What you take with you, or leave at home, can have a big influence on how much you enjoy the experience

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I treat attending a sports event at a stadium much like going to an airport: check the rules, pack light and practical and prepare for the waiting that’s inevitable in a crowd.

As a fan and a sports journalist, I’ve attended well over 1,000 sports events across four continents, from the World Cup and the Olympics to student and amateur fixtures. While you can’t affect the score, I’ve learned what you take to the stadium – or leave at home – can have a big influence on how much you enjoy the experience.