Has anyone been to an FA a cup final before?

[ItsAsIfWeWereThere]

Just wondering what it was like being there. Especially if you went with a child. Would you go again (with the right teams) or is it just so much easier watching on telly?

I think I have the opportunity to take DS8 this year. He supports one of he teams. But I’m a bit worried it might all be a bit much for a child. If everyone stands of it fairly hard to see? We've been to a few matches before but never Wembley.

Thanks.

@Hellohah No. not neutral. It would be through ticket transfer from my brother who has 1st priority booking access (or whatever it’s called) but can’t attend. Probably not a dead cert but more hopeful than by any other route!

Getting out of Wembley is an absolute ballache so try not to have anything you need to rush for.

Of course, if your team win, you'll be in no rush to leave anyway

I think it’s mad that English derby games can have fans mixing outside the ground. I’m from the city with the (arguably) biggest rivalry in football and you’d be dead if you mixed with the opposing fans. Literally, you’d be lucky to live.

When the two teams play each other here, they shut down roads, line police for miles, hold the away fans back at the end of the game until the home fans are away. Proper hatred.

God no, it won't be too much, he'll love it. So exciting. Singing, the camaraderie, the cheering, the clapping. It's all fabulous. great day out. Very very saddened to read that you are even considering not taking him.

With it being a city derby it'll be quite an intense atmosphere. Not so bad during the game (or afterwards as the losing teams fans will leave straight away) but more before.

I went as a child and as an adult, I've also taken my own children. It's an amazing experience, don't miss it. We usually park at Stanmore (station car park) and get the Jubilee line to Wembley Park, then it's a 10 minute walk down Wembley Way. I've never forgotten how I felt to be there when I was young and neither have my children.

I hope if you go you both enjoy it. Half the crowd will be Mancunians as well given that Manchester City are in the final.

It's an amazing experience like no other, you'll have a great time.

Just be aware as it sounds like you are using your brother's tickets they can be strict on checks. Although I've equally had nothing checked at all sometimes so hard to tell!

The overground is usually a lot quieter than the tube for getting there and away. If you're travelling from Manchester way a lot stay places like Watford as it's near Wembley and a lot cheaper than Wembley itself and London. It will be getting booked up already though especially with the teams involved.

Have a lovely time

I’ve been to Wembley a few times before and twice so far this season, yesterday being the most recent, hoping for tickets for the final as me and my son meet all requirements for the ballot.

Getting there and getting in is no problem but leaving is a different matter. Our train back was at 9pm last night and we made it to Euston with a few minutes to spare.

I’ve been taking my son to matches since he was 4, he’s 23 next month and we have season tickets next to each other, it’s brilliant to still have this shared interest.

@PearWhere thanks for highlighting that. I’ll get him to triple check we can use the tickets before I tell DS. He said he transferred his tickets for the semi final with no issue though so hopefully it will be the same again.

I’m loving reading about all the fantastic childhood memories of attending big games. Thanks for sharing.

I’m not a big football fan, but was there way back in 1985. Some friends of friends were going to support Manchester United, specifically a family friend Norman Whiteside. He scored the winning goal. Looking back it was a really special event, but I did not appreciate it at the time.

Stadiums, facilitates were not very female friendly in those days. There were also a lot of concerns about ground safety, and fans mixing. It was also in the middle of some exams for me.

Yep. We lost and it was a long long journey home 😂

Great day out though, the atmosphere was wonderful. Have a marvellous time! My money is on city 3-1.