World Cup Ticket Info from USSF

[FC Tallavana]

Thanks for the advice.... It seemed really high to me too.

I just got the email from US Soccer about the ticket sale on December 12, but it doesn't say anything about seating US fans together. If you buy tickets from the USSF, will they automatically put you with other US fans?

You should be.

[SCBozeman]

before throwing money at a company I'd check the out very carefully. There have been many cases of such companies "going bust" on the eve of the world cup, leaving people with absolutely nothing.

$3000 sounds very steep for 12 nights accommodation and 3 return rail tickets. Cologne to Berlin, about as far as you'd go, isn't even $200 return - and a six day rail pass wouldn't cover all 3 group games of any team.

Even three Cat 1 group game tickets are only about $300. So really you are paying $2000+ for 12 night's stay. Hardly sounds a bargain.

The advice is sound, although probably mis-placed in this instance.

"Soccer Vacations" or "Soccer Travel" is the company officially partnered with the USSF. Pretty well connected. http://www.ussoccer.com/schedule/content.sps?iType=4079&icustompageid=6486

The 6 day rail pass is for six days within that period, I believe. In other words, it's a roundtrip rail pass from wherever they decide to plunk you down and the games. Check out the 2 game package; it has a 4 day rail pass.

And yes, it's damned steep. That's their premium to survive as a company and grease the skids at USSF to let them have tickets. All told, probably about $1000 premium per ticket is my guess.

I've researched it, as it appears to be the only sure bet to get US tickets.

[Palermo10]

I've researched it, as it appears to be the only sure bet to get US tickets.


You can pay through the arse on tickets with Euroteam or RazorGator or any of those other sites, but still save money after airfare, lodging, and train travel.

I will be spending about $1000 less - that includes airfare, lodging, and food - than if I were to go through SoccerTravel. And I paid about $350 per game.

[SCBozeman]

You can pay through the arse on tickets with Euroteam or RazorGator or any of those other sites, but still save money after airfare, lodging, and train travel.

True. I overstated that soccertravel is the ONLY source, as there are a couple of other sources that similarly cost a boat-load.

Question -- did you receive your tickets yet? I'm almost definitely going and would like to be sure of the ticket source. If you have Euroteam tickets in your hot little hands, I'm more likely to go that way than with soccertravel.

[Palermo10]

True. I overstated that soccertravel is the ONLY source, as there are a couple of other sources that similarly cost a boat-load.

Question -- did you receive your tickets yet? I'm almost definitely going and would like to be sure of the ticket source. If you have Euroteam tickets in your hot little hands, I'm more likely to go that way than with soccertravel.

FIFA tickets aren't printed until about 3 weeks before the tournament (pretty lame if you ask me).

Euroteam has two phrases apparently : "confirmed" and "guaranteed"

Confirmed means your order has been processed and they will get tickets for you.
Guaranteed means you will be getting the tickets when they are printed.

I ordered at a time when apparently they had tickets, and so they said my order was both "confirmed and guaranteed"

THey have a 200% refund policy (probably more like 100%) if they can't get you the tickets.

I have an order number and everything - its SSL and very legit. If you go through them just make sure you keep all the information, and you can email them - they are a little slow in response sometimes but I can't call Norway for cheap so I have to email.

When I bought the USA tickets they were 810 euros each for TST-3 Cat-3.

Now they are 945... but thanks to the rioters in France the euro has dropped some. ;)

[REVS FAN 1]

Question -- did you receive your tickets yet?

No way! I was lucky enough to score a USA TST-6 way back when...

From what I understand now, the group stage tickets (3 games) will be mailed out a few weeks prior to the start of WC....any additional tickets (R16, Qtrs, Semis, Final) will have to be picked up one game at a time at specific ticketing centers located near the venues prior to each match...you'll need to show your passport to obtain the tickets......

[SCBozeman]

FIFA tickets aren't printed until about 3 weeks before the tournament (pretty lame if you ask me).

Euroteam has two phrases apparently : "confirmed" and "guaranteed"

Confirmed means your order has been processed and they will get tickets for you.
Guaranteed means you will be getting the tickets when they are printed.

I ordered at a time when apparently they had tickets, and so they said my order was both "confirmed and guaranteed"

THey have a 200% refund policy (probably more like 100%) if they can't get you the tickets.

I have an order number and everything - its SSL and very legit. If you go through them just make sure you keep all the information, and you can email them - they are a little slow in response sometimes but I can't call Norway for cheap so I have to email.

When I bought the USA tickets they were 810 euros each for TST-3 Cat-3.


