Gold Cup Final - Chicago Final Thoughts

[stealth71]

First of all thanks to everyone whom made it to Chicago for the Semi-Finals & Finals. The weather was perfect Thursday night and could have been less muggier on Sunday. The atmosphere at the stadium for both games was great and hopefully most of you had a very positive experience that I had. Hopefully you managed to figure out that getting around Chicago is pretty simple and hopefully you had a chance to see some of the nicer things the city has to offer. We're very proud of our city as you can tell.

Couple of things I noticed and in my opinion proves that things continue to improve for all soccer fans.

Demand for tickets - I have never seen the demand so high for tickets and that includes the 94 World Cup. I met a person on my way to the match who's friend sold two (2) $80 seats for $375 each. I heard similar stories from others.

US & Mexico Fans - The majority of the interaction I saw between both groups was all good and needs to be mentioned alot more than the few cases of stupid actions on both sides. We're all soccer fans and that's what I experienced yesterday, Thursday as well as previous international matches I've attended.

Lack of US fans. Simple, I personally know more than a few whom wanted to wait to see who was in the final before purchasing their tickets and then when they saw who was in the finals, scrambled for tickets. Many were SOL and I feel no sorrow for them. A big part of this lack of US fans in stadiums is due to many half assing on their committment to supporting the team at big matches. I've heard every excuse from I didn't have the money at the time to (fill blank). We all knew this tournament was taking place along time ago and to not make it happen is so weak. There's a simple solution to solving this problem, however many of you aren't willing to make the commitment, so I won't waste my time explaining how. I'll take action and you'll see the fruits of that labor. Really simple.

Again, thanks for coming out and take care,
Fonsos

[joeginto]

I sat in the first row of Sam's Army both nights. It was my first US cap. Went with buddies and drank and sang and laughed the entire night on Thursday and we got there early enough to sit in the first row (the tickets I had were in the front row but I know this section is GA so we got there early). I know my three friends are now hooked and we're already planning on attending Chicago Fire games together and I can tell you the passion they felt at that game has fueled a spark in them for football. I've always had it but made excuses/reasons for not attending US games. Those excuses are gone. I will stand at sing at every US game I can get to and chant with my brethren in the Sam's Army section every time.
Secondly, I went again on Sunday and took my wife and two young boys (8 and 6). We sat in the first row along with two other familes whose kids were having their 'first cap.' Thank you to everyone for turning my kids onto football. I tried explaining to them the passion and singing and excitement you get from being at a match (I've been to games in Italy so I know a little bit about the routine). While they were excited, I knew my wife was a little nervous that it would turn out to be an "ultras" disaster where there would be fights and swearing and people arrested, etc. Thank you fans for absolutely making my two boys experience so enjoyable. We sang until we were hoarse and then sang some more. They were buzzing the entire ride back and my boy is now saving up to buy a U.S. jersey. He's over the moon that he got to touch Landon Donovan and Gooch when they came over to our section. I really can't thank you enough. What an unbelievable experience.

It's a damn shame the Mexican players aren't as classy as their fans. While some idiots threw beer down at us from below at the end of the game, most all fans were congratulatory after the game and respectful and engaging after the game.

[US Allen 23]

I have been to many Nats games in my life, but this will rank as one of the highlights. First, let me say how impressed I was with the Mexican fans. I was center stripe about 10 rows up and there were almost no US support in the area. But before the game, we all wished each other luck and shook hands. During the game they were loud, we were loud and in the end we all shook hands again and we will all be waiting for the next match.

I do have a few problems with this weeks games. First, there was almost no coverage on ESPN or the local news. We took the train in from the subburbs and everyone know about the gay pride parade and the Cubs/Sox game but nobody had a clue that the finals of the 2nd most important tourney for us was being played. If we are going to get people in the stands, then we need to get the word out and we need help from the media. Besides Chicago is the home of US Soccer and they should have done a better job of promoting it.

