As the nights draw in and the weather starts its long, slow decline, Autumn could be seen as a miserable time of year – but not for us. Autumn is the month that sport really gets going – the Premier League season picks up, we get to watch NFL games in the UK, the jump racing season starts and the Champion’s League group stages reach their climax.
It’s the perfect time of year to treat friends, family or clients to the ultimate match day experience with a fantastic hospitality package. To soak up the atmosphere with incredible food and drink while watching some of the best sport that this season has to offer.
To whet your appetite, we thought we would give you a quick rundown of what’s going on this Autumn and some of the best events that we have coming up over the next couple of months – don’t miss out and book your match day hospitality today.
Match Day 1: Liverpool vs Manchester City, Anfield – Oct 16
Where there was once Ferguson and Wenger, there is now Guardiola and Klopp. Sure, there isn’t the same blatant hostility in the current managerial rivalry, but you can tell there is simmering resentment underneath those post-match hugs. A sort of ‘meeting the ex’s new fella’ kind of energy. This, coupled with the traditional rivalry between the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, makes this one of the most anticipated fixtures in the English football calendar.
The next meeting of the two best teams in English football* takes place at Anfield on October 16th, and whatever the form of the two teams, it is always a huge occasion. Van Dijk vs Haaland, Cancelo vs Salah, De Bruyne vs Fabinho – there will be mini battles all over the pitch, and you can watch them from the best seats in the house.
Why not to miss
This fixture always has a huge bearing on where the title ends up and has produced some of the greatest matches in recent years. The whole country will be watching.
*With apologies to every team that, at the time of writing, are above at least one of these teams: Arsenal, Tottenham, Brighton, Manchester United, Chelsea and, er, Fulham.
Match Day 2: Tottenham Hotspur vs Sporting Lisbon – Oct 26th
The Champions League is undoubtedly the pinnacle of European football, but in the group stages they let Spurs play in it too.
I’m kidding, of course. Spurs earned their place in the Champions League by being not quite as self-destructive as Arsenal last season, and have made a great start this year under Antonio Conte. They will fancy their chances of progressing out of the group stages again this time.
They won’t have it all their own way, though. Sporting Lisbon are an exciting young team that beat Spurs in the reverse fixture and find themselves top of the group – this will be a cracking game.
Why not to miss
This is a huge match for Spurs – they’ll need to get something out of it to put themselves in control of their Champions League destiny. Plus the Tottenham Stadium is a great place to watch football, with some fantastic matchday hospitality. Truly one of the best venues in the country. If you can’t make this game, try the Frankfurt match on October 12th.
Match Day 3: Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars – Oct 30
The NFL has exploded in popularity in this country over the last few years, and the London games have become increasingly difficult to get tickets for as a result.
If you haven’t been to one of these games yet, you’ve got to give them a go. The pre-match excitement is unlike anything else you will experience at another sporting event – tailgate parties, food and drink everywhere, games and activities galore. A proper day out.
The Broncos and the Jaguars have both made decent starts to the season, and have realistic playoff hopes, so this promises to be a great game between two evenly-matched sides. You don’t need to be heavily invested in either team, or the NFL, to have a great day though.
Why not to miss
Support your local team! The Jaguars have made London their second home, playing at least one game over here every season. If you are looking for a team to follow, the Jags are a great place to start.
Match Day 4: The November Meeting, Cheltenham – 11-13 November
With the jump racing season back in full swing, where better to take in a day of quality racing than Cheltenham Racecourse?
The races themselves will offer some insight on horses to look out for during the coming months, particularly The Festival in March as course form counts for so much – many a horse comes a cropper when it comes to getting up the hill to the finish line.
The November Meeting offers a different experience. It may not quite offer the same level of intensity as The Festival, but there is more space and shorter queues with the same welcoming reception, full-course access and award-winning hospitality.
Why not to miss
The November Meeting is perfect to spend some quality time with your guests, whether they are business associates or just family and friends. With so many hospitality options, you can get the perfect package to watch the racing in style.
Find your perfect Match Day Experience
If you are interested in attending these events, or any of our many other match day hospitality packages, then please get in touch with our premium sales team who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect package for you and your guests.
For a full list of our range of upcoming events, visit our calendar here.
