As a kid in the 70's/80s I loved "Cup Final Day" - TV coverage started early with the build up at the players hotels, highlights of previous rounds, quizzes, the team bus leaving hotel & arriving at Wembley etc - magic.
The first Cup Final I went to was 1979 (age 11). My dad thought we'd missed our opportunity in the first semi final game v Liverpool & didnt think United would win the replay (2 x cracking games btw & still get goosebumps when I watch the highlights & hear Motson scream "Jimmy Greenhoff" as he heads the winner).
My Dad had said "if we win the semi we'll go to Wembley". He didn't get home from work until about 11.00pm so didn't know the score & I remember him creeping into my bedroom at about 6.00am the next day as he headed out to work again to ask "did we win?",
As a kid I didn't fully appreciate how hard it would have been to get tickets & I only realised a few years later it was through his football/business career contacts (particularly at Everton FC & Liverpool FC) that enabled me to not only goto this & some subsequent cup finals but also attend some pre/post match functions.
The flag I got at the 79 Final is now in my sons room (I'll post a pic plus something I like from an Emlyn Hughes Testimonial Dinner when I'm back in NZ).
The 79 final is memorable for many reasons & athough the result mattered...it didnt matter - I was there with my Dad.. Thanks Dad. RIP