The Seattle match is still a week away but I’m already prepped and ready for New York City. To me, this feels like “the big one” both because it’s in an iconic metropolis and because it’s the first time Chelsea will come face to face with Carlo Ancelotti since his departure from Stamford Bridge.

When the summer tour dates were initially announced, I didn’t even think I’d be able to attend the eastern USA matches, but I’m so glad it worked out. This will be a fantastic game to watch and I must say I’m looking forward to meeting the members of the New York Blues official supporters’ group.

The New York Blues normally watch their Chelsea matches at a bar so cool I’m already certain I won’t want to leave once I’m there. It’s called The Football Factory, it’s large and it apparently shows every match you can think of. Furthermore, it’s directly across from the Empire State Building. As an avid football fan who has never been to New York City, that combination just seems magical to me. I highly recommend checking out their website for a schedule of Chelsea-related festivities occurring around the date of the match, including a meet and greet with legends Ron “Chopper” Harris and Paul Canoville.

If you, like me, are traveling to New York City from elsewhere, I’ve researched some information that might make your trip to the Big Apple easier, so you can focus on what really matters: Chelsea!

• Familiarize yourself in advance with how to get around. Like London, NYC is a large, cosmopolitan city with a well-developed public transport system. Here is a map of the New York City subway lines that will help you get oriented with where the game is played (Yankee Stadium in the Bronx), where the Football Factory is (Manhattan) and where any other sights you want to see are. Bring your walking shoes!
• Read up on the history of Yankee Stadium; and as I’ve been reminded so many times, I’ll pass it along to you. This is the “new” Yankee Stadium. It was rebuilt in 2009 to replace the original that was constructed in 1923. While it may not have the history of it’s predecessor, it’s a famous landmark home to one of the biggest sports teams on earth. Kind of like an American, baseball version of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge!
• If you can, come early. The Football Factory and the New York supporters group are hosting several once-in-a-lifetime experiences for fans starting three days before the match. Not only are the guests of honour awesome, the New York Blues are a dedicated, outspoken and friendly group of supporters who have lots of personality. Anything organized by them is sure to be fun.
• Check out the travel and tour information provided by Chelsea in America. They have put a tremendous amount of effort into explaining New York City transit and tourism and otherwise providing details surrounding the New York match.
• Predict the score of the match and stand a chance to win a signed Chelsea shirt, courtesy of the club.
• Once again, prepare for the weather! New York City is hot in the summer; today it’s a reported 31 celsius, never mind how warm it can feel with humidity, crowds of people and thousands of vehicles. Bring a hat and sunscreen so you can enjoy your Chelsea day out and not feel poorly in the heat.

In recent days I’ve been hearing many rumours surrounding this match, mainly speculation that some players who may not be able to attend the Seattle game may join the team at this point in the tour. I’m not certain if there is any truth to that, but it gives us something to think about in the time leading up to the match.

If you’re heading to this game, what are you most excited about?

See you in New York City!

Written by Danielle