Next, I was in Columbus when we beat Mexico to qualify for Germany. Sam's Army and the Crew supporters got together and made arraingements with an Irish pub to host the US supporters. The night before and after the game, we all met there and drank, sang songs and it was one of those experiances that you dream about. Now here we are in Chicago, and SA had nothing posted about the Semi's or Final. I came here looking for places to meet before the games and I went to Manhattan bar before the Canada match and there were maybe 7 people there. On Sunday we went to Fado and there were no US supporters. I know people were at the Globe and I hope it was a good time, but we seriously need help coordinating the bar scene before and after games.

Lastly, I would just like to say that this is the best I think the US has looked for a complete tournament, with the possible excepton of Korea/Japan WC. The team is starting to pass and control the ball like the great countries do. Now if we could finish a few more easy goals we will really begin to get the worlds attention.

Good Job Guys. USA, USA, USA.

[genpabloescobar]

I do have a few problems with this weeks games. First, there was almost no coverage on ESPN or the local news. We took the train in from the subburbs and everyone know about the gay pride parade and the Cubs/Sox game but nobody had a clue that the finals of the 2nd most important tourney for us was being played. If we are going to get people in the stands, then we need to get the word out and we need help from the media. Besides Chicago is the home of US Soccer and they should have done a better job of promoting it.


I blame Concacaf for a ton, but not here. And there's some inaccuracies here that I want to clear up.

One, both major papers and even the Southtown and Herald had coverage all week, so I disagree that there was no local coverage, unless you're talking about local sports in which case no one watches that anymore anyway.

Second, it's not US Soccer's responsibility to promote this, it's Concacaf's, and considering...

a) I heard radio commercials advertising it over the last week, and
b) The game sold out in advance and scalpers were asking for minimum of $150/ticket

...it seems they did their job.

Pardon the metaphor, but I think it's like the Pride parade that you mentioned...if you were interested in soccer, you knew about the game. If you were interested in, uh, alternative lifestyles, you knew about the parade.

I don't know how much more you could've asked.

Besides, my Blue Line train was 1/3 filled with Mexican supporters...

[noseycat]

I have no other MNT experiences to compare this weekend to since the games were my first two caps, but as far as sporting events go, this weekend was the best of my life!

Tailgating: Thursday was a blast! We met several fellow US supporters in the parking lot who were lots of fun to chat, drink, and eat with. Our seats were 11 rows back on the midline for the semifinal which allowed us to meet somevery friendly and generous US/Fire fans who hooked us up on Sunday by inviting us to their tailgate. We took advantage and had a great time with them before and after the game. A couple of us also walked around and took hundreds of pictures of/with as many tailgate parties as we could. Both Mexican and US fan bases were very friendly and excited to be there.

The Games: Two neighboring countries, two wins! When my friends and I started planning our trip several months ago, we mentioned how awesome it would be to have the opportunity to watch the US beat both Canada and Mexico. After those two victories, I am sure it will be tough to beat this weekend for the four of us! My only complaint is: Can we please put a freaking ball in the back of an empty net!!!!!!!!!!!!

The fans: For the most part, I was very impressed with the Mexican fans. Of course the beer/coke tossers in the crowd were completely classless
and were probably some of the same people who were shaking our hands in the parking lot, but what can you do? After exchanging flags with a couple of Mexican fans, we packed up the car and headed back to KC.

The city: We made it to the Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, and Navy Pier while we were downtown. We also went on the Untouchables Tour which was pretty interesting followed by some Lou Malnati's pizza which was highly recommended and thoroughly enjoyed! We stayed in Itasca and were very impressed with the public transportation available from the suburbs which would be a welcome addition to KC (will never happen). We had a great time. The people of Chicago were wonderful and this will go down as the best road trip ever for our group!

[JBigjake]

... I went again on Sunday and took my wife and two young boys (8 and 6). We sat in the first row along with two other familes whose kids were having their 'first cap.' ... What an unbelievable experience.
http://images.ussoccer.com/Images/Gallery/334_321486_600_md_USMNT0624071520.jpg

Print & frame this for the young'ins! :D

[joeginto]

HA! perfect, my boys will be so pumped. Thanks

[foozer]

This seems as good a thread as any to share these. Here's a couple defining moments from Sam's Army throughout the game:

Star Spangled Banner
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Landon scores on a PK
TXqGVqkmFW0

Post match celebrations
sCn5F1ngSJs

Hope you enjoy them!

