Hey Andrew, Would it be at all possible for you to give those of us who missed out a level of confidence on whether there will be a spring trip? Is this being worked on right now? Or is it just an idea and AA hasn't even approached Arsenal FC about this yet? Just curious...I'd love to go over with an AA group but if that's not possible...then might as well start making my own plans. Thanks!
I have broached the subject of a spring trip with Arsenal. But the real problem is the calendar. First, there are no weeks with two home games (midweek & weekend). There are several weeks with FA, UEFA and Carling Cup matches midweek, but as that is an opportunity, it is also a problem. Those matches get shifted at the last minute. And given that we need 9 weeks notice, we're really going to be "rolling the dice" with a Spring trip. I suspect we'll go for (1) home game and then a) try to find an away match and tickets, b) hope to god one of the Cups has a match midweek that is home or away and we can find tickets. There are 10 games after the new year. From that take away: Man Utd. Liverpool Spurs and Wigan (last game at Highbury). We're just not going to be able to find two dozen tickets for those matches, more than likely. WBA looks interesting, as it has Man City on a Monday thereafter, but it also has a CL match mid week that means the Monday game might very well be moved. In addition, the Man City game is on a bank holiday so most of the travelling Arsenal supporters will attend (making it hard for us to find spare tickets). Charlton and West Ham matches are darby games, so there is always a bit more interest in those tickets from the folks we find tickets from. That leaves a few other options. We're going to play with it a bit, but to be honest, I suspect it will be around December before we have a better idea on the UEFA calendar and FA Cups before we get any formal thing from the club as to availablity. Not sure if that helps. We are planning to do it, but I think it's going to take travellers who a) won't be upset if they just see one game and / or b) are pretty flexible in finding flights, hotels, getting around the UK (or Europe?).
For the first time since we've had ArseAm trips to Highbury, I won't be able to go this year due to life changes. I'm starting a new job at the beginning of October and it will be too soon for me to take vacation, so I will miss the Fall trip. Then, my wife will be having a baby in January, so it looks like Spring is out of the question. But, I hope that all of those folks making the pilgrimage to THOF for the first (and possibly last) time have a wonderful time. You're in good hands with Andrew, Bob H, Rick B, Kelvin and the rest of the gang.
Sadly, I can't make it either (not sure I would have qualified anyway). Those of you that are going, especially those of you going for the first time, savor every moment you can at Highbury. You'll never get another chance to do so. I'm really envious that you get to do this!
I REALLY THINK WE'LL FIND A FEW MORE TICKETS. IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE WAITLIST AND WANT TO GO--EMAIL ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ANDREW@ARSENALAMERICA.COM
I found a 6 night deal on travel to London on Virgin Airlines. Don't know how good it is or if it helps anyone, but here is the link.
Holy crap that's awesome, the only downside is that it seems most of the hotels are on the other side of downtown. Though I think for that kind of price I can't avoid it, hell the flights I was finding were at least 500 bucks for the flight alone. edit: Damnit I found the downside, the flight's don't leave around the time we need them to. The latest you can fly out is the 27th. Plus it doesn't want to let me just book a flight for one person.
Great idea, Cam. Last departure date is Oct 27 though. Here is one in the right time frame, although you might not be flying virgin http://www.go-today.com/site_gtweb/...0794&iDept=339&h=1&t=p&p=1469&iFrom=11/1/2005 I'll keep looking.
Too bad. Didn't really look into as I have my plans already made. Thought it might be of some use. I'll post anything else I see though.
You'll find there is no "downtown" in London- that's an American term!! . Seriously, I have stayed in Bayswater several times and it's quite convernient to all the things you go to London for. The tube runs right by there, as well as the bus lines.
Actually, I've heard there is a club by that name, so if you ask a cabbie to take you "downtown" they'll take you to that club!! I looked at the Virgin web site a bit more. They have a similar deal to what Cam found here http://www.virgin-vacations.com/site_vv/pub_detail.asp?iDept=333&id=2862&iFrom=11/1/2005&k=751 I'm looking at it now. BTW, I got an e-mail from Rick this AM that there was a cancellation so I am in!! I'm psyched!
You know what I meant! I guess I was somewhat spoiled because last year when I went in was in Euston Square and it was about a 5 minute tube-ride to Arsenal and so I was wanting it to be something similar.
No kidding! All the crying, diapers, and sleepless nights. And then there is the baby to worry about! You'll be needing a break!
We used Virginvacations our first trip back in 2002. However it looks like you can get better combo airfare+hotel packages now from priceline.com, they are listing package options anyhwere from $950-$1800/person for flight and hotel for 8 nights from Los Angeles (we were looking at Oct. 30-Nov. 7, the hotel is the big variable, the airline could be any as well and may not be direct however). Priceline includes the City departure extra cost up front, Virgin and Go-today are add on prices ($190 was the extra cost from Virgin for leaving from LA). Check it out.
Seriously if anyone is going for the footie, think about going to Liverpool on Tuesday for the Champions League Match. I think Anfield will be cool to visit, and I'm trying to get as much packed into my time in England as possible.
I'm going to miss this one. It was doubtful that I'd make it for a November trip anyway but having the annoncement come out while I was away for a week with no internet access didn't help. Looks like a trip by myself (w/wife) in the spring or nothing. Oh well. Have fun guys.
Mike, I think you might have to narrow it down quite a bit..... (Scroll down) Notice how many in MONTREAL! A common gift girls get on their 15th birthday is a stripper's pole in their bedroom. You know....practice makes perfect! P.S. No.... implants are for when you turn 12!