Posted this on Demonology and thought I may as well post here also:

I have just paid for my (air) ticket to sporting heaven to attend the Shanghai Showdown (via Kuala Lumpur where I will attend the Malaysian MotoGP race the week before).

So... I'm wondering whether anyone else here is likely to be going to the game as well and if so, whether there had been any thoughts of a meet up before or after the game. For me the tour option was just a wee bit (well a lot really) expensive, so I'm traveling independently having opted for the cheapest possible economy flight and cheap accommodation in the Min Hang district which means a bit of a trip to the stadium. Also, if anyone else is on a limited budget and trying to find reasonably priced accommodation, you might like to try this site: C-trip.com.

This Melbourne-Brisbane game is the culmination of a big weekend of AFL football in Shanghai. The day before, the China Reds are hosting this years Asia Championships AFL Football competition. This comprises 12 teams from around asia and is the biggest AFL football event outside Australia. These teams are made up of 95% aussie expats, so if you are looking to join up with other Australians over in Shanghai, get along to this event on the Saturday and join in the festivities.

I will definately be there, playing on the saturday and watching the mighty Demons on the Sunday. So let me know if you want to come along and I'll send you further details..

Yeah, I was considering going along to the Saturday event at the Shanghai Rugby Football Club... so please feel free to drop me a line on [email protected] and hopefully we can arrange something between now and then. I'm in Shanghai from the 14th to the 19th.

I'm annoyed because I'll just miss it. I'm going up to Shanghai for a couple of weeks but I go home a day or two before the Dees play.

Very very seriously considering joining the touring party. It will be interesting to see how many people join on the official trip.

Very very seriously considering joining the touring party. It will be interesting to see how many people join on the official trip.

I booked my seat, it is pretty pricey but i figured we get to see the players at various functions through the year - but how often do you get to unwind and have a few beers with them. Should be great.

When i booked it i quizzed the booking agent, a hugely passionate demons man, about all the details:

All players will be attending, whether they are playing or not as it is primarily a team bonding experience. Should be 40 players plus everyone else connected to the club, coaching staff, physios, doctors, etc..

Prior to the Brisbane game they had 59/60 seats for the Supporters tour held, but some have not confirmed or paid deposits yet, of these 59 people a portion of it seems to be player family. The demographic is split 50/50 between people over 35 and people under 35 and is also split 50/50 between people traveling alone and couples. And there are apparently only 4 single girls haha, shotgun.

They ran a marketing campaign for it up in Brissy on the weekend to try and sell some more seats and, i assume, depending on the success of that campaign the travel agent was intending to book another 30 seats for the supporters tour to increase it up to 90 people. If that sells out then expect the numbers to be roughly 90 supporters, 40 players, 40 staff members and some corporate friends (~200).

In response to the opening post - I know that they intend on having a pub night on the first night to break the ice, but i think that was prior to your arrival - i'm heading over there keen to have a good time though so once we get the itinerary we'll have to work out something

Thanks for the info. Have convinced the better half of the benefits that this trip will have so will make enquiries first thing tommorow!

I'm actually flying to Shanghai tomorrow... to live.

The Sherrin is deflated and in the suitcase with my boots - first priority is to join one of the football teams.

It'd be great to catch up with a few Dees supporters when the team tours in October and outside of that, if anyone is visiting Shanga's, hit me up for a drink and a kick.

Josh

Cam Schwab says they are taking 200. I believe the break down is:- 105 players, staff officials, 25 doing the corporate gig (Travel with the players, stay at their training camp etc.) and 70 doing the supporters tour - hosted by the Ox & his wife. We are booked on the supporters tour. Both groups will join up closer to the game. Bookings close 25/8. All money to be paid by 27/8.

If anyone wants to shove me in a suitcase and bring me along feel free.......

I have two seats confirmed! Can't wait.

Considering that we have to wear our white away strip whenever we have played the lions away.... which team will be required to wear their away trip for the Shanghai match considering it is neither teams home game??