As an avid Chelsea supporter and seasoned football traveler with over 7 years of experience following my team to matches across Europe, I couldn’t be more excited for our upcoming away fixture against KAA Gent in the Europa League. Read below about “Chelsea vs Gent Ultimate Travel Tips for Football Enthusiasts”.
As someone who has ticked off many of the iconic grounds in England and the continent, a trip to the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent, Belgium promises to be a memorable adventure. With a lively stadium atmosphere guaranteed thanks to Gent’s passionate fanbase, this is a trip no diehard Chelsea or general football fan will want to miss!
Table of Contents
Chelsea vs Gent Ultimate Travel Tips for Football Enthusiasts
Booking Match Tickets
As a Chelsea member, I’ll be looking to get my hands on an away ticket when they get released a few weeks prior. For others looking to go, getting ahold of tickets can be tricky due to Gent only allocating Chelsea around 2,600 spots in the 20,000 capacity Ghelamco Arena.
My advice is to keep monitoring official fan forums and Twitter accounts for ticket giveaways or members looking to sell spares. Prices can range from £25-60 depending on seat location. I prefer to sit in the away end to properly immerse in the atmosphere and solidarity of traveling Chelsea supporters.
If you strike out on tickets, another option is watching the match at one of Ghent’s many lively sports bars around the stadium. Football fever will still be high as locals fill the venues in their black and white striped jerseys.
Transportation and Lodging
Ghent is an easy train ride from Brussels and bus connection from Brussels or Lille airports. As an experienced football traveler, I always compare prices across bus, train and budget airline connections to find the best value.
For lodging, I tend to stay in Airbnbs within walking distance or a short tram ride to the stadium. Ghent is very walkable, though, and I love exploring its historic cobblestone streets and gothic architecture on foot pre- and post-match.
Top fan hotels like the NH Gent Belfort are good options for those who prefer standard accommodations and being around other traveling Chelsea supporters. Prices range from £100-150 per night.
As a solo traveler, I’m fine staying in shared dorms at hostels like Hostel Uppelink, which runs about £20-30 per night. An affordable way to meet other backpackers and football vagabonds!
Exploring Ghent
One thing I love about European away days is taking time to explore the local city. Ghent has a rich history stemming back to Celtic and Roman times before emerging as a medieval port city. Wandering its lively streets, waterways and landmarks, you get a glimpse into Belgian culture.
Must-see attractions include Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the famous Graslei harbor area lined with restaurants and pubs. There’s also great shopping for team gear or souvenirs on Veldstraat street.
And being Belgium, you can’t visit without stopping into one of Ghent’s many cafes and brasseries to sample local beers, waffles and moules frites! As a seasoned football traveler, soaking in the local culture is just as integral to the experience as attending the match itself.
Come Matchday
Match day is always filled with nervous energy and excitement, especially for a European away fixture. After grabbing a bite at one of Ghent’s cafes, I’ll head to the stadium about 2 hours prior to soak in the building atmosphere. Fan chants echo through the streets as supporters don their Blue jerseys and scarves for the march to the arena.
Once inside, I love taking in the stadium and chatting with nearby fans as we anxiously await kick-off. The away section will be packed with singing, banner waving Chelsea diehards hoping to spur our squad to victory. And with Belgian fans renowned for their intense stadium atmosphere, it’s sure to be a lively 90 minutes!
Post-Match Activities
Provided we secure a Chelsea win, there will be plenty of chanting and celebrations long after the final whistle blows! I usually head to a nearby pub for drinks and analysis as we bask in the victory. A favorite is the Chelsea-friendly bar Twaalf, owned by former player Eden Hazard’s father.
Or if the result doesn’t go our way, drowning sorrows over Belgian beers and comfort food is standard protocol! There are also certain to be plenty of Gent supporters milling about the streets and bars if you fancy some friendly post-match banter.
Of course, no trip is complete without bringing home some souvenirs. Scarves, jerseys and other club merchandise make great mementos, as do things like match tickets, photos and signature books to commemorate the experience. As a seasoned football traveler, my collection of memorabilia is one of my prized possessions!
The Final Word
For Chelsea fans and general football supporters, an away day in Ghent is a unique adventure and top-shelf European experience. The atmosphere and culture around KAA Gent games is iconic, and the city itself provides a perfect backdrop for a memorable footballing trip. I hope you like reading “Chelsea vs Gent Ultimate Travel Tips for Football Enthusiasts”.
Between world-class lodging, dining and sightseeing options and the guarantee of a spirited match day environment, Chelsea vs Gent is truly a fixture tailored for the passionate football traveler. So start making plans, grab your tickets early and prepare for a footballing adventure you won’t soon forget!
Michaela Krajanova is an expert in travel journalism and blogging. With over 10 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Hospitality Management, Michaela Krajanova has cultivated a substantial following on Instagram, showcasing her travel photography and insights. Explore engaging travel guides and stories on her Instagram handle @michaela_krajanova, where she connects with a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts. Michaela’s work makes travel accessible and inspiring for readers around the globe, providing firsthand experiences and expert advice.
