GW at the 2018 World Cup

Our first full day as a class began at Moscow’s #budhotel, where Budweiser, the official beer of the World Cup, is working to light up both the world and the festivities here in Russia. We learned quite a lot about Budweiser’s various sponsorship activation efforts, including their Man of the Match Award, Red Light Cups which respond to noises such as the cheering of fans in football stadiums, and of course the brand’s takeover of Moscow’s Intercontinental Hotel. During our time at the hotel, our class had the unique opportunity to explore and interact with Bud Studios, the sponsor’s content creation laboratory. No hyperbole here — as you can see, our tour turned my world upside down!

 

I was honored to have the once in a life time opportunity to attend the Mexico vs Germany match along with Lisa. She was able to secure hospitality VIP tickets through her friend David at Wanda. We were able to attend the hospitality center outside of the stadium where sponsors and partners such as McDonalds, Bud, Wanda and Adidas all had rooms specified for them. We were able to speak with some representatives with Wanda and talk to them about their day to day business along with their duties here in Russia. I also had the opportunity to speak with a few Wanda representatives in German, and talking to them about their background and how they got the job. After mingling for a bit, we went inside and enjoyed the VIP service provided by the stadium, which was really a once in a life time experience. The atmosphere was unlike anything I've ever experienced and I look forward to attending more games in the future.

It has been said multiple times within our group and it is something we are all getting to see with our own eyes, Russia, and Moscow specifically, are an amazing places. I think when I left for this trip 5 days ago to meet my classmates for this once in a lifetime trip, I harbored some preconceived notions constructed on the backs of spy movies and tv, our media, and our preconceived American ideals, that Russia is a place one should avoid. I am here to say that this sentiment is incorrect. I have been so pleasantly surprised by the warmth and hospitality of the people and the amazing quality of the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.  The people live normal everyday lives and struggle with the same issues each and everyone of us face in our own lives.  And this is not to say that you should not be aware of your surroundings at all times and exercise caution with sound decision making when entering into any environment, but the same can be said of anyone visiting New York City, Washington, DC and Los Angeles. I’ve been to Serbia, Italy and Greece and from what I’ve learned, all it takes to break down the rough exterior of hardened European spirits is an open mind and willingness to make and effort to communicate in the native language. So far, my rough Russian words and phrases have brought smiles to faces and the mutual appreciation to meet them on their own terms. I’m so very excited to see who we meet and the relationships we develop with our hosts in the coming days as we work to repair and build the trust and understanding that goes with the notion of human connection.

After 2 hours delayed and 8 hours flight, finally I am here in Moscow. Since some of us did not purchase tickets for today’s game, we decided to go to the FIFA Fan Fest to watch the game with plenty of fans.

The entrances were well organized here, more than 10 lines and the waiting time were no more than 5 mins.

 

The 5 Hisense giant screens are the conspicuous thing in the square, I think that’s a part of sponsor’s rights. There were tons of people watch the game here, however due to the waiting line is not well organized and the cashier is not good at speaking English, we spent more than a hour on that. That’s only 20 people ahead of us in line by the way.

Yes, it’s a cliche but it’s so true. Any time you experience something for the first time, whether its a first kiss, driving a new car, the first day at a new job or attending your first World Cup match, you hope that it is a moment in time you will remember for the rest of your life. Today I attended the Iran vs. Morocco match in St. Petersburg Stadium. In a building that resembles an alien space craft and cost roughly $1 billion to build, I watched my first World Cup game with 65,000 other soccer fans. It was by no means the best game I have ever seen but it is certainly one I won’t forget. It was a sloppy and slow game and featured more fouls than shots on goal as well as a near bench clearing brawl. Morocco entered the game as the clear favorite but after weathering a heavy Moroccan onslaught in the first half, Iran was able to dictate the 2nd half pace of play and secured the 1-0 victory off a Moroccan own goal in the final minute of extra time. While the result was not what I expected, everything else lived up to my expectations. I bought this ticket a few months back because I thought it would provide me with a cultural experience unlike anything I’ve encountered thus far.  From the crowds outside the stadium singing and dancing to the raucous and endless cheering during the game to the crowd of Iranian fans celebrating on top of a statue outside the stadium, it was a moment in life I will never forget.  Which leads me to reflect on this thought for the day:  in order for any of us to get the most out of this life, we should experience as many firsts as we possbly can.

This afternoon I left my home in Washington, DC to depart on a trip of a lifetime and all I can think as I board a train to New York City is ‘What the hell did I get myself into? I must be crazy or something to think that I can handle a place like Russia on my own!’  I am overwhelmed with a crazy mix of emotion that is akin to the feeling I got moving to New Mexico on a whim ten short years ago after living my whole life in Central Florida.  All I can say to that is look what wonderful things happened to me when I decided to take a plunge and go someplace I’ve never been before.  Despite all the fear and doubt that tells me I can’t do it and questions every motive behind embarking on this adventure, all I can do is tell myself ‘this is one of those adventures that I will never forget’ and that has me pushing forward to face the challenges that lie ahead of me. So, here’s to adventure, conquering fear and owning the moment to make the most out of this one chance at life! I hope you enjoy journey as much I do and I’ll see you soon from the other side of the world!