angles, replays, and commentary. I thought you wouldn’t be able to see much at the stadium.

But I was pleasantly surprised.

The view from my seat was incredible, even though it wasn't the best one out there. I could differentiate the players on the pitch, follow the ball, and track all the action without much difficulty. The crowd’s energy was contagious. There’s something magical about being surrounded by fans, chanting, cheering, and collectively living the game.

That said, I did miss the replays, and it was a bit frustrating. I have a knack for missing goals almost every time—they tend to happen when I’m either out for a bathroom break or distracted by some chore at home. I usually rely on rewinding or replays to catch up on what I missed.

At the stadium, though, there was no such luxury. Both goals were scored while I was looking elsewhere—once at my phone screen, and the other time, heaven knows what I was doing. It’s funny in hindsight, but in the moment, it was exasperating! It’s strange how moments of inattention always find the worst timing.

But isn’t that part of the charm of live experiences? You live in the moment, imperfections and all. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s something no screen can ever replicate.

the view from my seat

Now you know why the good and the bad.

The bad? Losing my coins, the spicy cold noodles, and the family drama.
The good? Everything else. From the free tickets to the incredible atmosphere and the sheer thrill of watching a live game—it was all worth it.

While I may have lost my coins, missed the goals and had to deal with some ‘hot’ noodles, I walked away with something much more valuable—a memory I’ll cherish forever. Life rarely goes as planned, but it’s these imperfect, unpolished moments that make it truly worthwhile.

Here’s to more live matches in the future—and next time, I’ll definitely avoid carrying coins!

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a bonus video for y’all lovely people -

Copyright © 2024 Saumya Sharma. All rights reserved.

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P.S. Here's what I’ve been loving on Substack this week:

1. ‘The two of us’ by

   Trudi Nicola
   - such a beautiful and intimate piece. It captures the essence of love and the joy of a deeply personal commitment. It is a celebration of love stripped of grandeur but rich in meaning.

   The two of us

2. ‘What if she became what you thought?’ by

   Jane Deegan
   - a fiery declaration of defiance and self-liberation. The protagonist’s transformation from the ‘good’ girl into someone unapologetically herself is both poignant and empowering. A bold, rebellious piece—brimming with energy and truth. Lovely work!

   What if she became what you thought?

3. ‘Getting Directions’ by

   John Bluff
   - a brilliantly ironic commentary on our over-reliance on technology. The piece cleverly uses the narrator’s obliviousness to expose the theme, making it relatable and thought-provoking.

   A fantastic blend of humour, commentary, and irony!

   Getting Directions

What have you all been following this week? Let me know in the comments!!

Sending love 💌