Concert Vs Match Day

I was fortunate enough to go to Wembley Stadium at the weekend to watch the Vanarama National League Promotion Final, between Southend United and Oldham Athletic. I have to say, I didn't realise how much stress I would feel over what felt like something so trivial: who knew I cared so much about a ball being kicked around a patch of grass?!

I was pleasantly surprised, despite being apprehensive to start with. Some people were trying to explain to me how moving football is: how it unites people, becomes people's lives... yet I didn't believe them until I felt the roar of the stadium. It struck me how it is not too dissimilar to the feeling of being at a concert:

• Everyone there has their own story of connection to the artist or team

• Everyone there is experiencing the same event, but with a different level of emotion attached

• The artist/team players become influences for people of all ages, creating points of aspiration, goals (pardon the pun) and sharing ideologies that fans will naturally pander towards (according to Dyer's Star Theory)

• The buzz around the venue when you feel the passion seeping out of every person there

It was a beautiful moment to be part of, full of support for a common cause, unity and pride for the team. Yet the key difference I noticed, was rivalry. It goes without saying, there is bitter rivalry in every football game between the two teams, but I have never felt such an energy shift in a venue before. At a concert, everyone is there for the same reason. At a football game, everyone is there for the same reason, but only rooting for one side, rather than the roar of universal support. It was a very odd notion for me but one that made me even more appreciative of the music industry and the fandoms that come with it. The respect, openness to explore new artists and the sharing of memories in a way that aren't usually at detrement to others in the industry. I can appreciate the football community though, and drawing these parallels has only made me have more respect and appreciation for a world I never really understood - but now I know the feeling is not dissimilar to that of a concert, my eyes have been opened to a new found understanding of the football community. And it truly is, the beautiful game.