Hmm, sounds like something I'd like. I guess the follow-up question, which you likely can't answer, is what if you buy tickets for two first round games.

It sounds like euroteam has some sort of supply from somewhere that they are counting on (hence the 200% return guarantee), but they don't have them in hand and may not for quite a while.

Since I can only take a week off, I'd like to see two matches. From the sound of it, they pick two first round matches, although not necessarily two in a row. I wonder when they would let you know your tickets are confirmed so you can make travel arrangements? Any thoughts?

[SCBozeman]

Hmm, sounds like something I'd like. I guess the follow-up question, which you likely can't answer, is what if you buy tickets for two first round games.

It sounds like euroteam has some sort of supply from somewhere that they are counting on (hence the 200% return guarantee), but they don't have them in hand and may not for quite a while.

Since I can only take a week off, I'd like to see two matches. From the sound of it, they pick two first round matches, although not necessarily two in a row. I wonder when they would let you know your tickets are confirmed so you can make travel arrangements? Any thoughts?

Answered the last question re: Euroteam from Euroteam.

They cannot guarantee which tickets they get you. They can only guarantee the number you ask for. In other words, if you order two matches it might be match 1 and match 3.

That shakes things up for people who are taking vacation time and flying across the ocean. Given that, I think I'll pass on Euroteam.

[RSwenson]

I am really disappointed...

From the FAQ for distribution of USSF tickets:

"27. Will there be a Sam’s Army or specific U.S. Supporter’s section?

FIFA has 100% control of all tickets for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.** Tickets have been made available for sale through U.S. Soccer by the guidelines set by FIFA.** Based on these guidelines and the timelines provided, U.S. Soccer is not able to coordinate a specific “Sam’s Army” section for any selected match and/or venue.** Please visit www.sams-army.com for further information."

Of course, despite the referral to the Sam's Army web site there has been no cooperation between them and the USSF... I have a feeling it is going to be a disaster with Little Johnny and his family insisting that everyone sit down (in the right place) and the gestapo all too willing to help them out... :mad:

That may be my best "Chicken Little" impression but I doubt it... I can't imagine the German's allowing us to take over a section like we did in Korea and we are all going to be interspersed with "civilian" prawn sandwich-eating vacationers out to enjoy a relaxing game...

rand

[RSwenson]

I have sent a message to tickets@ussoccer.org (this is the address that they gave for inquiries about tickets being distributed by USSF)




Sir/Madam:

I understand that what you are doing is very complex and that I probably don't have all of the details. However, I have been to all of the US games in the prior 3 world cups and both of the confederations cups in support of the USMNT (not to mention several away qualifiers). It is completely predictable that there will be many people unhappy after this process and, if not then, at the cup itself.

You are selling tickets to two completely different sets of individuals who have completely different and incompatible goals. I am going to Germany to support the US National Team. I, for one, will stand until such time as they throw me out of the stadium and I will make as much noise as I possibly can. You are also selling tickets to families and individuals who are planning on enjoying a nice day out watching a spectacle. This family does not want to be near me during the game (no, I am not violent), and I neither deplore their passive attitude to the beautiful game nor do I want to interfere with their day out. However, if they happen to be adjacent to me (or behind me) they will probably not have their enjoyable, relaxing game.

Based on the way FIFA distributed tickets in the earlier draw, problems may be unavoidable. However, the only way to minimize the damage is to somehow identify and place supporters with tickets together so the only people that we bother are ourselves (and, hopefully, the opposing team). I don’t know whether this can be done after the ticket sale (since the distribution of the actual tickets and, presumably, assigning of seats is not to be until spring). There are certainly those who would be willing and able to help in identifying supporters with category 3 and/or 4 tickets wishing to be in a supporter’s group, although the easiest thing would be to have individuals identify themselves when applying for tickets.

If the USMNT has ever appreciated or profited from the rabid but nonviolent support that we have given them over the years, this only makes sense. The team is going to need all of the support that it can get in Germany since our history when playing on the continent has not been good.

Please give this issue strong consideration. It is not going to go away and has a high potential to give US Soccer a black eye at a time when we should all be celebrating the advancement of the sport.

Sincerely,
Rand Swenson

[Hosscat]

What he said...... That's going to seriously blow if there's not a Sam's Army section at the games in Germany.

What are the other federations doing? I find it hard to believe that the European teams aren't going to have designated sections in the stadiums for their fans.

[REVS FAN 1]

Well said Rand...

Maybe a copy of that should be sent to the Evil Little Midget!!!

