Olomouc, Czech Republic – Czech Railways (ČD) is organizing a special 14-car train to transport fans of SK Sigma Olomouc to Mainz, Germany, for the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 match. The train, dubbed the “Modrobílý expres” (Blue and White Express), will depart from Olomouc on Wednesday, March 18th, and is expected to arrive in Mainz the following day.
The initiative comes in response to significant demand from Sigma Olomouc supporters eager to travel to the historic match. According to Zbyněk Müller, the fan liaison for SK Sigma Olomouc, “We are registering huge interest from Sigma fans for a joint trip by train to this historic match. We are therefore very pleased that we have been able to arrange with Czech Railways the operation of the Blue and White Express with fourteen carriages. This means that more than 750 fans can travel to Mainz together.”
Tickets for the train, which include a seat reservation, a match ticket, and a gift, will be sold online through the Ticketportal platform. Both second and first-class accommodations will be available. Pricing reflects the bundled package: 2,270 Czech Koruna (CZK) for second class and 2,470 CZK for first class. Refreshments will be available for purchase onboard, according to a press release from Sigma Olomouc.
ČD is too accommodating different fan groups with designated seating arrangements. The first two carriages behind the locomotive are reserved for families with children, encouraging fans traveling without children to select seats in other carriages when possible. The final two carriages are specifically designated for the club’s ultras, with no seat reservations available. Fans wishing to travel with the ultras are encouraged to contact the club via email at [email protected] or through social media channels.
The “Modrobílý expres” is scheduled to depart Olomouc Main Station at 11:45 PM on Wednesday, March 18th. It will build stops in Zábřeh na Moravě (12:05 AM) and Prague Holešovice (2:15 AM) before arriving in Mainz around noon on March 19th. Following the match, which kicks off at 6:45 PM local time (18:45 CET), fans will be transported back to the station for the return journey to Olomouc.
SK Sigma Olomouc secured their spot in the Europa Conference League by winning the Czech Cup last season. They overcame Lausanne-Sport of Switzerland in the play-off round, drawing 1-1 at home before securing a 2-1 victory away, earning them a place in the round of 16 against Mainz.
This special train service highlights the strong support for SK Sigma Olomouc and provides a convenient and communal travel option for fans eager to cheer on their team in a significant European competition. The club, based in the city of Olomouc, plays its home matches at the Andrův stadion, which has a capacity of 12,541 spectators. Sigma Olomouc currently competes in the Czech First League, the top tier of Czech football, and their club colors are blue and white.
The journey represents more than just transportation; it’s a demonstration of the passionate fanbase that fuels the club’s ambitions on the European stage. For fans making the trip, it’s a chance to experience a key moment in the club’s history alongside fellow supporters, creating a memorable experience beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.
Sigma Olomouc’s success in reaching the Europa Conference League round of 16 is a testament to their progress in recent years. Founded in 1919, the club has experienced periods of success and relegation, but has re-established itself as a competitive force in Czech football. The current manager is Tomáš Janotka, and the club is majority-owned by SK Olomouc Sigma MŽ (77.1%) with Olomouc holding the remaining 22.9%.
Fans interested in purchasing tickets for the train and match package should visit the Ticketportal website. The availability of tickets is expected to be limited given the high demand, so supporters are encouraged to act quickly to secure their place on the “Modrobílý expres.”
The return leg in Mainz promises to be a crucial encounter for Sigma Olomouc as they aim to progress further in the Europa Conference League. The club will undoubtedly be relying on the vocal support of its traveling fans to inspire them to victory.
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