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yanks02
09 Apr 2006, 03:29 PM
This was sent over to me by the FO. Basically, they got with DC and got the guidelines that the Screaming Eagles use. It's nothing we don't already know but I need to post this to stress the importance of following these rules. With the Dynamo "renting" the stadium from the University of Houston, we have to abide by their rules and just hope that when we get into our own stadium, we can go all kinds of crazy.

Let me preface this by saying NO FLARES OR SMOKE BOMBS ARE ALLOWED. This is not my ruling, and not even necessarily the FO ruling, as most seemed to like the atmosphere. This is the stadium ops and the police's ruling. DO NOT BRING THESE ITEMS INTO THE SUPPORTERS SECTION. I will not have the groups privileges taken away from us because you are bringing this stuff in.

And to everyone else in the Texian Army, if you see something like this happen, tell someone who it was. If you don't feel comfortable ratting out someone to the police/FO/security people, then by all means, tell me and I'll do it. I don't care who you are, if you bring these items into our section from now on, you will be turned into the police. I'm not kidding here. I'm the one who gets all the talking to's from the FO and I don't want that anymore. And like I said, I won't have the groups privileges taken away just because you want to light up a flare or set off a smoke bomb.

People don't realize that flares and smoke bombs are dangerous. I couldn't care either way if we light those things up or not. I don't necessarily think we need those to stand out in the crowd and to support our team. The flares seriously burn people and my throat is still hurting this morning from inhaling the smoke bomb. Let's just stand and cheer and wave our flags.

Security Policies
To ensure the best possible guest experience during this event, please observe the following:

1. Glass, plastic, and metal containers, weapons and illegal substances prohibited

2. Bags subject to search

3. Disruptions may result in ejection

4. No re-entry

5. Your Cooperation is appreciated.

PROHIBITED ITEMS:

1. Metal, plastic, glass containers of any kind

2. PETS

3. Bicycles

4. Backpacks and large bags over 14 x 14 x 6 inches

5. Large flags and banners, without approval

(Supporters Club ONLY is allowed banners and flags with poles; requests must be submitted in writing with a picture of pole and banner)

6. Poles and staffs (metal, plastic, or wooden poles that are not approved by Houston Dynamo *Poles must be under 10 feet tall*)

7. Weapons and Illegal substances on any kind

8. Food and beverages brought from outside the stadium excluding water only

9. No incendiary devices, including smoke bombs

10. No horns / whistles

11. Hard sided coolers

Also, the FO told me last night not to bring the flags on poles out of our section. They are worried that someone will be hit with the poles. So we can't run around the stadium or stand outside our section and wave the flag and flagpole around. It'll be fine though. People can see the flags in our section. Also, make sure we return the soccer ball to the field if it goes into our section. This isn't baseball. You can't keep the balls. ;)

So here it is people. Abide by these rules or you won't be standing with the Texian Army anymore. And again, if any Texian Army members knows for sure who sets off smoke bombs or flares, either tell the police or come to me. We don't want our whole group disbanded.

Also, if you are sitting in the supporter's section and don't feel like you want to be there anymore, a Dynamo ticket rep will be glad to move you. We decided at our first meeting that we aren't catering to the soccer mom's and the family. We are a group of people that stands, chants (sometimes using bad language), and goes crazy during the games. If this isn't for you, feel free to move. You are more than welcome to still be a Texian Army member and join us at our tailgates, but then when the game starts, if you aren't feeling up to standing in our section, then you can go to another section and watch the game. We don't want anyone there that is uncomfortable being there.

As always, if there are any questions, feel free to PM me.

fordfjord
09 Apr 2006, 04:08 PM
I'll sign it. I think we're doing OK without the excess, considering we still have walk-ups to join.

DrLudicrous
09 Apr 2006, 04:40 PM
Is there any chance of getting the FO to put up a sign for our section, basically saying:

1. 213 is treated as general admission
2. People will be standing the whole game
3. Adult language will be used
4. If you don't like rules 1-3 contact a team official to be moved to a different area

I think that would go over better than us getting into arguments with people that end up in 213 and don't know what to expect.

USvsIRELAND
09 Apr 2006, 05:03 PM
Why arent u allowed plastic containers?

fordfjord
09 Apr 2006, 07:06 PM
Is there any chance of getting the FO to put up a sign for our section, basically saying:

1. 213 is treated as general admission
2. People will be standing the whole game
3. Adult language will be used
4. If you don't like rules 1-3 contact a team official to be moved to a different area

I think that would go over better than us getting into arguments with people that end up in 213 and don't know what to expect.Nah. Do as Dallas does, and have the FO warn people as they are buying tix. A posted sign becomes too much of a focal point for hatred and discontent (a certain, recent 10 Commandments memorial on Courthouse property debacle comes to mind...)

