If I had told my late father that one day I would see Brentford play in the United States, he would have said I was dreaming.
But that’s what I was lucky enough to do last month when I went to our game with Fulham in Philadelphia in the Premier League Summer Series.
It is another thing to add to the list of unbelievable experiences I’ve been able to have as a Brentford fan over the past couple of years.
My final decision to go was based on the fact that I would be accompanied by cousins from Boston and friends from New York who I have converted into becoming Brentford fans in recent years. They watch live streams of all our matches, but could now see us live in their home country.
The experience was totally different to what we are used to at home. We were sitting along the side, so with a mixed bunch of fans, and what was noticeable was a lack of atmosphere in the superb three-tiered stadium.
There was a group of Bees supporters behind the left-hand goal but from where we were, it was hard to hear much chanting. And while the rest of the crowd reacted to the incidents during the game, there were no consistent songs or sets of rival fans trying to have a go at each other. Walking around the stadium and concourses you saw all manner of different club shirts being worn. As well as the four sides playing that day, I spotted fans wearing the US national side colours, Man. Utd, Man. City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolves, Southampton, Leeds .…. and even that guy I read about in the QPR shirt!
There was also an extraordinary selection of different food choices inside the stadium – at least a dozen different cuisines, something for everyone. Well nearly everyone as the selection of vegetarian options was limited and of course there was no restriction on taking beer into the stands.
Our west London derby was the first of a double-header which was followed by Aston Villa v Newcastle so plenty of their fans turned up early, and some of ours stayed on to watch their game, including me.
It reminded me of the old London five-a-side tournaments at Wembley Arena back in the day where there were fans of many teams around, mixing and watching other teams play.
The Bees had the best tent!
I wanted to make the most of the experience so got to the stadium a couple of hours before kick-off.
It was really hot – with temperatures in the early 30s – and once through the gate, there was the chance to explore the outdoor fan fest before you were allowed up to your seats.
There was a row of tents on one side – one for each of the six sides competing in the tournament. Ours seemed to have the longest queue and also looked the best.
Gary, Ian and Marcus, match ready!
I stood in line for the chance to have a quick word and a photo with Gary Blissett and Marcus Gayle, but what was interesting that it wasn’t just Bees fans in the queue.
There were people who had their picture taken with our 90s legends who would have had no idea who they were, but just queued up anyway!
The two women in front of me, for example, were in Arsenal shirts but happily smiled alongside Gary and Marcus while they were photographed.
As well as food and drink, there was the chance to try out the new FC24 video game, and take part in other activities.
There was also incredibly expensive merchandise on sale – two shirts from each of the six participating clubs at $120 (about £94) each, as well as T-shirts, hats etc.
One popular souvenir was club flags and again it seemed like many fans just followed the Premier League and randomly adopted a club – or even two.
An American guy I sat next to wore an Aston Villa shirt, but came back from the interval between the two matches having bought a Brentford flag!
Despite all this it was clear that the Premier League, and not the American hosts, were in charge of what happened on the pitch.
I was told that all US sports events have the national anthem played just before the start – well the only anthem played at these matches was the Premier League’s own one.
As for the match itself, it was great to see the Bees play in such a magnificent, 65,000 capacity, stadium.
We had some good spells, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter impressing. And while the result was disappointing, we all agreed we would far rather win our forthcoming Premier League meeting.
Ian Westbrook
And with kind thanks to Ian for the use of his photos