An unforgettable experience at the BKB fan bank

22. February 2020

This page has been translated automatically.

After losing the match against FC Thun, two FCB fans nevertheless went home overjoyed. UKBB patient Dominic and his friend Fynn were able to experience the match almost on the pitch.

Dominic and his friend Fynn stuff one M&M's after another into their mouths and watch the pitch spellbound. FC Thun, who are bottom of the table, are visiting FC Basel.

Nevertheless, it is anything but an ordinary game, because three metres next to the two teenagers sit the FCB professionals on the substitutes' bench. Every clap, every grumble, every outburst of anger reaches the two friends as if they were part of the team themselves - and that feels great.

Under the grandstand of the Muttenzerkurve

One hour before kick-off: the first fans have long since arrived and are getting ready for the game in front of the stadium. While ushers in fluorescent waistcoats direct a few lost visitors to the right entrance, Dominic, Fynn and his father are picked up at the meeting point by Christian Rütti. He is an FC Basel stadium guide and takes the three of them on an exclusive tour of the stadium.

It is an experience that Basler Kantonalbank makes possible for young patients at UKBB. Dominic underwent a Scoliosis established. But that is not an issue on this particular evening. Much more exciting is which players he might meet or whether there will be an autograph. Or even: Which corners of the stadium are otherwise inaccessible to him.

The tour begins at a brisk pace past countless gates and security guards. Gate after gate follows, where badges have to be shown again and again. And then they are all standing in the catacomb-like halls beneath the stands. The empty FC Thun team bus is already parked here. On the high walls hang pictures reminiscent of glorious moments from FC Basel's past.

Once through the mustard tube

Dominic and Fynn hang on their guide's every word. And although Christian Rütti is dealing with two very die-hard fans, he still manages to surprise them time and again with new FCB knowledge.

«Did you know,» asks Rütti, «that the pitch has been resurfaced 17 times since the new Joggeli opened in 2001?» Dominic looks at him scrutinisingly and considers. «So that means there's about one turf renewal a year?» he finally asks. «On average, yes,» replies Christian. «Only 2017 was a terrible year, when we had to replace the turf three times. Once even within 36 hours!» Dominic's bright eyes sparkle with amusement.

«Wow!» Dominic and Fynn marvel at the unusual perspective of the stadium stands - UKBB - Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel - Pädiatrie - Kinderheilkunde - Pediatrics - Pédiatrie - Reltene Krankheiten - Rare Diseases - Maladies Rares - Perinatal Zentrum - Perinatal Center - Centre Périnatal - Pseudocrupp - Impfungen Baby - Baby Vaccination - Vaccin Bebe

We continue to the mixed zone. This is where the FCB meet their opponents for the first time before the game. And Dominic and Fynn? The stars scurry past them. «A good match!»

The professionals nod appreciatively at the two young fans, who are now beaming from ear to ear and follow them out onto the pitch through the famous mustard tube. What a sight! Stands all around, as high as rock faces, the freezing cold on their faces and the tension in the stadium more palpable than ever.

At the top left, large glass boxes reflect the light from the floodlights. «These are the boxes. There's no better view of the pitch in the stadium,» says stadium guide Rütti. «That's where we're going now.»

However, there is not too much time left to marvel at the noble seats. «Oh, it's kick-off in two minutes!» Rütti suddenly realises with a start. The two boys have bombarded him with so many questions that he has almost lost sight of the clock.

Dominic and Fynn hurriedly hop down the many steps to the BKB fan bench and take a seat on the red and blue seats. «Wow, the pitch looks completely different from here,» enthuses Fynn. And then the referee blows the whistle to start the match.

Most beautiful defeat of all time

Unfortunately, FCB does not achieve the performance it had hoped for. After 94 minutes, FCBasel were beaten 1-0 by bottom-placed Thun. The Muttenzer curve acknowledges this with a loud whistling concert.

All the fans leave the stadium disappointed. Only two are overjoyed: Dominic and Fynn. «Thank you so much,» they shout as they say goodbye to their stadium guide Christian Rütti. «It was an unforgettable experience!». What did they like best? «Everything!», they answer in unison. And they are already smiling at each other again.