Where to watch a football game?

[mkub3905]

...will be in CABA for several more weeks (till the end of the February) and I would really like to see (ARGENTINE) fútbol ! (A`a game I admittedly know very little about.)
Searching online for a schedule, tickets... even which teams to watch, at what stadiums to see them takes me to ESPN (aurghhh !!!!), tour groups (along with breakfast and a bus-ride we'll take you to a "authentic" soccer game -ugh) and this sort of distraction.

...not asking for any over-the-top commentary or an in-depth discussion of the game, simply basic direction if you can (plz).

as always, with much appreciation in advance,
m.

 

[tilkaratnedil]

A stream of consciousness

• There are ~10 first division teams within a 30 minute drive from CABA
• For most teams except Boca, River (and maybe Independiente and Racing) you can buy tickets in person, either day of game or few days before. Other than those four teams, the others do not sell out matches
• Some but not many sell tickets online (e.g. Velez). Most teams have a whatsapp that you can ask questions to a real person.
• Search "X team" "Entradas" on Google and often you'll be directed to the right place. Tickets go on sale 4-10 days before a match and never before
• When you buy tickets, the "Popular" is where the hardcore fans stand/sing/dance all game. Tickets are not allocated, for the biggest teams you have to arrive 2 hours early to get a decent location and well good luck if you need the bathroom. In general if you are claustrophobic, don't like the smell of smoke, don't want to have a drunk (or worse) argentinian man jumping and hugging you next to you, then i would avoid this section.
• People will tell you it is very dangerous, but IMO it is safe if you don't draw attention to yourself. Suggestions:
  • Make sure you wear team colours - you can pick up street versions for very cheap outside
  • By all means take 5-10 photos and 1-2 videos but don't use your phone otherwise
  • If you buy a ticket not in the Popular (along the sidelines + more expensive) then it is quite a relaxed atmosphere and you are very unlikely to encounter any problems, even if you don't follow the two bullets above
  • Finally (and no offense to the Americans) but try to be subtle and keep your voice down which is easy I think for Brits/Europeans but more difficult for Americans
• I would recommend the following:
  • For a cost effective and easy experience go to: Platense, Argentinos Juniors or Velez. Nearby to CABA and tickets are straightforward
  • For a cost effective but maybe more challenging experience: Get a membership at SomosRiver.com or Independiente and buy tickets through there
  • For a non-cost effective and easy experience: Find a tout willing to sell you a Boca or River ticket for ~$40-80. Ideally pay once inside
• Oh and you need your passport with you

 

[mkub3905]

FANTASÍA
MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!!!!

 

[Johnny]

A stream of consciousness

• There are ~10 first division teams within a 30 minute drive from CABA
• For most teams except Boca, River (and maybe Independiente and Racing) you can buy tickets in person, either day of game or few days before. Other than those four teams, the others do not sell out matches
• Some but not many sell tickets online (e.g. Velez). Most teams have a whatsapp that you can ask questions to a real person.
• Search "X team" "Entradas" on Google and often you'll be directed to the right place. Tickets go on sale 4-10 days before a match and never before
• When you buy tickets, the "Popular" is where the hardcore fans stand/sing/dance all game. Tickets are not allocated, for the biggest teams you have to arrive 2 hours early to get a decent location and well good luck if you need the bathroom. In general if you are claustrophobic, don't like the smell of smoke, don't want to have a drunk (or worse) argentinian man jumping and hugging you next to you, then i would avoid this section.
• People will tell you it is very dangerous, but IMO it is safe if you don't draw attention to yourself. Suggestions:
  • Make sure you wear team colours - you can pick up street versions for very cheap outside
  • By all means take 5-10 photos and 1-2 videos but don't use your phone otherwise
  • If you buy a ticket not in the Popular (along the sidelines + more expensive) then it is quite a relaxed atmosphere and you are very unlikely to encounter any problems, even if you don't follow the two bullets above
  • Finally (and no offense to the Americans) but try to be subtle and keep your voice down which is easy I think for Brits/Europeans but more difficult for Americans
• I would recommend the following:
  • For a cost effective and easy experience go to: Platense, Argentinos Juniors or Velez. Nearby to CABA and tickets are straightforward
  • For a cost effective but maybe more challenging experience: Get a membership at SomosRiver.com or Independiente and buy tickets through there
  • For a non-cost effective and easy experience: Find a tout willing to sell you a Boca or River ticket for ~$40-80. Ideally pay once inside
• Oh and you need your passport with you

An excellent post! Well done!

 

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Good summary!
There's also lots of B and C league teams inside CABA that might be fun to watch.

 

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

A friend of mind does run football tours if you are interested.

Football tours

 

[mkub3905]

Would be great if I didn’t need to read ‘FÚTBOL PARA DUMMIES’ first
(But thanks!)

 

[mkub3905]

An excellent post! Well done!

This is perfect (am being American, I can say… Spot On too!!)

 

[mkub3905]

An excellent post! Well done!

 

[mkub3905]

At the moment, I am feeling truly like a dummy, in that I really really really can’t tell where any of the games are being played
…here, there, even (aurghhh…) ESPN

….help (?)