Hull City Vs AFC Fiorentina

Matchday 61 marked the final game of our holiday, featuring a 2.5-hour drive from the West Coast of England, through the scenic Pennines, to the East Coast. Joining us once again was Mum Amanda.

The majority of the journey was spent on motorways, offering beautiful views along the way. Despite encountering some traffic, we ensured our timely arrival in Hull, a full two hours before kickoff. Amanda seized the opportunity to shop for Liam’s school uniform at a local Asda, given the trouser shortages back home. The shopping trip was a productive one, allowing us to tick off another essential task while on the road.

After shopping, we had a quick meal in the car and set out to find parking. Initially, we struggled, only finding a hospital car park which felt inappropriate. The surrounding area was mostly permit holders only. Eventually, a helpful local directed us to the Walton Street car park. As we neared, I found free parking outside Tigers Trust, an independent charity linked to Hull City FC.

On our walk to the stadium, we picked up a half-and-half scarf from a vendor and strolled through the picturesque park, where Liam admired the skateboarders. The park was bustling with activity, offering a pleasant prelude to the evening’s game.

Upon reaching the stadium, we bought a program and explored the grounds, soaking in the pre-match atmosphere. The stadium itself was a modern marvel, exuding a sense of excitement and anticipation. After passing through the turnstiles and a quick pit stop, we found our seats in the modern stadium. However, we soon discovered that Hull City had made the game unreserved seating without prior notice, causing confusion and arguments among the fans. This unexpected change was frustrating, especially since we had specifically booked certain seats to enjoy the match.

The atmosphere was subdued, likely due to the absence of a significant away fan presence. Fiorentina took a 1-0 lead into halftime and extended it to 2-0 in the second half. Hull City, however, mounted a spirited comeback, leveling the match at 2-2 by the final whistle. The game, despite its lackluster atmosphere, provided some thrilling moments and showcased the resilience of the home team.

Exiting the stadium, we encountered some traffic, which was concerning given the modest attendance of just over 5,000. A larger crowd would have significantly exacerbated the congestion. Our Sat Nav took us on a detour through country lanes before returning to the motorway. Unfortunately, this route bypassed the Humber Bridge, which I had hoped to photograph at night.

The return journey to the caravan took 2.5 hours, extended by a missed motorway turn requiring a 10-minute detour. Despite the hiccup, we made it back safely, reflecting on our eventful day and the overall experience of our holiday matches.

As we headed back to the Midlands, we looked forward to another 12 matches booked for August, beginning with a revisit to Cambridge to complete the re-run of Matchday 41, previously abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch. The excitement of more football adventures ahead kept our spirits high, and we couldn’t wait to share more experiences and memories from our journey.

Five Facts About Hull City FC:

1. Founded in 1904: Hull City AFC, also known as the Tigers, was founded in 1904 and has a long-standing history in English football.
2. MKM Stadium: Hull City’s home ground, the MKM Stadium, has a capacity of 25,400 and was previously known as the KC Stadium. It has been the club’s home since 2002.
3. Premier League Presence: Hull City enjoyed a memorable spell in the Premier League, first gaining promotion in 2008 and securing their place in the top flight for the 2013-2014 season. They reached the FA Cup Final in 2014, narrowly losing to Arsenal.
4. The Tigers’ Nickname: The club’s nickname, ‘The Tigers,’ is derived from their iconic black and amber striped kits, which have been a symbol of the team since the early 20th century.
5. Youth Development: Hull City has a strong focus on youth development, with their academy producing notable talents who have gone on to play at higher levels, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing young footballing talent.
   
   

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