In This Guide
AP Photo/Paul White
USA's Jozy Altidore goes to score a goal as he is challenged by Spain's Carlos Puyol, right, during
their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 24, 2009.
USA's Jozy Altidore goes to score a goal as he is challenged by Spain's Carlos Puyol, right, during
their Confederations Cup semifinal soccer match in Bloemfontein, South Africa, June 24, 2009.
Soccer: The World's Sport on the Web
The sport of soccer, known as football in most other countries, has earned its title as "the world's sport" for obvious reasons. Although Major League Soccer (MLS) is still trying to build soccer's popularity in the United States, the enthusiasm and intensity surrounding the sport is the most widespread in the world. Whether you want to see what the fuss is about, are a confused soccer parent, or just can't get enough of the sport, this guide takes you to the Web's best soccer sites. For a Spanish-language version of the Guide, click here.
Expand All Guide SectionsRules and History of Soccer
It's always helpful to know what you're watching before you watch it. This section sorts out all of ... read more »
Soccer Leagues and Organizations
As the world's game, soccer has many competitions played all over the globe. It can be tricky to ... read more »
Soccer Statistics
With the abundance of league, cup, and international competitions, it can be difficult to keep up ... read more »
News and Analysis of Soccer
Soccer evokes a high level of passion among its fans and followers. Hear what people have to say in ... read more »
Radio and Television Coverage of Soccer
There isn't a lot of soccer being broadcast in the United States but the Internet makes it simple ... read more »
Buying Soccer Tickets
The best way to truly appreciate a soccer game is from the stands, singing and cheering alongside soccer fanatics. This section guides you through the process of purchasing tickets and gives you several tips for making the process easier.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The World Cup has tricky procedures for acquiring tournament tickets. You will undoubtedly want to get started on the application process very early. Here is some helpful information on getting some of the most sought after tickets to a sporting event:
- Residents of most countries will be able to order tickets from their own national soccer association. Go to that nation's Web site for more details on their specific application process.
- You can also order tickets during FIFA's own public sales period through the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Center (FWCTC). Applications must be made in writing and can be obtained through the Web site or by contacting the organization via mail or telephone. For contact information and more, visit FIFA.com.
- Auctions and classifieds sites such as eBay and StubHub are good venues for finding tickets (possibly overpriced) from peers after games sell out. For more information, see the findingDulcinea Sports Guide.
- Be wary of scalpers. Before planning to acquire tickets from a scalper on game day, it might be helpful to investigate your state's scalping laws.
- Often the most reliable way to get tickets to games is to check league or tournament Web sites for their reputable online ticket offices. In many cases, this will be the only official way to get tickets, and you will save a lot of money, comparatively, when you buy tickets from the official sources before they are sold out.
- Sites such as http://www.optasoccer.com/ acknowledge their often exorbitantly high prices. This site clarifies, "Our prices are much higher than the face value of the tickets. This reflects the degree of difficulty, and, of course, the cost of obtaining tickets."
- Check privacy policies and always exhibit cautious behavior when dealing with third party ticket sales.
- For more advice on shopping online, use the findingDulcinea Shopping Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For tickets ...
MLSnet.com
's ticketing site is the official spot for all of the MLS teams' ticket sales. Click on your team's logo to pick a seat in its stadium.
The Premier League
shows availability for the English teams' tickets for scheduled league play. If the tickets are not sold out, click the yellow icon next to the team name for more detailed information or to link to the official team Web sites for more opportunities.
World Cup Tickets
is an unofficial ticket sales site for the largest soccer tournament. Use this Web site for tickets from third parties well in advance of the actual World Cup dates. Take a look at the "Soccer Tickets" section for more tickets to large games and tournaments.
OleOle
offers packages with travel plans, accommodations, and game tickets. Register or pre-register for different club and league matches, U.S. matches, tournament matches, and even international-friendly matches. You can also sign up for notifications of upcoming package offers on this site.
For stadium information ...
The Football Ground Guide
features travel guides for all 92 stadiums in the EPL and The Football League. Each entry features a description and pictures of the grounds, and explains how to get there, where to drink before the game, how to buy tickets, and other information. There are also guides for Scottish teams, nonleague English teams, and Wembley Stadium.
The Stadium Guide
has an index of the world's soccer stadiums. Each stadium has pictures, a brief description, and links to the official team and stadium sites. "Tickets" gives advice on how to buy tickets in a given country, including links to useful sites.
How to Improve at Soccer
Although it might not seem that staring at your computer screen could transform you into a better ... read more »
Buying Soccer Equipment and Apparel
There are many soccer-specific online retailers carrying all of the products you want to show your ... read more »
Where to Play Soccer
As a team sport, soccer requires the participation of several different people. Whether you're a ... read more »
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
