New Supporters Group ...

[GoRapids]

All right ... I'm going to start here and get a feel for what you all think.

Last night I was watching the Chelsea Wigan game (DVR) and I was thinking ... man it'd be SO MUCH BETTER to be surrounded by passionate fans instead of the Rapids Sales office driven Group sales fans.

See, I go to the game ... and I don't want to be stuck in a corner. I don't want to stand all game. And I don't really want to sing songs all game either.

But I love shouting at the players. I love giving props to Joe ... and equally love telling Wolde to call for a sub.

I love shouting to Suarez that his mother called and says he doesn't need to wear the head gear anymore ... and I love calling Chunger a traitor.

When the ref does something retarded ... I yell out ... what the ********** was that ... and when Luchi misses a sitter I'll shout out "Sheet".

I don't mean to be foul languaged ... I mean my 20 month old son is with me ... it just slips sometimes.

When a bad foul is called ... I'll stand ... and yell. When a nice ball is played ... I'll clap.

If there is a string of passes made by the Rapids ... I wouldn't mind shouting Ole ... and once in a while ... Lets Go Rapids chants are fun.

But that's a lot different than the current supporters section. While I don't want to stand and sing ... I do passionately watch the game. Thing is ... I upset people in my section EVERY game that think standing EVER is wrong. Or I'm too noisy or obnoxious.

I know there are a lot more of you out there. Nowar ... you and I use to sit in the same section (I think) and there were people there that enjoy boisterous support.

Are there more of you out there?

What I'm thinking is ... we could consolidate ...we could get our seats together all in Section 125 or so. We could have a nice Supporter Section that isn't like 127. Sure some of us drink beer ... but we have our wifes and girlfriends ... kids too (but be aware the section is PG-13!).

We wont' have a group name ... we'll call the section Class Six ... but that's just for reference.

The first step is to get people there ... and what happens after that just evolves. I'm going to work with the Rapids on this ... this would be for 2006 and we can see how it goes.

We'll keep it simple at first ... a section for passionate fans - but not the same as 127. I'll lead it up ... and depending on the feed back ... we'll see what we can do.

Please ... give me feedback.

Mark

[GoRapids]

Also ... I didn't mean to imply all passionate fans are men.

Ladies will have thier husbands and boyfriends there too!! ;)

[DavidJames]

I agree with most everything you said. When we went to the away K.C. play off game a couple years back, I stood the whole game and held up my end of a banner. But I don't want to do that every game. I'm not boisterous by nature (ok, I was animated during the L.A. 9 man game). I would have no problems at all sitting around people like yourself. In fact it would be much preferred over those that come to game and talk non-stop about things not related to the game.

I will continue buying season tickets, so maybe those of us with similar feelings can arrange to move into one section next year then again when the new stadium opens.

[Quinn 33]

I think it’s a good idea for the passionate non-127’ers to be in section 125. Think about it. You guys always have your heads in the game, you clap, you yell, you leap to your feet when the Rapids score. The 127 people (like me) are sanding and sinning constantly. Think about the atmosphere for the “some timers” in 126. Surrounding that section on either side would probably make them more excited about the atmosphere, and they might get more into it. Two decent sized groups could help bring up the atmosphere.

Besides, you guys wouldn’t look like black sheep closer to us. :D

[Bonji]

As the years go by I think this is more what I'm looking for. However, it is hard because I like the cut rate 127/128 provides. I also like the general admission aspect because some games I'm with my wife, some games I'm with 6 friends and there is the rare game when I have 10+ friends. The flexibility of being able to switch tickets right before the game is very nice. I totally support this kind of supporters section and I think I fit better into it than the other, but without the flexibility and cost of 127/128, I'm not sure I can do it.