[gosh1976]

Here are a few videos from the weekend. i'll post some pics when I get them resized and uploaded.

The night before at the Globe.

dz2vpeFc4c8

PI2fgraGtts

we aren't going to be making it to the American idol finals- Post Game

WnMSdXKj6hs

bZu9Z3bdF_k

a couple minutes at the end of the game
N3Y-SNr5njk

CMDZbSDg6Co

[nancyb]

The fact that the game had 40% more viewers than the Stanley Cup finals might alert US media to the interest in the game. The big crowds for most of the games also could generate media interest next go round. No guarantee. We can all hope for another final like this year's in the next tournament.

[rednow.red4ever]

I know my three friends are now hooked and we're already planning on attending Chicago Fire games together and I can tell you the passion they felt at that game has fueled a spark in them for football.

I hope you come out man, I'm tired of being the only Napoli/Fire fan. :D Section 8 for the Toronto match is gonna be nuts....you have my word on it.....

[joeginto]

nice videos foozer and gosh, thanks for sharing. i'll definitely be at some fire games this year. should be one of the few bald dudes with a red napoli jersey

[helpmenow]

Here are a few videos from the weekend. i'll post some pics when I get them resized and uploaded.

The night before at the Globe.

dz2vpeFc4c8

PI2fgraGtts

we aren't going to be making it to the American idol finals- Post Game

WnMSdXKj6hs

bZu9Z3bdF_k

a couple minutes at the end of the game
N3Y-SNr5njk

CMDZbSDg6Co
to bad you can not see us....that might be a good thing.
How about pictures

[gosh1976]

to bad you can not see us....that might be a good thing.
How about pictures

I haven't felt like sitting down to resize them and get them uploaded as my neck is sore. We were involved in a hit and run on the way home from the airport late Monday night. Luckily the only injury is a little soreness to my neck and I got the guys tag number.

I'll probably upload all of them to photobucket and just post a link. I think you only made it onto one of the pics and there is too much back light.

I re-uploaded that last video I don't know why it didn't work the first time.

this is at the Irish pub down the street from the stadium after the game

57V2zi8OK8g

[gosh1976]

I uploaded some of the pics I took to photobucket so everyone feel free to browse. http://s156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/gosh1976pics/Chicago/

I didn't filter them for the best pics just uploaded a bunch of them without resizing.

Oh and if you want to look at pics from the Tampa friendly they are in the main album that I think you can click on. I should add my World Cup pics to the same account at some point.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/gosh1976pics/Chicago/P1010087.jpg

[Galaxian]

It was an awesome trip, capped by awesome games.

The semi final was great, but definitely not as intense as the final.

On sunday, Rishi, my friend and I went to look for the tailgate, but only found small, scattered groups of US fans, while meeting thousands of mexicans on the way. Right outside the south(?) entrance I believe there were thousands of mexicans gathering, which reminded me of K town, but switch italians for mexicans.

Section on sunday was bumping, what a fantastic atmosphere. I was a little worried when guardado scored, but we pulled through!

I'm uploading my pics right now, so i will get them up ASAP.

[Beantowner]

First, there was almost no coverage on ESPN... Purely from a business perspective, why would ESPN promote a game being broadcast by Fox Soccer Channel? That doesn't mean I would not have liked more pre and post game coverage on ESPN, but Disney shareholders (owners of ESPN/ABC) might have a valid reason to disagree. Just saying... :rolleyes:

[Galaxian]

ok here are some pics from the semi final against Canada:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01414.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01440.jpg

[Galaxian]

Here are a few from the final:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01478.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01486.jpg

[Galaxian]

And a few more:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01523.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01535.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/Chaserkan/DSC01540.jpg