As the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan approaches on June 10 in Istanbul, Expedia via Expedia Live, partner of the competition, has produced a study highlighting the sounds that characterize the universe football and travel. With the help of former 1998 world champion Patrick Vieira.
“During my various trips to Europe, the sounds I heard on match days made each of my experiences unforgettable, whatever the destination,” says Patrick Vieira. And the former Arsenal Gunners player to confess that he “loved the roar of the plane as it took off as it heralded the start of the journey and the excitement of the stadium just before kick off which got the adrenaline pumping”. “Football has so many iconic sounds that create this unique and inimitable vibe,” he said. So when he went to a rival stadium and heard his team’s supporters “singing with passion”, he found it “magical” to the point of “still keeping beautiful memories”. Finally, adds Patrick Vieira, “the loudest stadium I’ve had the chance to pass through is Anfield (north-west of Liverpool) because the sounds and the passion coming from the supporters were incredible to experience”.
The coach’s speech at halftime rather than that of a loved one at a wedding
According to an Expedia study of French fans, team songs rank first among the sounds associated with the world of football. THE national anthems and the clapping of supporters complete the podium. Then come theUEFA Champions League anthem then the crowd cheers.
For the French, the atmosphere and the sounds of the game are indeed an integral part of the experience in a stadium. 95% of respondents believe that a good atmosphere makes a football match even more memorable and 81% even think that noises during the match can have an impact on the outcome of the game. Similarly, 1 out of 6 French people questioned would prefer to listen to the coach’s speech at half-time rather than the speech of their loved ones at a wedding. Moreover, 55% of French people say they can recognize the UEFA Champions League anthem in less than two seconds. The French also turn out to be chauvinists because according to them the loudest and most passionate fans would rather be at Olympique de Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain and then Real Madrid.
The Expedia study also reveals that 71% of fans would dream of traveling to Istanbul on June 10 this year to watch the UEFA Champions League final. For 69% of respondents, the fact that the final between Manchester City and Inter Milan being played in Istanbul has an impact on their desire to visit the city. Let’s not forget, this is an Expedia survey.
The allure of Istanbul and its iconic sounds
“Istanbul is full of iconic sounds that make it a bustling, vibrant and lively city. I remember perfectly my visits, the call to prayer that resounds throughout the city and the bustle of the bazaars that create a fantastic atmosphere. Wherever you are, you will hear the street vendors shout and if you head towards the Bosphorus you will hear the steamboat horns blaring. If you are going to visit Istanbul, you absolutely must attend a football match because there the atmosphere is electric commented Patrick Vieira who had the opportunity to play several times in Istanbul during his career.