[Bigdog]

Good argument and I agree, but if it is not possible should the USSF presale info still be posted at the SA website to help people who want to go, and do not hang out on BS, Yanks in Germany, NAS, etc. know about it ?
bd

[FC Tallavana]

Good argument and I agree, but if it is not possible should the USSF presale info still be posted at the SA website to help people who want to go, and do not hang out on BS, Yanks in Germany, NAS, etc. know about it ?
bd

I don't know about the rest of you but I'm all for keeping this presale to ourselves. I MUST GET TICKETS!!!

[Galaxian]

I agree and possibly USSF could give an allocation to Sams Army to distribute among us ?

[FC Tallavana]

I have sent a message to tickets@ussoccer.org (this is the address that they gave for inquiries about tickets being distributed by USSF)




Sir/Madam:

I understand that what you are doing is very complex and that I probably don't have all of the details. However, I have been to all of the US games in the prior 3 world cups and both of the confederations cups in support of the USMNT (not to mention several away qualifiers). It is completely predictable that there will be many people unhappy after this process and, if not then, at the cup itself.

You are selling tickets to two completely different sets of individuals who have completely different and incompatible goals. I am going to Germany to support the US National Team. I, for one, will stand until such time as they throw me out of the stadium and I will make as much noise as I possibly can. You are also selling tickets to families and individuals who are planning on enjoying a nice day out watching a spectacle. This family does not want to be near me during the game (no, I am not violent), and I neither deplore their passive attitude to the beautiful game nor do I want to interfere with their day out. However, if they happen to be adjacent to me (or behind me) they will probably not have their enjoyable, relaxing game.

Based on the way FIFA distributed tickets in the earlier draw, problems may be unavoidable. However, the only way to minimize the damage is to somehow identify and place supporters with tickets together so the only people that we bother are ourselves (and, hopefully, the opposing team). I don’t know whether this can be done after the ticket sale (since the distribution of the actual tickets and, presumably, assigning of seats is not to be until spring). There are certainly those who would be willing and able to help in identifying supporters with category 3 and/or 4 tickets wishing to be in a supporter’s group, although the easiest thing would be to have individuals identify themselves when applying for tickets.

If the USMNT has ever appreciated or profited from the rabid but nonviolent support that we have given them over the years, this only makes sense. The team is going to need all of the support that it can get in Germany since our history when playing on the continent has not been good.

Please give this issue strong consideration. It is not going to go away and has a high potential to give US Soccer a black eye at a time when we should all be celebrating the advancement of the sport.

Sincerely,
Rand Swenson


Why not convert the passive fans that you are sitting next to? Anyone willing to make the effort to follow the team to Germany can likely be coaxed into fanatacism with a free t-shirt and a big ass flag.

[RSwenson]

Why not convert the passive fans that you are sitting next to? Anyone willing to make the effort to follow the team to Germany can likely be coaxed into fanatacism with a free t-shirt and a big ass flag.

with all due respect, there are boat loads of US citizens with way too much disposable income who will go to events just because they are events... also, Europe is full of Americans every summer who are just vacationing and looking for a good time... some of them may be convertable... but it is more likely that they will recruit the local gestapo to enforce the strict regulations that the Germans are so correctly famous for... I have never been removed from a stadium yet (came close in Lyon once), but I have a bad feeling about Germany...

Rand

[Lewie]

I know this question has probably been answered but im too lazy to dig through the thread.

How can you get TST's for the usa?

[Palermo10]

I know this question has probably been answered but im too lazy to dig through the thread.

How can you get TST's for the usa?


In that case we are too lazy to repeat ourselves for the 87th time. Start reading.

[Bigdog]

I have sent a message to tickets@ussoccer.org (this is the address that they gave for inquiries about tickets being distributed by USSF)

Rand, When you speak poeple listen : )...

======================

Good news everyone. USSF will be including a line for Sam's Army on the
final ticketing order form. It will be something like below:

Check this box if you would like your tickets in seating dedicated for
Sam's Army.
U.S. Soccer does not have final control of ticket allocations from
FIFA, and there
is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate this request, but best
efforts
will be made to seat you in a designated area for Sam's Army.

Bottom line, we have not received any kind of assurance from FIFA that
we will be able to seat groups together, but we are going to do
everything we can to try and make this happen (whether that means
getting approval from them, or submitting the orders together, or
whatever) We will see if we can pull it off.

*Also, I think you are already doing this, but continue to encourage
people who want to be seated with Sam's Army to sign up for Category 3
tickets.*