Booking a Sports Event
A couple is looking to buy tickets for a basketball game or a football match, comparing different seating options and prices.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
tickets
Entry passes to an event, like a sports game. Use this when buying access to shows or matches.
atmosphere
The mood or feeling in a place, often exciting in sports events. Say 'The atmosphere was electric' to describe energy.
seating chart
A diagram showing where seats are located in a venue. Check this online when booking tickets for better choices.
lower bowl
Seats in the lower section of a stadium, closer to the action. It's a common term in American sports venues like basketball arenas.
break the bank
To spend more money than you can afford. Use idiomatically, like 'I don't want to break the bank on tickets.'
court-side
Seats right next to the basketball court, very close to players. Premium and expensive option in basketball games.
steep
Very high or expensive, especially for prices. Say 'Prices are steep this year' to complain about cost.
reasonable
Fair or not too expensive. Useful for describing good value, like 'The tickets are reasonable for the view.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I was thinking about getting tickets for either the basketball game next month or the football match.
This suggests options using 'either...or' for choices. Useful for proposing activities; 'thinking about' shows considering an idea casually.
I'm leaning towards the basketball game, if we can get good seats.
Expresses a slight preference with 'leaning towards'; 'if' adds a condition. Great for sharing opinions in planning conversations.
Are you thinking lower bowl or are you okay with something higher up?
Asks for preferences using alternatives with 'or'; 'okay with' means acceptable. Common in booking discussions to compare options.
I'd love to be close to the action, but I don't want to break the bank.
'I'd love to' shows desire; 'but' contrasts with a limitation using the idiom 'break the bank.' Useful for balancing wants and budget.
Court-side seats are pretty steep, like double the price of the lower bowl.
Compares prices with 'like' for approximation; 'steep' means expensive. Helps in explaining costs clearly during ticket selection.
Fifty bucks doesn't sound too bad for a good view.
'Doesn't sound too bad' agrees mildly; 'bucks' is informal for dollars. Use to evaluate value in purchases like tickets.
Sounds like a plan! I'll go ahead and book two tickets in that section.
'Sounds like a plan' agrees enthusiastically; 'go ahead and' means proceed. Perfect for finalizing decisions in group plans.