Introduction from a newbie and questions

[wcevery4yrs]

Hi everyone. I'm Patricia, and I'm currently going through a huge post-WC depression. (You see my handle, right?). Anyway, I'm a Baltimore resident, and I'm also *not* a big sports fan *at all*. If it's not soccer or the Olympics, I'm not interested. Don't like TV, either--before the WC was on ABC, the last time I had the TV on to watch it was when the Oscars were on. So, guess what? I don't own cable!!! (I'll rent The Wire and Deadwood as they come out on DVD, thanks.)

Anyway, now that the WC is over, I'd like to find out where good places are that show DC United games, so I can get a soccer fix. Towards the end of the Cup, I began watching some games at The Emerald Tavern and met some really nice people there, and it's fun to root for whatever team you're supporting along with other people. I did some shouting at the TV if I watched the game at my house, but it's more fun to mix and mingle. Does anyone meet anywhere on a regular/semi-regular basis to watch the games? The Emerald is a nice place, but I think their soccer days are limited to one corner TV on DC United, and the rest of them will be back to baseball or whatever else it is they show on ESPN these days that's bound to make me comatose.

Does anyone ever get together for a trip down to DC to take the games in up close and personal? I am NOT a fan of DC driving--I HATE DC streets and just the thought of being behind a steering wheel within city limits is enough to give me the hives--I keep getting really, really, lost trying to navigate them, so I've given up trying. I do better in other cities. Anyway, if there are road trips being organized, or if anyone would like to, please feel free to write me privately.

I'm always up for meeting people and having fun the old-fashioned way--in person. I'm joining the DC United forum, the Men's National Forum, and a few non-soccer related forums. I've got a whole other rant about soccer that needs to be a new thread on another day, but in the meantime, hello, anyone up for some DC United watching somewhere in the greater Baltimore area, please let me know publicly or privately.

-Patricia

[BBBulldog]

Baltimore's almost local :D

Plenty people come from Baltimore for games. Also I think there was a thread here for you Bal'more people titled something with Baltimore or Charm City.

I'm sure they'll be along shortly :p

[DeKo21DCU]

Driving inside DC is not needed to get to RFK from Baltimore. Come join us in person.

[greenbill]

I have watched some English League and US matches at Slainte in Fell's Point and James Joyce Pub (near inner harbor) with some of the DC fans from Baltimore. Like someone else said, visit the Baltimore thread in this forum. Some people from Baltimore will probably be at this Saturday's tailgate.

As far as driving to games is concerned, its not bad IMO. I drive from York, PA and take 295 S from Baltimore to the stadium....it's really easy. I went to about 11 games last season and never had a problem.

Also, I think you'll find that not only the bunch of DC fans that I know from Baltimore are good people, but the DC supporters groups, are very welcoming. Don't hesitate to go to a tailgate and introduce yourself.

[Pints]

Hello,
I live in Baltimore and never go to a bar to watch matches as I have them at home. The two places below are your best bet for watchgin the sport although I would suggest you contact them and ask to see if they will turn on a DC game for you. The European leagues start up in about 6 weeks and they will begin covering all the English matches and some Scottish matches as well. Also, Champions League.

Slainte in Fells Point (http://www.slaintepub.com/)

The James Joyce just outside Fells Point at the end of Presidents St. (http://www.thejamesjoycepub.com/)


However, if you truly do not want to deal with TV, I can only suggest you go to a match.

[wcevery4yrs]

Thanks to the tips, and I did hunt that thread down and subscribe to it, as well. Having never, ever been to an event at RFK, I'm not sure about getting there, but I'm sure the Metro system must be in the general area. My married friends are either sitting home with the kids or not into soccer, and the great majority of my single friends live in other states, so I'm on the lookout for people to spend time with when it comes to soccer. People kinda looked at me funny when I told them I was going to a bar "just to watch a soccer game?" Uh, yeah, but I'll wipe the froth (excitement, not rabies) from my mouth first, I promise. Used to be, the only people who got my soccer fanaticism were foreign-born--we got along just fine. Anyway, if any non-locals ever want to pool up and make a road trip, I'm all up for it. I'd be up for those tailgaters, too, if someone can let me know how to find you all. My instincts are good, but not that good. Might be a bit too late for me to make tomorrow's but if you know of anything in advance where you'll be meeting up, feel free to give a shout out. I'm still navigating my way around this site, as well as trying to learn a bit more about the (nearest) home team, about which I admit to knowing very little. Once again, advice welcomed.

-Patricia

[JoeSoccerFan]

Patricia - no worries. I know it can be intimidating going to new places/ meeting new people. But we are pretty friendly group (though stay away from Mark (Pints) and Andy (Greenbill)) :D .

Here's a link to the Barra tailgate. (http://www.barra-brava.com/tailgates/index.asp) free beer and food.

Here's a link from another new person on BS (Here's a link from another new person)

My wife and I are leaving Laurel (right off I-95) at 4pm. PM me if you want to ride with us - it's no problem.

Directions from Baltimore are pretty easy. I-95 to I-495 East to BW Parkway South (295), at the split at NY avenue, go left toward I-295. After Benning road, take East Capitol Street W(only way you can go), go across the Anacostia, get in left lane, circle the Stadium, then cross 3 lanes of traffic into parking lot 8 (if you miss it, just circle the stadium again).