I think we definetley should all congregate on the great lawn pre-match regardless of where we may be standing in the Stadium and get to know each other. then march into the stadium together, being loud and intimidating. (not violent, just intimidating)
yeah , we will have to arrange something a little bit closer to the match. A march to the stadium would be great with all the mexicans looking on.
I'm definitely down for some pre-game gathering, then collectively marching into the stadium. Let's coordinate details as the match draws nearer.
Looks like the SA section is located in a part of the stadium where the Mexican fans won't be able to pelt us with too many beers/hot dogs/batteries/urine bags, etc. So that's a plus.
I bought my Sam's Army section ticket yesterday for the match. I'm planning on flying in from NorCal on Tuesday evening. Anyone know where to stay as far as hotels/motels go? What is convenient as far as location, price, safety, etc.? Where are other U.S. fans staying? I don't want another WCQ Salt Lake City episode where I stayed at the holiday inn and unknowingly was surrounded by Costa Rican fans on every floor. No f***in way I want that to happen again. What about pre-game tailgates and/or get-togethers?
I'm staying at the bestwestern Inn and Suites of Sun City. It was 99 dollars a night , and about seven miles away from the stadium , so very convenient and not very expensive. As the game nears we can finalize a pre game area to meet up.
There is a gaggle of hotels right north up the state 101 loop freeway, exit at Bell Road and head east and you'll see 'em all. The Padres and Mariners have their spring training facilities right off of Bell Road and 83rd Avenue. I'm guessing that you'll need to spend $65-$100 a night on the low end in that area for a hotel. Phoenix is a retail/tourist driven town, so if you do some research and are willing to drive 10-15 miles, you might be able to get a great deal. In terms of running into Mexican fans, I wouldn't worry about it they are going to be all over the place. The areas directly west and south of the stadium and heavily latino based, but I'm sure the non-local el tri fans will be wherever they can get a good deal, same boat as many American fans will be in. There are hotels that are supposed to be constructed right by the stadium, but I'm certain none of them are ready yet, so I wouldn't waste your time looking. In fact, one of the interest stories floating around down here is that for maybe the only time, all the hotel business will be up for grabs in all the surrounding communities for the Fiesta Bowl and BCS championship game. By the time the Super Bowl comes in 2008 the hotels will supposedly be ready. Unfortunately, Phoenix never got around to building an east-west freeway between Interstate 10 and the northern part of the valley. The loop 101 twists from being North-South (running right by the stadium at approximately Bethany Home Road) to East-West at around Union Hills Road. The distance between I-10 and Union Hills road is about 17 miles, and there is no freeway between, so if you end up 10 miles east or west of the stadium, you will have to traverse that distance by city streets. Traffic can get really bad around 4pm-6pm, so keep this in mind and also the stadium area traffic can get really nasty and I hear finding parking can take a while so keep all this in mind. As for me, I live in Peoria, and I've already informed my employer that I won't be in that day. Over the next few days, I'll decide if I'm going to stand with SA or get a seat. I also want to find out when they will open the stadium and parking lot. Also - there is a large grass area where the kids can play, bring your soccer ball if you'd like, I'm sure many others will. One thing I have no clue about is whether there will be any problems between the sets of supporters. As I've stated before on these boards, I called the USSF the day the game was announced and asked about security arrangements and they seemed completely bewildered that I even asked. It is going to be up to the supporters to be well behaved and respectful hopefully this will not be an issue.
I don't think there's ever really been a hooligan/violent incident at a US game before, so I don't think this game will be any different. I've been to two US-Mexico games before (one in Denver- where the crowd was hugely pro-Mexico and the last one in Columbus- with a mostly pro-US crowd) and didn't have any problems either time. Most of the Mexican fans seem to think it's pretty cool that a gringo would be as passionate about the sport as they are. I've never known them to be at all hostile, but they do loudly support their team before, during, and after the game (something we're not that used to in most "American" sports).
Dumbass that was the costaricans , we dont do that bitch shit. uring bags, seems like lotta you nats have hatred for all mexicans.
Ordered my 15 tickets through Sams Army today. I'm going to try and fill those with my friends but if I have some left over I'll let everyone know.
I can tell you've never been a gringo at a US vs Mex game. But don't get me wrong...there's nothing I like better than the US beating Mexico in soccer. I was pretty happy about Mexico beating the US in the World Baseball Classic though.
Granted, I've just heard tales of the battery and urine bag tossing.... I've only seen Mexico fans throw hot dogs and beers myself (which I'm mostly ok with as long as it's directed towards the field/refs and not the US fans). Hell, the US fans were throwing beers on the field in Germany. Costa Ricans?? My bitch shit is confused now.
Agree with you... Went to USA v Mexico in Houston. No problems there. Twas fun watching the Mexican's parting after the game, still inside the stadium.... http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1075764073044333338qDKDTK And.. some US supporters joined in as well.
For anyone from out of town stayin in the Peoria area If you make it down to the area of I beleive 89th and Bell road, that whole area around the Peoria Sports complex, there's a good place to congregate http://www.tentcorp.com/index.php It's the Fox and Hound I think it's a good place to chill. I have no experience organizing things but If someone with more skills in that area where to put something together like a pre-tailgate gathering and maybe a charter bus ride to the stadium I think this would be a good staging spot.
Having been to the US v Mexico game at the LA Coliseum, and a veteran of many Mexican Games, both Coliseum and Rose Bowl, plus World Cup games...a few bits of information to share. This is not the place to bring small or easily intmidated children. This will not be a Disneyland environment. It will be an incredible opportunity to attend, but not small children oriented. At the game in LA, there were Police in full riot gear, on horses, surrounding the colisuem. At Mexcio v AC Milan, not the same. This game is within 3 hours of the Mexico border, plus 6 hours to LA, there will be a huge Latino presence there. My personal experience...I would go to a game at the Coliseum, by myself, at night. Not all people would feel comfortable in that. Hotels...for high end entertainment/shopping/restaurants, go to Scottsdale, and figure 60 minute drive. For the closest, Avondale and Buckeye will have a small selection, just off the 10. Just north of the stadium is Peoria. There is a good selection of mid range hotels, with many restaurants and shopping close by. 15 minutes to the game. Surprise had a few new hotels, 30 minutes. The stadium is brand new...there are a few restaurants, but not much, other than Cabella's. It is located on the far West side of the Valley, on the 101, just north of the 10. Best side trip..Sedona..2 hours north. Incredible scenery.
I'm going and got Sam's Army tickets. Driving up the 10 day of game. Thanks for the hotel info. I'll know which areas of town to look since I don't know AZ except by passing thru or flying over.
I talked to another one of my friends and hes down for the road trip , so ill be getting one more ticket for the SA section. Galaxian + 5