Kitchee v. Paris Saint-Germain

Last night I went to a football match between Hong Kong's team, Kitchee, and Paris Saint-Germain. The Hong Kong Football Association plays one well-known club a year and this year it was PSG. I was really hoping that someone at camp would be interested in going, but no one really was, or those who were had work schedule conflicts. I decided to go on my own no matter what and I was glad I did. 

Aside from seeing my first international football match, I was really satisfied with all I did on my own to make it happen. I researched and purchased tickets. I found the location to pick up the tickets, which was a little bit complicated. There is a ticket vendor called CityLine here, which is similar to TicketMaster in the US. The only frustrating part is that even if you buy your tickets online, you still have to go to the vendor to pick up the ticket. You can't print from home. Plus, the vendor outlets aren't located at the sport facilities. This seems very stereotypical Hong Kong to me in that very little is straight forward and easy to accomplish. So, I was proud of myself for finding the vendor and getting my ticket. I also navigated several steps of public transportation on my own. I found Hong Kong Stadium with a little help from strangers. I spoke with some locals. I was at ease being alone and watching the game. 

All in all, I'd call the night a success. The football was atrocious. PSG walloped Kitchee, 6-2. It was a joke of a game, but it was still fun.

After wandering around Causeway Bay and speaking with two other foreigners, I finally found this sign to help me out. Hong Kong is not always so good with the signage. 

My ticket. I'm glad I didn't purchase the best seat because it would have been a total waste of money. There was really limited staffing to keep fans from going to whatever seat they wanted. So, I plunked my butt down in row 4 at one point. I moved around and saw what I wanted to see, where I wanted to see it.  

On my way to finding Hong Kong Stadium I ended up walking behind this man. I decided to refrain from asking him for directions.

Hong Kong Stadium!

Another stadium shot. This end was full of PSG fans. It seemed like most of the fans there were PSG fans. Everyone was having a good time. Even the Kitchee fans were cheering for PSG. I think everyone just wanted to have a fun night.  

Kickoff after the second goal 

A kind of cool picture of the field, except for the players moving on the right side 

Corner kick

Corner kick 

I was curious about the concessions. It turns out KFC is offered. This chicken sandwich had some sort of tangy sauce on it that I first thought was cheese wiz.  I have no idea what it was, but it was pretty tasty.

Every sport organization needs interns. :)

Oh look, it's an intern in a mascot costume. 

Sweaty selfie

I decided to embrace being in Asia and I thew up the peace sign for my picture after I saw the guys who took my picture do it for theirs.
This little pumpkin was not too concerned with the game. He was much, much more entertained by the seats.

The MTR was just a bit busy on the way home.

I felt a little claustrophobic going into the station.

Word. 

I became a bit overwhelmed on the escalator down into the MTR station. I had to do my deep breathing to believe I wasn't going to be trampled to death. 

Crowded MTR. Everyone did not seem amused by me trying to take pictures.  Yup, I'm a tourist and I don't care. 

Proof of my not caring.

Still not the most crowded MTR ride I've had since I've been here. The fact that I could get out my phone and take pictures is proof that it wasn't the most crowded ride.