It is some of the most sought after real estate in Bermuda and doesn't even need to be advertised.

Offers are only taken in writing and it is best submitted about a year in advance.

We're talking about the process of renting viewing plots at Cup Match, the cost of which runs from $600 to about $2,000 and can only be leased for a few days.

Despite the cost, Bermudians, those lovers of Cup Match, won't hesitate to dig deep into their pockets to secure the right to built their 'camp' at Cup Match. Usually cost is shared between several friends to make it more affordable.

Some 'camps' will have all the conveniences of home, like the one jointly built by Hamilton Parish neighbours Norris (Bubba) Burgess and Nelson Smith on the western end of the ground which sits conveniently between two of the two bathrooms at that end of the ground. The two St. George's fans will bring from home a barbecue and an 18 cubic-foot fridge to keep refreshments cold.

"There is no need to go home for anything over the two days of Cup Match," Smith assured.

The spot, built on staging with newly purchased plywood and 'two-by-four', measures 30x16 feet. with the cost of a 10x10 foot spot going for $800 for the two days, Smith estimates it would normally cost about $2,500 if they had to pay for it outright.

To get it, though, club member Smith struck a deal, agreeing to do extra work around the ground (he is usually part of the members' work crew anyway) like redoing two toilet stalls upstairs and downstairs at the club, repairing lighting in the kitchen, replacing two kitchen windows in the main auditorium and repairing and furnishing appliances.

Burgess, in the water trucking business, donated several loads of water to the club as part of the deal. It's a win-win situation for all concerned and it is worth it to get what Smith feels is easily one of the best seats in the house. The spot behind the regular seating will accommodate about 30 people and over the two days he expects that most of the people there will be friends and family members who support Somerset!

"It cost us $836 for the plywood, $212 for the two-by-four, $116 for canvas," explained Smith.

"We've had this spot for the last eight years in St. George's. When we first got this spot there were no more spots considered on the grounds and Clevie Foggo, the president, told me 'if you can find a spot you can have it'.

"You're looking at nothing less than a $6,000 investment for two days of Cup Match, but it's well worth it. We get to meet old friends and I have friends flying in from England.

"At Somerset the management team invite me to sit with them in the clubhouse. My heart is in it in St. George's where I make it a big event."

One year in Somerset a two story camp had a spiral staircase leading upstairs while another camp in St. George's was completely enclosed with sliding glass door panels in the front and air-conditioned for added comfort.

Such is the way Bermudians go all out for the two-day holiday. Even residents in the area of the two cup Match clubs will spruce up their homes _ painting and cutting grass - in anticipation of visits from family and friends.

Walter Trott, Joe Douglas and Gerald Tuzo were getting their spot ready, hammering away on the day of the final trial match on Saturday.

"I ran a stall one year, made no money and the following year I got a piece of land (for a plot)," said Trott who has been doing it for about 35 years.

Actually, he says the stand is Henry Tuzo's, but because of a stroke a few weeks back Tuzo may not be able to make it to the match.

"He's the one in charge, if there is such a thing,'' said Trott. "I hoping he is able to be brought down here.

"I don't remember many Cup Matches but I've seen a lot. Coming to Cup Match, it doesn't matter who wins or loses, the main thing is Bermudians coming together. Normally we've had a group next to us, all Somerset people, but in the last couple of years they haven't come out."

St. George's club officials are hoping the extension of the southern wall by about 12 feet, the club's biggest project leading up to Cup Match, will prove to be popular with bleachers erected on that side of the ground for the first time. Plenty of general seating is available for those looking for somewhere inexpensive to sit.

Secretary Neil Paynter was the club official responsible for the delegation of spots, with letters of interest coming in just after the 2000 match in Somerset was over.

"It's a policy you have to write in order to accommodate a spot. People started to write in as early as August of the previous year, not only for the concession spots but also the viewing plots" explained Paynter.

"With the concession spots (food stalls) it's a first-come, first-served basis. Obviously we have some people who have done it over the years and they just continue on.

"With the viewing plots, people also write in very early but what I tried to do this year was try to accommodate our members as much as possible. I feel that members should have privileges over everyone else. I know Cup Match everyone comes around but the members are here day in and day out."

Added Paynter: "There has been a high demand and I've had to turn people away in viewing as well as food stalls."

Paynter explained that the cost of the stalls vary from $200 to $2,000 depending on their size and what they are selling. Those just selling novelty items are less expensive than the food stalls.

The cost includes a deposit which will only be returned if the stand is torn down within a week after Cup Match. Otherwise the deposit will be used for the cost of having a trucker take it away.