Pure Magic
Vicki Brown, England
We have teamed up with viagogo - the world’s leading ticket marketplace - to share the unique journeys of fans from all parts of the world as they travel long distances to attend live sporting events. We spotlight fans with unique rituals, traditions, and stories to share, where viagogo has been their gateway to memorable experiences.
Vicki Brown, owner of an online travel business and a mum of three, travelled from the UK to Florida with her family and used viagogo to surprise their youngest son with Inter Miami tickets.
My name is Vicki and I am 44 years old. I live in Nantwich in Cheshire, and I am passionate about travel. I love gifting experiences because they give us something to look forward to. This inspired me to start my online travel business, VB Voyage Bound (@vb_voyage.bound on Instagram!), alongside my current role in education.
Recently, I took a family trip to Florida with my husband Peter and our three children - Louie (16), Annie (13), and Ollie (10). We explored different parts of the state, but the highlight was seeing an Inter Miami game. Ollie, a huge football fan and loyal Liverpool supporter, was especially thrilled to see Messi play. It was a dream come true for him.
We bought our tickets on viagogo and the whole process was seamless. We looked at other options, but viagogo stood out for how easy it was to use and their great ticket availability. Booking was quick and straightforward, and I really appreciate how well-organised everything was.
A Family Tradition
Football has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in a football-obsessed family, supporting Crewe Alexandra locally and Liverpool FC in the Premier League. Match of the Day on Saturday nights has long been a family tradition. The TV or radio was always on, telling us the results at teatime on Saturday afternoons.
My brother played football every week and my dad never missed a match. Even today, he still attends as many games as he can for his grandchildren.
Ollie shared that passion from the start. “Ball” was his first word, and he has been kicking one around ever since! He is a total football encyclopedia and has followed Inter Miami closely since Messi joined.
I still remember England winning a match the day after our wedding - 25 June 2006 - while we were in the pub before heading off on our honeymoon. We had been so relieved it did not clash with the big day!
Sharing Moments
We have been to plenty of local matches and made it to Anfield a few times, but this was our first game in the US. It was extra special because it was also Ollie’s birthday treat.
The atmosphere was electric, like a celebration, and seeing Messi play live was surreal. Compared to the UK, match day in the US felt more like a polished, family-friendly event, with cheerleaders, music, fireworks, and plenty to see and hear. But the shared buzz - fans in shirts, chants, that walk to the stadium - was just as special.
The best part was watching Ollie’s face as he walked into the stadium. His joy was priceless. Sharing those moments - the chanting, the energy, the love of the game - with my family was unforgettable.
As we found our seats, the excitement kept building. I was blown away by how engaged the crowd was. Fireworks lit up the sky with each goal, and the stunning sunset during the game was an unexpected bonus!
The moment Ollie saw Messi take the pitch was pure magic. His reaction was like watching a dream come true. When Messi scored (even though it was disallowed) the crowd went wild, fireworks exploded, and it turned into one of those hilarious, unforgettable moments that made the night so special.