Recently I've been sitting at midfield in the section above the cross isle because I can see the game that much better. For 2006 I'll probably do the same thing. Buy 127/128 and sit wherever. In 2007 I think I'm going to buy two tickets and this type of supporters section will be what I'm looking for. I want a better view than the corner they'll throw the rowdies in. I want other people who aren't going to be upset with me for drinking with my friends and yelling at the ref. I don't have kids yet but when I do I want them to be able to sit with me. GoRapids, it sounds like I'm in your group.

[Bonji]

In fact it would be much preferred over those that come to game and talk non-stop about things not related to the game.

Unfortunatly I often bring people in this category. I think the new stadium will help with this because everyone will be so much closer to the action and thus more into the game. My wife in LA loved the intimacy HDC provided. I can't wait to have the same.

[GoRapids]

Bonji ... one of the things I'm goign to work on is the flexiblity aspect of this section.

I doubt they will give the 127 prices though.

What I plan on asking them ... is that anyone with a ticket that is equal or above the 125 price will be able to come to the section.

I'm going to ask the section be like the first 6 rows ... that way people can come. And there will always be room. In Invesco this won't be a problem at all.

This is where we start ... see if people are into it ... and then see what we can bring to the new stadium.

So Bonji, I couldn't tell if that was a Yeah I'm in or Neah too expensive.

[Bonji]

Bonji ... one of the things I'm goign to work on is the flexiblity aspect of this section.

I doubt they will give the 127 prices though.

What I plan on asking them ... is that anyone with a ticket that is equal or above the 125 price will be able to come to the section.

I'm going to ask the section be like the first 6 rows ... that way people can come. And there will always be room. In Invesco this won't be a problem at all.

This is where we start ... see if people are into it ... and then see what we can bring to the new stadium.

So Bonji, I couldn't tell if that was a Yeah I'm in or Neah too expensive.
In 2007 I should be able to afford a more expensive ticket. In 2006 I'll have to see where I am at the time of renewal. I'd like to see the entire thing be a supports section, not just six rows. I like to sit further back to be able to see more of the game. 10 rows would be more like it.

[GoRapids]

Others ... post even if you think it's a dumb idea!

[Slim 7]

I prefer to stand. And to pay $10 or less for a ticket.

[spot]

Sounds good to me.

Not everyone's a fan of it, but if a group wants to get a section behind the goal it'd be great. I love sitting back there. While you miss some stuff you can really see the play unfold in a way that no other section can give you.

[gschroeder]

I think it's a good idea. Especially if you leave a calm section in between. I find that excitment in a section is contagious. I'm a front row edge of the 18 kind of guy so thats where we like to sit. But on numerous occasions, I've noticed that when my party or even others in the section, get loud and yells at a linesman or opposing player, you get some positive reactions. You first hear some giggles around the section. But soon others start initiating the heckling and cheering. I think a large amount of people want to cheer but don't want to be the only ones. Once you bring it out, the first few rows of section 102 get going pretty good. Sure there are no chants or songs and you guys on the other side of the stadium probably can't hear us but we have a good time and thats what it's about.

[IllBeats Hooligan]

This sounds like a good idea but the MAIN PROBLEM is there are not enough people for two sections. Sec 127 is barely keeping it alive, if you can call it that. With no drums and less and less people coming every game the atmosphere is ebbing away. The last couple of years and earlier this year we had two sections. In 127 was iLL BeAts FC and Utlra Azul, then in 128 was the remenants of the River Ratz and some random peeps. We have consolidated the last couple of games because there simply are not enough of us that make noise anymore. I agree with you Mark that two sections, Class 6 for the boisterous one and then Class 5 for the families, would be ideal but at this time it is not a possibilty. Anyone that sits in "The Drink" will tell you we need more people. If you dont want to stand in the trenches then dont, there are plenty of seats in the higher rows above us that have a good view and we could certainly use the vocal support!

iLL BeAts FC
Brown

[ax319]

