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For many, enjoying football on a Saturday or Sunday will very much depend on the outcome of the match they attend. Such is the passion and tribalism, how much you enjoy your day is directly proportional to how your team does on the pitch.
So, for Tottenham supporters on Saturday, emotions would have been sky high. There is, after all, nothing better than seeing your team win the match with the last kick of the game (effectively). I was in the East Stand on Saturday, unable to sit still as the seconds ticked down and Spurs were struggling to find a way through a dogged and determined nine-man Liverpool rearguard action following a tense, thrilling and controversial match.
I got to enjoy the occasion with my family - my wife and two sons were alongside me - as part of a Premium Matchday Experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. My wife had, up until now, refused to join me at a game, despite repeated attempts to coax her. I have three passions in life - my family, writing and Tottenham Hotspur and being able to combine all three has been something I've wanted to do for a long time.
Don't get me wrong, I share Spurs with my family regularly, at home, and by taking my sons to games, but the fact that I am "too shouty" - absolutely accurate by the way - and there's "too much testosterone" inside football grounds had always put Sarah off coming along.
When I said there was a premium experience on offer, which included a meal at an exclusive restaurant inside the stadium, there was still caution, but she relented and we all went for a day out. And what a day out in the end.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of, if not the best stadium in the world. It is one of the newest of course, and should come with all the mod-cons and be as clean as a whistle. It’s got its own NFL pitch that retracts and re-emerges for matches in partnership with the NFL every year, the Dare SkyWalk where you can climb to the top of the stadium and out onto a platform above the pitch before abseiling down the side of the ground and a fully endorsed F1 karting track due to open this autumn too for goodness sake. It is an entertainment venue, not just a football ground. With standard tickets you can see the attention to detail in the concourses and with the food and drinks available and then, inside the stadium bowl with the noise that echoes around and the facilities available to all - it is an incredible day out, no matter the scoreline.
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It is no surprise, therefore, that premium matchday tickets offer the same clean and crisp experience, but on a grander scale.
Entering through the East Atrium you're met with a huge wide screen that runs the length of the back wall behind reception desks that advertise the club and the players you're about to see.
As you head up the stairs, there are a range of different Premium options open to you, that vary in price and luxury. The club’s prestigious Loge suites are on levels two, three and four and offer private booths for guests to enjoy a dining experience with a difference, while still having the ambiance of matchday. Level two also holds the Chef’s Table - serving a buffet of high-quality foods and The Residency Grill as well as the Stadium Social where we dined - the club’s new Mediterranean restaurant that is semi-closed off with a fabulous view of the pitch. Higher up on level four comes the exclusive members-only H Club along with the privacy of the Sideline Suites.
I started with the Greek meatballs and followed that up with a Beef Ragu and then Tottenham Torte to finish. My children enjoyed the pizzas on offer, with Sarah more than happy with the vegetarian dishes available. The service was excellent, with servers always on hand to deliver whatever was required, and, most importantly, always with a smile on their faces. The food was outstanding with plenty of options to cater for all. What struck me most was that the ambiance is so laid back. There is no real dress code, the club want it to be an inclusive atmosphere, that no one should feel put off by being there. Tottenham merchandise is actively encouraged, and everyone should feel comfortable. Drinks were also available for free at half-time, while you also get a digital programme too - and physical programmes are available at reception too, if, like me, you still like something tangible.
There are a plethora of staff around to answer any question you may have and they do so happily. Sometimes it doesn't feel like you're at the football, until you're actually at the football.
Talking of the football, the seats in the stadium offer a great view of the pitch - where is there a bad seat inside this ground? - and in a relaxed environment too.
Saying that, she was the first one to spring from her seat when Son Heung-min turned home Richarlison's centre to give Spurs the lead. And after taking a few pictures and videos of me rocking in my seat as the clock ticked down to the end of the game, she too was up and cheering the 96th minute winner to end an extraordinary match.
Football now is so different to how it was growing up. Premium matchday experiences back in the day would have been for those stuck-up, wealthy people who would look down their noses at the working classes. Now it's available and open to anyone who can afford it and yearns for a taste of the luxury on offer. If you can, give it a go, you might be surprised by what it's like. The prawn sandwich brigade has gone. What's on offer now is completely different and well worth a trip.
The Stadium Social package costs from £449 per person, although prices vary depending on the fixture and, although they are limited at this stage of the season, there are seasonal packages available too. If you are interested you can explore Premium packages via https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/tickets/premium-experiences or by calling 0208 365 5150.
