Recently I was asked to fly to Manchester England and photograph my cousins wedding. I immediately said yes and started planning my ‘what-to- do-list’ when I arrived in a city I haven’t seen in 16 years. The 1st thing to mind was to see Manchester City play. The schedule had two games for when I return and tickets were immediately requested.
The last time I was in Manchester was in 1999 and the downtown core was still under construction after the IRA bombing that devastated much of the shopping and financial area. My cousin getting married was 14 and only had interest in football, and, my long loved football (soccer) team had just been promoted to the 1st Division in English football. Manchester City were still playing at Maine Road, a stadium I thought could never be replaced.
Fast forward to present day and Manchester is thriving. It’s easily one of the best cities in the world and has much to offer tourists. Christmas Markets, a many different museums, a gay village, Coronation Street, and It’s the musical hub of England with bands like The Smiths, Stone Roses, Oasis, Take That, James and many more. My cousin is 30 and has two small children, and Manchester City were thriving in the Premier League and in a new stadium.
My number one thing on my bucket list is to photograph Manchester City at their home ground, the Etihad Stadium. I got a crazy idea that Live In Limbo should be covering a game I was attending and Sean Chin and I began media accreditation requests. Three weeks later I was approved to photograph and cover the game and the following is about scratching the number one thing from my bucket list.
I arrived at the stadium three hours prior so I could scout the stadium out and get caught up with this massive venue. In all my life I have never seen so many happy employees at any sporting/concert venue. Politeness is an understatement as they give you the best treatment you would receive at a 5-star resort. I checked in and got my media pass and photographers bib and was taken under the stadium to Rose’s Photographers room. Rose has been with the team since 1973 and she prepares traditional English food for the media. Scones, biscuits, sandwiches, mince pies, bacon and eggs, whatever you wish. Imagine the most lovely great grandmother with a passion for the team and to make photographers bellies full. Rose’s room
was surrounded by Manchester City game pictures dating back to the 60’s blanketing the walls. To say it was an emotional experience to see the history was nearly overwhelming and I may have dropped a tear onto my scone with fresh cream and strawberries.
After I struggled to get outta my dinner seat, I went out the door and turned left and saw the floodlights and field. Wow I thought, this is it for me, the pinnacle of my photography career, the number one thing on the bucket list is about to be scratched out. The stadium was perfect, unlike the Rogers Centre in Toronto this stadium has perfect lighting, my pictures will be great.
I sat at the end of the field in a deep pit to the left of the net. I am so low, only my head is above the actual grass and when the ball goes down field we lose sight of it as the grass tapers 1/2m from center to goal line.
The atmosphere in the stadium is loud and within 30-seconds of the game starting, I realized where I learned my first swear words at age six and how to properly scream them out to whatever player f*cked up. The verbal tirades from footy fans is astonishing. All ages, young and old swearing and yelling. This is true passion for the team they love. I heard there is another team in Manchester named United and they have nowhere near the passion of City fans.
During the game Manchester City dominated most of the game with Watford getting just a few chances. Pablo Zabaleta scored the 1st City goal right in front of me and celebrated in front of me. It was the best moment ever and when David Silva scored late in the game to seal the win, I began scratching sky-blue marker over the top item on my bucket list.
The next top item on my bucket list is to photograph the Toronto Maple Leafs hoisting the Stanley Cup. I have a feeling my blue marker might be all dried up by then.
