Supporters Club (2006 History Lesson)

[Z010 Union]

I have been thinking about identity of supporters for the Philadelphia club, something unique to the league and unique to the city, branding us as something true to Philadelphia sports history and the passion that the city has for it's teams.

I would like to suggest that the Supporters be known simply as "700". The city's collective sports memory will always be filled with wonderful days in the upper regions of the Vet, whether for a Eagles game or Phillies game and the 700 level of the Vet was infamous for it's passionate behavior. Branding with the something from the Vet is it bit risky since it is a cross-sport comparison, but I think that the name will resonate with area sports fans and they will understand what kind of heat to expect from the hard core supporters.

700.

[Z010 Union]

http://www.personal.psu.edu/staff/j/e/jed124/photos/fullsize/700level_lg.jpg

[Z010 Union]

http://members.aol.com/lilbro1478/torchman.jpg

[SoccerPrime]

I know you mean well, but if you go with 700, I will think this:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a2/700club.gif/250px-700club.gif

Am I the only one?

chapka suggested Ben's Army. I like that!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Benjamin_Franklin_by_Jean-Baptiste_Greuze.jpg/180px-Benjamin_Franklin_by_Jean-Baptiste_Greuze.jpg

[Z010 Union]

Ben's Army I like but feel "army" is overused by US supporters

Maybe something more colonial like Militia? County?

Franklin's Tower? (Dead fan, too)

Schuykill Headhunters

Broad Street Barra

The Don Pollocks ;)

[SoccerPrime]

We discussed this a little already here: http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=326804

And here were the suggestions
Independence
Liberty Hall
The Brotherhood (City of Brotherly Luv)
New MetroScum
Ben's Army -chapka not CyphaPSU oops!
Gino's Philadelphia FC
The Italian Stallions
The Rocky Bal-Booers
Jersey Boyz
"The DV"
Delaware Valley Supporters

[Z010 Union]

I like the unionized labor take - how about we call the SC - Local "fill in the main section here"

i.e. IBPF (International Brotherhood of Philadelphia Football) Local 129 would encompass sections 129, 130 etc.

[Sundevil9]

I'd rather wait and see what the team is called, and possibly logo's are rolled out.

Among the better group names are Screaming Eagles (named after the logo), River Ratz, The Inferno, (both inspired by the team names) etc.

I've never really liked the ESC (Empire Supporter's Club) as a name because it's generic, and doesn't ring like it has ties to the club (though in their case, that's maybe a good thing ;) ). It always seemed to me that if another metro area team sprouted up, they may bolt for them.

These are all great ideas to brainstorm and form a starting point for when a team actually exists, but to settle on a name and then have the team go in an entirely different direction will look disfunctional. (Like NY)

[Z010 Union]

Given the fact that one way or another many fans are going to be crossing the Delaware to get to matches, and despite my aversion to using army in a SC, what about Continental Army, a faction of which joined Geo. Washington in crossing the Delaware.

[Lobezno1]

I agree that it is a bit early, but how about if we mix 2 of the already suggested:

Ben's Brotherhood!
Since it was said that "ARMY" is a bit overused.
I think it combines 2 good suggestions.

My two cents!

[chapka]

I like the idea of the Continental Army, but it doesn't exactly roll off the tongue...

If we go with Ben's Army or Ben's Brotherhood, I will personally invest in a Ben Franklin wig and glasses:

http://www.chickenshop.co.uk/acatalog/SM25508.jpg

Especially if they end up playing the first few seasons at Villanova, about two and a half miles from my new house.

[SoccerPrime]

"army" is over used. Sam's Army(Nats), Texian Army (Dynamo), V-Army (Crew)...

Ben's Brotherhood..although that might slight our sister fans.

Maybe Ben's Brigade? Maybe too much military terminology.

[CyphaPSU]

I love the 700 idea. The thing about Philly sports is that all our teams are somehow strangely connected to one another because of the passion of the city for its teams. It's a unique Philadelphia thing. Including the potentially new MLS team with the identity of city's greater sports culture is an important thing to do.

[CyphaPSU]

Maybe Ben's Brigade? Maybe too much military terminology.
Yes, let's leave the military verbage out because it is simply overused.

[n4100]

I think we should also leave out anything doing with labor as its really a touchy subject in the area. Plus the Teamsters might want a payout! ;)

[Looper121]

NO ARMY! Please. It's old hat, been there done that, beating the dead horse. Etc. etc.

http://www.bjacked.net/LuvToHunt/forums/phpBB2/modules/gallery/albums/album01/Beat_Dead_Horse.jpg

[CyphaPSU]

NO ARMY! Please. It's old hat, been there done that, beating the dead horse. Etc. etc.

http://www.bjacked.net/LuvToHunt/forums/phpBB2/modules/gallery/albums/album01/Beat_Dead_Horse.jpg
http://www.bluesworld.com/144OLDHAT.JPEG

[SoccerPrime]

So at this point are the "no military, no union" posters preferring only "700" or is there more suggestions?

Beside Ben's Brotherhood I mean.

[PhillyMLS]

Penn's Posse (best I could come up with right now)

[Z010 Union]

http://www.leaguelineup.com/wilmingtonunited/images/philadelphia_small_mix.gif