A few weeks ago, a five-a-side team from Middlesborough would never have imagined they'd be on a plane to Hamburg for a VIP trip to the UEFA Europa League Final... but that's exactly what happened last week when the mates from Birch Services won the SEAT Fives Final at Villa Park !
They joined other lucky Club SEAT UK members, including Kicks & Tricks winner Ash Randall, and hundreds of SEAT enthusiasts from around the world, for the much heralded Fulham v Atletico Madrid Final. Of course, this included VIP hospitality, flights, transfers, accommodation and tickets to the SEAT p arty after the match. As SEAT are the exclusive sponsor of the UEFA Europa League, it was the perfect opportunity for Club SEAT members to make the most of this strong relationship with European football.
After we all flew into Hamburg on a SEAT hired plane, the whole group checked into a luxury hotel and sat down to a lavish lunch. We then quickly found ourselves straight in the heart of UEFA Europa League fever, the UEFA Fan Zone, enjoying the electric pre-match atmosphere in Hamburg's Spielbudenplatz on the Reeperbahn. It was an amazing place to soak up the atmosphere. As always, world famous freestyle footballer Dan Magness was hilarious, entertaining the crowd with his freestyle antics and fun-loving attitude.
Back on the Club SEAT coach, it was time for the next stop - the Hamburg Arena itself - with Club SEAT VIP Pass in one hand and SEAT UEFA Europa League scarf in the other!
With entertainment, music, and even Dan Magness and his freestyle partner Charlotte Lade performing on stage, the vibe outside the stadium was amazing. Once inside, you could sense that this was one of the most important European games of the year, and the biggest match in Fulham FC's 131-year history. Still without a single trophy in their cabinet, this was a huge day for Fulham supporters!
Unfortunately, this match was no drought breaker. Fulham returned to England empty handed, losing to Atletico who scored the winning goal in the second half of extra time.
Despite the 2-1 loss for the English side, Club SEAT members had a fantastic experience.
The post-match festivities kicked off at the glamorous riverside venue, Au-quai, for the SEAT Party. With VIP hospitality for all Club SEAT members who won a place, a fantastic crowd and a brilliant DJ set, it was yet another memorable SEAT event.
Heading home the next day, Jamie Poole from Middlesborough said, "I think it's excellent [SEAT are] getting involved in football... and it would be great if they could put more stuff on in the year."
We're glad everyone had such a fabulous trip, and we look forward to many more Club SEAT experiences like this to come!