And I'm assuming the plastic containers refer to things like Thermos's, on the theory that it's best to just not allow, as you can sneak any sort of beverage in that way. The water bottles are an obvious (I hope!) exclusion. Which is good, as I hold that water is not a beverage - it is a necessity for life. Beer before and after, and lots of it, but temper with water in between, and I feel that I can can control my actions - and my mouth - a little better! :D

MathewsLAT
09 Apr 2006, 07:20 PM
I think that the plastic bottles rule is to prevent plastic bottles from becoming urine filled and from being thrown on the field. Reliant stadium did not sell beer in plastic bottles at the gold cup for this reason. I know it is sick but that is why.

yanks02
09 Apr 2006, 07:21 PM
I think that would go over better than us getting into arguments with people that end up in 213 and don't know what to expect.

The ticket people are supposed to be warning every single person that gets tickets in 213, or anywhere near it, that this is the supporter's section and we are all crazy people. I know Rizzo always does. I'm pretty sure the person complaining last night knew she was going to be in the supporter's section and was warned beforehand. People just like to complain.

Dre00
09 Apr 2006, 08:32 PM
The ticket people are supposed to be warning every single person that gets tickets in 213, or anywhere near it, that this is the supporter's section and we are all crazy people. I know Rizzo always does. I'm pretty sure the person complaining last night knew she was going to be in the supporter's section and was warned beforehand. People just like to complain.

Even if she wasn't warned, that's not our job. Thanks for posting the guidelines...I agree 100%.

McOwen
09 Apr 2006, 10:38 PM
This was sent over to me by the FO. Basically, they got with DC and got the guidelines that the Screaming Eagles use...

Wow, I stood by the Screaming Eagles last Saturday and this what IT looked like in the Barra Brava...

http://www.ibiblio.org/footy/2006b/0408_dc_cdc_mll/web_046_mll.jpg

These SE' rules are not TEAM rules by any means.

Honestly, I understand what you guys are going through. It is really difficult to draw the line between supporting your team and over doing it.

However, when it comes to something like the responsible use of 1-3 smoke bombs per game (in the stands NOT on the field) you sure as hell shouldnt be basing yourself in what the Screaming Eagles do. They stand next to the smoke bombs we light in the Barra Brava every week and enjoy the credit/look it conveys upon ALL the supporters clubs. The team is "unofficially" fine with what we do as long as we are responsible and are not doing stupid $hit like tossing them on the field.

As to the non flag issue... We also use a FLEXIBLE tubing for our flags. There is no way the team should have a problem with what you are doing IF you communicate with them and show them what you are doing.

Good luck. IMHO Try to look to the Barra Brava and Section 8 as to what a supporters club should look like and less to the rest of MLS.

fordfjord
09 Apr 2006, 11:21 PM
The Screaming Eagles have got it going - props to you!

Someday, we'll grow out of UoH, and be more like that. The passion is here; don't try to stifle it for stifling's sake...

fordfjord
09 Apr 2006, 11:48 PM
Posting twice, I know, but I'm drunk, and I have to get up early tomorrow morning, so what the hell... Clan MacGregor is a very smooth, very cheap scotch! :D

It seems to me that the FO, in conjunction with UoH, was not prepared for the reception that we as fans would roll out for our new team. (Caveats: "Not prepared" is definately the understatement of the decade, considering AEG had only 4 months to get their act together; "New team", with all respect to San Jose - you guys did your part to make Houston Dynamo what it is today.) There has been no time to segregate the "adult sections" from the "family sections" from the "corporate sections" from the "whatever sections"... General Sam et al did good to get us in a single section, priced where most of us could afford it, from which we rain down merry hell on those passers-by, who, in turn, for the most part anyway, look upon us with grins on their faces - grins, I say, and not looks of utter contempt! The Texian Army has brought to Robertson what AEG needs - passion for their product. I'm a whore, I'll be the first to admit - I am willing to be used by said organization in return for a little protection and some considerations in the pursuit of my seeking bliss - "La Alegria" - from the beautiful game.

