I have a work trip to Portugal the week after the 2024 Cottbus World Cup so I am going to go because why not. I mean, if for no other reason, I've never seen Chuso compete in person and it may be my last chance (lol, I know, we'll see).

I've already booked my flights (through work) to arrive in Berlin before going to Lisbon and have reserved hotels in Berlin and Cottobus (although I am open to suggestions for hotels, especially in Cottbus, if anyone has any experience!) 

I would like to buy tickets ahead of time for all 4 days and they are on sale ( https://www.eventim.de/event/47-turnier-der-meister-lausitz-arena-18062543/) but the ticket shipping fee to the US is extortionate (34.90 euro! for 50 euro tickets!). I tried changing the country to the UK, since I have a friend there who could get them and mail them to me for much less, but it's the same. I can't see any option to have electronic tickets or to pick them up at will-call. Has anyone attended this before and can advise if there's an option I'm not seeing? Should I just show up on the day and hope there are tickets left? That seems a little risky to do tbh. I'm planning to attend all 4 days, just in case Chuso doesn't make finals or something. 

Aside from ticket logistics and hotel suggestions, any other advice or experiences from past Cottbus World Cups would be most appreciated. I don't know what I don't know so please enlighten me. Any suggestions for interesting things to do in the Cottbus region during the day before the competitions would also be great. Finally, if anyone else is planning to be there, please let me know! I will probably be on my own (although I am trying to convince a gymnastics-enthusiast work friend who is also going to Portugal to come along with me) so meeting up with a gymnerd buddy would be great.