The next stop on our European adventure of 2023 is Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, as Larne prepare for the Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round.
Despite the quick turn around from last week’s Champions League 1st Round Qualifying tie, a number of Inver Reds will be making the trip east across Europe. Here, we take a closer look at what to expect for those heading to the Balkan state.
To and from Pristina airport
For those flying into Pristina, the airport is just over 11 miles from the city centre. The journey by bus takes around 30 minutes and costs just €3, with the last stop on the 1A bus being the main bus station. Travellers should be aware the last bus due to leave the airport each day is at 9pm. A taxi from the airport should cost around €15.
For those who are flying into other cities outside Kosovo, such as Skopje or Tirana, it is worth having whichever documents you need ready for crossing the border.
What should I expect in Pristina?
Pristina is a small city, with a population of around 212,000 people, around a third the size of Belfast. The currency is the Euro, with Pristina being the capital city of a country which officially claimed independence from Serbia on 17th February 2008.
With that in mind, Pristina is developing a reputation of a city to visit in its own right, with a growing number of visitors each year. Pristina is a small and compact city, easy to get around on foot, and most of the main sightseeing attractions are located in or near the city centre. The temperature on matchday is expected to peak at 37 degrees.
It is also worth noting that because Kosovo is outside the European Union, UK citizens could be liable for very expensive roaming charges if you use calls, texts and particularly mobile date while you are there. If is work finding out if you can add a bolt-on to your contract while there. Alternatively simply connecting to WiFi, instead of using mobile date, maybe the best approach for your time in Kosovo.
Where will the match be played?
Tuesday’s match will be played at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, which has a capacity just shy of 14,000. Three years ago it was renamed after Fadil Vokrri, a former administrator, player and President of Kosovan football.
It is the also stadium used for the Kosovan national team, and where Northern Ireland were defeated 3-2 last summer.
How can I get to the stadium?
The Fadil Vokrri stadium is a short walk from the city centre, and is near the Newborn Monument. Alternatively, taxis from the city centre are readily available and will take you there in just a few minutes.
Ballkani played their league games 35 miles away in Suva Reka, but will be travelling to the capital for European games. Similarly to Larne, they are unable to use their home stadium for these matches.
The match will kick-off at 8.45pm local time, which is 7.45pm British Summer Time.
How can I buy my ticket to the game?
We are currently working with Supporters Liaison Officers to distribute tickets for visiting supporters ahead of the game, which will done in Pristina on the day of the match. If anyone has travelled for the game and does not receive this information by Tuesday, please contact secretary@larnefc.com.
