AndyMead
23 Jun 2006, 06:27 AM
As the tournament goes on, the scene after games in the stadium becomes more and more aggressive as young German and foreign teenagers - all male - race around the stadium collecting as many cups as possible. Even taking them from underneath the feet of patrons still in the stadium.
Why? Because every beer, soda, and water cup has a 1 Euro "pfand" or deposit on it.
There's really good money to be made by helping to clean the stadium - even if it means a little petty theft.
I've noticed an increased aggressiveness in the hunt for cups over the last few games.
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Another major difference in German stadiums from their U.S. counterparts is that you'll frequently find stretches of 30 or more seats without an aisle. While some older U.S. stadiums (especially college football) have longer aisles, modern U.S. arenas and stadiums are designed to allow patrons to more easily get out of their seats and to the concourse (to buy stuff) without bothering too many other patrons.
Of course I'm from the school that if you can't sit and watch 45 minutes plus stoppage of soccer without needing to get up (emergencies excluded), then you should probably be watching at home.
Why? Because every beer, soda, and water cup has a 1 Euro "pfand" or deposit on it.
There's really good money to be made by helping to clean the stadium - even if it means a little petty theft.
I've noticed an increased aggressiveness in the hunt for cups over the last few games.
----------------
Another major difference in German stadiums from their U.S. counterparts is that you'll frequently find stretches of 30 or more seats without an aisle. While some older U.S. stadiums (especially college football) have longer aisles, modern U.S. arenas and stadiums are designed to allow patrons to more easily get out of their seats and to the concourse (to buy stuff) without bothering too many other patrons.
Of course I'm from the school that if you can't sit and watch 45 minutes plus stoppage of soccer without needing to get up (emergencies excluded), then you should probably be watching at home.