I agree with Brown, although i have only sat in 127 a couple of times, this last game and july 4th, the games in between i had to work. I plan on sitting in 127 whenever i get the chance to go to games. hopefully i will be able to make to the rest of the home games this year. While the supporters section was decent for July 4th this last game hardly anyone was there. But it still beats sitting anywhere else in the stadium. I think at this time both types of fans should come together in section 127. the standing, singing fans who want to make noise throughout the game, as well as the fans who like to sit for the most part but stand when the game gets exciting and make noise for good plays and heckle the refs. i think both of these groups can co-exist in one section for the time beeing, when the groups grow then they can occupy thier own sections. So i invite all of you to join section 127 for the next game, there are plenty of seats in the section and if u dont want to stand sit a few rows up and join in with the singing, chanting and chearing whenever you feel like it.

[chilistrider]

As the years go by I think this is more what I'm looking for. However, it is hard because I like the cut rate 127/128 provides. I also like the general admission aspect because some games I'm with my wife, some games I'm with 6 friends and there is the rare game when I have 10+ friends. The flexibility of being able to switch tickets right before the game is very nice. I totally support this kind of supporters section and I think I fit better into it than the other, but without the flexibility and cost of 127/128, I'm not sure I can do it.

Recently I've been sitting at midfield in the section above the cross isle because I can see the game that much better. For 2006 I'll probably do the same thing. Buy 127/128 and sit wherever. In 2007 I think I'm going to buy two tickets and this type of supporters section will be what I'm looking for. I want a better view than the corner they'll throw the rowdies in. I want other people who aren't going to be upset with me for drinking with my friends and yelling at the ref. I don't have kids yet but when I do I want them to be able to sit with me. GoRapids, it sounds like I'm in your group.
I couldn't have said it better. When I first got tickets, I was in row 4 in section 123 I think, in the second row. People around me maybe thought they were attending a golf tournament. They were outwardly disturbed whenever I would stand to yell at a ref for a bad call (though I am quite convinced that on one occasion my yelling caused the ref to pull a card he was hesitating on... he was mere feet from my strident exhortations). Whenever I wanted to invite friends our seats had to get moved around a bit since seats are assigned there. Whenver I went to a game alone I felt really lonely, because the people around me didn't like me since I was sometimes, SOMETIMES, loud. Meanwhile, down in 127 were all those people who looked like they were having more fun at the game than I was... Add to that the downturn in economy and a new mortgage, and we were ready to save some $ on our tickets but didn't want to give up our subscription.

So we moved our season tickets to 127. I am happy there 99% of the time. I like to cheer and jeer and stand. I like knowing so many people around me. I don't mind the sight lines now as much as I did a few years ago. (The more goals the Rapids score right in front of me, the more I like it). Occasionally I feel like sitting but can't see over the people in front of me, so I just stay standing. Occasionally somebody is drunk and obnoxious, and no, I am not referring to you, HIF!! And every once in a while there's a cheer that I find offensive, but that's my problem.

In a few years, once kiddos come into the picture, I will probably want to move to a section like the one proposed in this thread, but till then I support your proposal to begin one but I want to stay where I am.

[tonhtubra]

I love the idea. I personally would love to be in 127 all the time, but my friends don't like the idea. A place like you are proposing sounds like something they could really enjoy. I too would like the price of a place like this to be on the low end like 127. It would also make it easier to get friends to come along. I also wouldn't mind it being behind the goal, but i am a keeper so i am just a bit used to watching the game from this vantage.

Now, that i have a job, i am looking to save to buy a season ticket for 2006, so i really hope this is pulled off. I think it would be good to get a good base developed next year so when the move occurs plans can be made to have stand uppers in one section and two sections over have the sit-downers two sections over. I love the idea of keeping a section in between. I think it would naturally follow the lead of the two and help to get more atmosphere created.

Now that i have a job, i am looking forward to buying a season ticket for 2006, and hope to be in this section, knowing full well, if i feel like being rowdy for a game i can just wander down a couple of sections.

