Chennaiyin FC fans set for finals

As the match tickets were sold out within 15 minutes, disappointed fans too were making alternate plans to watch the match on big screens across Chennai’s many pubs. Fans are sure that it would be cracker of a show.

However, there were many fans who couldn’t book tickets for the match as it was too short a notice. “It was only recently that Chennai made it to the finals. We tried purchasing tickets but the online booking was open for only fifteen minutes. 

Moreover, there is only one direct train from Chennai to Goa, which is on Friday. We are close to 25 of us wanting to watch match live, but it will be impossible to catch a train. We are willing to book a flight but again, we are trying hard for tickets,” Josh Peters, a Chennaiyin FC fan. 

They plan to screen the match live and looking for a big venue that can accommodate many fans. However, there are some lucky ones who will be in Goa at the time of the finals. 

Santosh Rajus, a Junior Research Fellow, says, “I had planned a holiday in Goa around that time and I was rejoiced to know that Chennaiyin FC had reached finals. My friends in Goa got the tickets. I can’t wait to see John Stiven Mendoza live in the finals,” he says, excitedly. Some fans are looking to witness some celebrity magic in the much-awaited match. 

Subah S., who will also be present to watch the match live, says, “Apart from enjoying the match. I hope to see stars. I was lucky enough to spot Rajinikanth during one of the matches last year. This year, I hope to see more celebrities in Goa.” 

For those who plan to watch the match in Chennai with friends, hotels across the city are arranging for big screens for fans. Sampath Kumar of Hotel Savera says, “We will screen the match live on a giant screen along with the commentary. We also have special offers on Sunday where people can come and enjoy in groups. For instance, we have an offer on Indian drinks where they get an extra drink for the purchase of two.” 

Though ISL has garnered much fanfare in two years, but pub owners say the mania is nothing compared to cricket.