Imagine sitting in a plush venue in Los Angeles, with an 87-foot screen towering above you, its sheer size making you feel as though you’re right inside a football stadium in another continent. This is Cosm, a revolutionary concept aiming to bring football fans closer to the action without the need for international flights. But how does it compare to the visceral experience of actually being at the match? We explored this question by watching Fulham take on Arsenal from two very different locations: one writer attended Cosm in Los Angeles, while another soaked up the rain-soaked atmosphere at Fulham’s historic Craven Cottage in London.

Cosm is not just a sports bar. It’s an immersive viewing venue that takes the idea of watching football on a big screen to extraordinary new heights. As you enter the state-of-the-art venue in LA, the first thing that grabs your attention is the immense wrap-around screen that dominates the space. Sitting in Cosm’s premium seating, you’re surrounded by carefully curated camera angles that give you the sensation of being in the stadium.

Even for a match starting at 6 a.m. local time, there was a small but dedicated crowd of fans, mostly Arsenal supporters, who had gathered to witness the action. Fulham’s U.S. fan club also made an appearance, cheering loudly when Raul Jimenez scored the opening goal. Despite the early hour, the atmosphere was lively, fueled by expertly crafted cocktails and avocado toast—luxuries that felt miles away from the wet and muddy terraces of London.

The quality of the screen and the camera angles offered something unique. A behind-the-goal view brought a new perspective to the game, allowing viewers to see how defenders positioned themselves during set pieces and how goalkeepers directed their walls. For those who love tactical analysis, it was an innovative way to experience football.

But the experience wasn’t without its flaws. Technical issues disrupted the feed twice during the match, briefly shattering the illusion of being at Craven Cottage. While staff worked quickly to restore the connection, the outages highlighted the inevitable limitations of relying on technology to replicate a live match.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Fulham and Arsenal fans braved the relentless rain to make their way to Craven Cottage. For many, this journey begins at Putney Bridge station, where fans from both sides merge into a river of scarves and songs as they cross the Thames.

Craven Cottage offers a stark contrast to the high-tech luxury of Cosm. Built in 1896, parts of the stadium remain charmingly old-fashioned, with narrow turnstiles set into red brick walls and exposed wooden beams supporting the stands. The seats in the historic Johnny Haynes Stand may be cramped and have restricted views thanks to the iron pillars, but for many fans, these imperfections are part of the charm.

The matchday atmosphere is unfiltered and raw. Fans heckle the referee, cheer wildly when Jimenez scores for Fulham, and groan collectively when Arsenal’s William Saliba equalizes. It’s loud, chaotic, and full of emotion. Every chant and jeer reverberates through the rain-soaked stands, creating a connection between fans and players that is hard to replicate through a screen.

Half-time is a rush to the cramped concourse for Bovril or a pre-poured pint of lager. Queues are long, and the amenities are far from luxurious, but the sense of camaraderie is tangible. Fans trade stories, critique the first half, and laugh about how soaked their coats and shoes have become.

So, how does Cosm stack up against the real thing? It offers something undeniably exciting: a high-definition, immersive experience that allows fans thousands of miles away to feel like they’re part of the matchday action. The premium food and drink options and luxurious seating create a more comfortable environment than any football stadium could offer.

However, what Cosm can’t replicate is the human connection and unpredictability of being at a match. At Craven Cottage, the rain may leave you drenched, the seating may be uncomfortable, and the food may be overpriced and underwhelming, but the collective emotion and unfiltered joy of celebrating a goal with thousands of others is irreplaceable.

In many ways, these two experiences reflect the evolution of football fandom. For those who can’t make the journey to Europe, Cosm offers a compelling alternative that bridges the gap. But for those who crave the noise, the smells, and the rain-soaked chaos of matchday, there’s still nothing quite like being there in person.

Both venues capture the spirit of football in their own ways. Cosm brings technological innovation and comfort to fans far from the stadium, while Craven Cottage remains a bastion of tradition and authenticity. For football lovers, the choice between the two might ultimately come down to one simple question: are you in it for the convenience or the chaos?