Football fever

It is no secret that people are football crazy in Trinidad and Tobago. Fans have been known to take over the streets of the capital, Port of Spain, to celebrate victories (even as we have become quite used to expecting a pinch of controversy along with the celebrations).

The upcoming friendly match between Trinidad and Tobago and England is already stirring up debate.

First, the price of the ticket was discussed in strong language on street corners, on radio talk shows and of course, in bars. Tickets are priced thusly: TT$300 for uncovered stands, TT$600 for covered stands and TT$1,200 for a special "all-inclusive" section. (This last section will see fans come away with "special commemorative" trinkets.)

After all the talk, some 23,940 tickets which went on sale on-line on Monday morning, this week, at 8 o'clock, were sold out in 48 hours.

Trinidad and Tobago's football jefe Austin Jack Warner and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation ticket master Geoffrey Wharton Lake are over the moon at the success of the on-line sales.

Fans can still get tickets though, a special hotline has been set up at 800-FANS. There are already complaints that the line is "always busy."

The match is carded for June 1st and will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Other related hot topics are being discussed like: Will I get a seat with my ticket? What white shirt should I wear? What will I paint on my face? Will everyone in my lime get seats together? Who will be on the T&T team? Who will be on the England team?

Check out the TTFF site for developments.

Ticket distribution is expected to take place on May 18.