Again, I'm drunk, and my typing is still not fast enough to keep up with my slowed brain right now. The guidelines (to use a neutral word) that Yanks has so graciously (and defensively ;) ) posted above are truly not that unreasonable for now. Things will be better for us a few years down the road, with a couple of MLS Cups under collective belt and a brand new SSS (in which we will continue to rain down merry hell on the aforementioned passers-by, who, in turn, for the most part anyway, will look upon us with grins on their faces...)

Go HOUSTON DYNAMO! Viva 1836!

NattyBo
10 Apr 2006, 12:15 AM
The Screaming Eagles have got it going - props to you!

Someday, we'll grow out of UoH, and be more like that. The passion is here; don't try to stifle it for stifling's sake...

Thats Barra Brava, not the Eagles...thats pretty much the whole crux of McOwen's post :o

Edit: Not to derail or anything. Its good to see the passion in a new MLS city...just wish you guys could stick with the smokebombs :)

CeltTexan
10 Apr 2006, 02:35 AM
Thats Barra Brava, not the Eagles...thats pretty much the whole crux of McOwen's post :o

Edit: Not to derail or anything. Its good to see the passion in a new MLS city...just wish you guys could stick with the smokebombs :)

To lose a battle with the U of H "stadium renters" is what an Army can expect to face from time to time.

Even though AEG clearly stated to the Texian Army back in Jan. that smoke bombs are "officially" not allowed in yet it happens in other cities....AEG said if it happens at Robertson than so be it.

We cannot control the actions of a few. We can control our collective outlook as we look forward to staying with AEG and leaving U of H or to leaving AEG and U of H for greener fields. We will march on and be mindful of our place in Houston sporting culture.

For what its worth...the word around the campfire is the smoke and our flags waiving proudly from flagpoles really had the entire stadium looking at us and many missed the equalizer from Victorine. Just for that one time this season it was a massively effective message to let the other 20K present soak up an atmosphere that is common for La Alegria and the beautiful game up and down Las Americas.

yanks02
10 Apr 2006, 08:13 AM
Hey I understand what everyone is saying. All I'm saying is that if it happens in our section again, we're toast. We can support our team in other ways than letting off smoke bombs and flares.

metrofan89
10 Apr 2006, 10:09 AM
I think lots of banners, flags, and tons of orange confetti and streamers will make you guys look quite good anyways.

joxash
10 Apr 2006, 01:52 PM
This may not be a practical suggestion but has anyone looked into those fogger machines that practically every Texas high school football team uses nowadays? If memory serves you can get them with different color lighting attachments and the fog is made of water so no deleterious effects. With the humidity you have down there the fog should last a good long time.

Waco Joe

McOwen
10 Apr 2006, 04:47 PM
I have HEARD Section 8 uses one "officially" in Chicago but I cant say I know that...

Looking back at my post I didnt really mean to rip you (or even the Eagles) for not using smoke. I just wanted it to be clear that I didnt think the SE's "rules" should necessary be your own guide as even here they are certainly not etched in stone.

You guys seem to be heading in the right direction. Work with the FO for now (even if they are annoying) and try to build a good relationship. On top of that, here in DC the Barra Brava tries to concentrate SERIOUSLY on one or two things each season. In this process you are hopefully building a distinct tradition and after a few years you will be rolling.

for each year pic a goal:

-- Create the "legal" look you want for the section... flags confetti streamers etc

-- Get your tailgates established.... Free kegs, central consistant location etc.

-- Build websites... etc

While you will say you cando it all at once (and to a degree you can) i have found that in the nearly 8 or so years I have been doing this it really does help to focus energy.

Good luck (Except this weeK :D)

MathewsLAT
10 Apr 2006, 05:16 PM
I love the fogger Idea. That is a great. I bet the FO would go for that.

nobius
10 Apr 2006, 05:27 PM
This may not be a practical suggestion but has anyone looked into those fogger machines that practically every Texas high school football team uses nowadays? If memory serves you can get them with different color lighting attachments and the fog is made of water so no deleterious effects. With the humidity you have down there the fog should last a good long time.

Waco Joe

That would work especially well during the summer. I have one at home from Halloween a few years ago (skull that puts out haze). It works using electricity only and puts off no actual smoke or sparks.

Is dry ice kosher?

yanks02
10 Apr 2006, 07:44 PM
That would work especially well during the summer. I have one at home from Halloween a few years ago (skull that puts out haze). It works using electricity only and puts off no actual smoke or sparks.

Is dry ice kosher?

Oh lord I can see it now. Us marching up to the gates and the security person asking "wtf? Why do you need dry ice?"