The Ultimate Surprise
Jessica Potter, Wales
We 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.
Jessica Potter lives in Cardiff and used viagogo for the first time to surprise her boyfriend, Andy, with tickets to an NFL game in New York City between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.
Jess: My name is Jess and I am 29 years old. Originally I am from Haydock in Merseyside, but have lived in Cardiff since 2019, where I work as a doctor. In October 2024, I decided to surprise my boyfriend, Andy, with a trip to New York City and tickets to an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets that I purchased on viagogo. I kept the trip to NYC a surprise until just before Christmas and then told him about the game the morning that we flew out!
This was my first time buying tickets on viagogo and it was a really easy process! As I decided pretty late to purchase tickets, I struggled to find options until I discovered viagogo. On their platform, I was able to easily see which tickets were available and where they were in the stadium. I was also really pleased that they were reasonably priced and were delivered on time! It was an accessible and flexible option that I will consider again, when we are lucky enough to travel abroad for another game!
Andy: And I am Andy, 30 years old from Cardiff. I am currently an NHS Clinic Coordinator but I hope to turn my passion for sports journalism into a career one day. Over the past four years, I have hosted an NFL podcast ‘Across the Pod’ where I bring in guests to preview games and then review them afterwards. It has gone from strength to strength and has given me some cool opportunities over the past few years.
For instance, I earned accreditation at the London Games for the past two seasons. It has allowed me to watch the games in the press box, attend practice sessions, and post-game press conferences. As a result, I have interviewed the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Derrick Henry, Trevor Lawrence, Mike Vrabel, and Keenan Allen.
I also attended the college football game in Dublin in August in the press box and have been given accreditation to the Super Bowl. While I have not been accredited for the game, I will still be able to watch the game in the media workroom next to the stadium and go to the post-game press conferences. This is in addition to the media opportunities during the week, such as Radio Row and the NFL Honors. It is my first ever Super Bowl experience and I cannot wait.
Mistaken Fandom
Jess: I became interested in American Football after an elective placement in Los Angeles towards the end of medical school. This was with the Team Doctor of the LA Chargers during their pre-season camp. However, I did not follow the sport properly until I met Andy.
Andy: I have been a Miami Dolphins fan since 2009 when I first stumbled on a live game on television. I immediately went out and bought the video game Madden and when I first played it, the game asked for my favourite team.
With no family ties to the USA, it was free reign. We planned a family trip to Orlando that summer, and as my brother walked down the stairs, I asked him which NFL team was closest to Orlando. He told me the Miami Dolphins (which is actually incorrect - it was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). I became a Dolphins fan by mistake, but I am happy I made that mistake!
Hardly any of my friends are into American Football, but I have made friends over the years through social media.
American Dream
Jess: I first watched the Dolphins in Miami in October 2024. I loved the Hard Rock Stadium; it was my first live NFL game ever! We went to the tailgate and joined in with all the fan club events. It was so much fun!
Andy: The trip that Jess planned to New York for my birthday was a complete surprise! The game in New York was my seventh live Dolphins game. I have been to a game at all 30 NFL stadiums in America and the annual NFL London Games.
I remember interviewing a man who had broken the World Record for going to every stadium in 84 days and it inspired me to try and attend all 30 stadiums, whilst also seeing the country in the process. This is something I had fun doing, visiting Graceland, Mount Rainier, the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon.
My favourite stadium to visit was by far Lambeau Field. It was a bucket list item for me to experience this stadium. From the history to the aluminium seats, and the unique nature of Green Bay, it was a truly magical experience, helped by some beautiful light snow.
I watched a game in Buffalo with a friend I made in Detroit who is a Bills season ticket holder - and got to experience the real Bills Mafia tailgating and game experience. I have watched games in New Orleans, Houston and Atlanta with a friend Jack, who joined me for part of my three-month trip around America where I saw 21 games, and to games in San Francisco and Arizona with a friend of mine Nayim on a rearranged 2020 holiday.
As a result, I have seen the Dolphins play in Miami twice, London, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and now New York. However, my record at live Dolphins games is 0-7 so I have yet to see the team win in person
Cold And Crazy
Jess: My favourite moment of this experience was surprising Andy with the trip as he had no idea what was planned. Every time we talked about his birthday, I wanted to tell him so it was definitely hard to keep the secret!
I also really enjoyed the game - it was just so cold! New York in winter is crazy and festive, and I could not believe the size of the stadium. The atmosphere was so much fun!
Andy: Well there was nothing to enjoy about Miami's performance, except maybe Devon Achane's 100+ game. I also thought the organisation put on a good show for fans to watch before the game. Outside of the game, it was special to go to the top of the Empire State Building on my birthday.
I enjoyed everything about this trip, except the result and the temperature. It was cool to potentially have been a part of NFL history, as there is a chance I may have seen Aaron Rodgers' last-ever touchdown pass.