[IllBeats Hooligan]

keeping a section in between. I think it would naturally follow the lead of the two and help to get more atmosphere created. --tonhtubra--
Wrong. What you would have is a desolate section where some people might wonder thur occansionally.
This is close to what we have had the previous games this year if you didnt notice. This is a good idea maybe 4 or 5 years from now but population in "The Drink" is dropping fast and dividing a group of maybe 30 people over 3 sections is a horrible idea and thats that. If you want a mellow fan group, and it seems there are maybe about 8-9 people that have a family that would like something like this, go ahead and sit by each other anywhere in the stadium. The whole place in General admission above the first deck of seats and you can actually see the game better anyways.

Brown

[Bonji]

--tonhtubra--
Wrong. What you would have is a desolate section where some people might wonder thur occansionally.
This is close to what we have had the previous games this year if you didnt notice. This is a good idea maybe 4 or 5 years from now but population in "The Drink" is dropping fast and dividing a group of maybe 30 people over 3 sections is a horrible idea and thats that. If you want a mellow fan group, and it seems there are maybe about 8-9 people that have a family that would like something like this, go ahead and sit by each other anywhere in the stadium. The whole place in General admission above the first deck of seats and you can actually see the game better anyways.

Brown
Brown, I think it is safe to say that the Drink population is dropping because people aren't into what is going on there. I love the ticket price and flexibility but I'm more into seeing the game then standing and yelling the entire time. We're all different supporters and that is ok. I don't think we'll all fit in one section.

[askum33]

Bonji ... one of the things I'm goign to work on is the flexiblity aspect of this section.
I doubt they will give the 127 prices though.
What I plan on asking them ... is that anyone with a ticket that is equal or above the 125 price will be able to come to the section.
I'm going to ask the section be like the first 6 rows ... that way people can come. And there will always be room. In Invesco this won't be a problem at all.
This is where we start ... see if people are into it ... and then see what we can bring to the new stadium.


M,

I like the idea of this, but I don't like the area. I think we have talked about something like this before (about where the supporters section is and where we like to sit). My prob is with the area. As you know, I sit in section 104. We have a family and another couple that sits with us and we love the commrodere that we have created. I have talked with the other couple (black&blue boy) to see if they would be interested and they have the same response. We don't want to be on that side of the stadium. We like where we are right behind the benches. We get to yell at both teams,chew out the opposing coaches and (my fav) yell at the 4th offical and the line judge.
The way we see it our section has come together through last season and this. We don't know all the season ticket holders names, but we recognize each other's voices and talk within the section. We are loud, and sometimes disrespectful, but (almost) never foul. If someone does let a f-bomb slip then we don't get all tied up in a knot.
Now to get to my point, at the stadium meeting, the 2nd guy made it sound like there will be two sections for season ticket holders right behind the bench. Why not start it now, so we can have an organized group to select their tickets in that area when it opens?
Oh, and we used to have families come into our area and complain that we were too loud and bousterious, but they weren't season tix holders, and just stopped coming to our section. We have a pretty good group over in 104.

Just another thought...

C.

[GoRapids]

Alrighty ... here's what I've read:

A. Good idea
B. Put it above 127 instead of another section
----- the problem I have with this is I don't want to be stuck in the corner. I imagine there are other that feel that way too.
C. Price is a concern.
D. Section 104 (behind benchs) would be better than 125
----- I had always had the impression that the West side stands were much more concentrated with families - maybe that can be dispelled?
E. 125 would be good because it's near the "The Drink".
F. 125 would be bad because it draws away from "The Drink"
G. Behind the net
--- I'm totally opposed to this ... I'd be out. Maybe others would want in though.


People interested:
GoRapids - 4 people
DavidJames - ??
Bonji - ??
Spot - maybe - wants behind the net
Gschroeder(??)
tonhtubra(?)
askum - 2 people?

This is a decent start. I think if we could get 20 people committed it could be the beginning of something. Be a nice section too.

As Askum points out - it's nice to know the people sitting around you.