I can already predict the immediate negative comments to this, but its just an idea that i developed as i was watching the FC Dallas, Real game. The stadium actually looked decently full and i think the announced was 16000 but anyways the crowd side that was shown with the field of play just seemed completely dead, and the crowd sounded very quiet, of course comparing this to Toronto where there is an undeniable buzz even when nothing is going on, i don't see why there should be such a difference. My proposal is to show multiple video clips of the Toronto, fans with an announcer or script saying "What are you?---A fan with passion and energy---or a shlub that just wants to sit and watch a game---which looks more fun" obviously not exactly that as i can't think of anything catchy but im sure somebody could and it might have an effect, i just simply don't know as i am constantly bothered by the stale fans in mls
I'd be pretty pissed of, as a paying customer, if the Revs came out and called me a shlub fan. MLS teams, assuming they are interested in attracting the fans that have attended TFC games, would be better off marketing to that audience instead of giving the big "F You!" to the fans who do show up.
very very valid point wolf, i actually didn't think of that, i guess the real problem im trying to address is soccer knowledge, like how when you watch an EPL or Toronto game they clap after every good play, clearance, defensive stop, pass which i know is something that just takes time but i guess my idea wouldn't be the way to do that
Each section needs at least one knowledgeable fan to cheer and let the soccer noobs what good plays need to be cheered. If any of you all are in a dead section, just make an effort...
Just get a christian miles to be in each section and go "YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaa!!!!" when something good happens...I love when he does it on FSC after a goal...
Hey, here's a thought: Why not just let people go to a game and enjoy it how they wish, and stop whining about the atmosphere not replicating that of Old Trafford? Would you rather have 16,000 "shlubs," as you call them, packing the place, or a handful of Euro-wannabes wandering around an empty stadium, and have your beloved team either contracted, or moved to (gasp!) Atlanta at the end of the season? I have a suggestion for you; don't worry about it.
Can we please just let each city develop its own support style? I mean why should anyone care if Dallas gets 15-20K quiet fans every night? For every Dallas there's a Toronto, DC, Chicago, Houston etc... The best thing anyone can do is not get in the way of the supporter groups that are already there making noise. I'm talking about unsupportive front offices and fascist stadium security guards. If those jackasses get out of the way, the rest will figure itself out.
Yeah, I'm all for letting a city develop it's own support style. For instance, I'm not a big fan of the horns and drums. I do like the crowd-made "wall of sound". I'll be attracted to crowds that are loud with their voice, but others will be attracted to something different. I understand that TFC's crowd is really cool, but I think it's mostly because it's a different atmosphere than we are used to in MLS. I do like the idea of knowledgable fans trying to educate those around them, though!
Just my opinion but I believe the guy who started this thread was doing what everyone is talking about. Trying to come up with ideas to help the atmosphere at his own stadium, as well as others. How about instead of flaming him for it try to add on another suggestion. Jesus some of you (speaking about all BS not just this thread) remind me of what I thought I escaped in elementary school. DO what you want at your own stadiums, blow horns, beat drums, and scream until you are blue in the face. Do whatever makes you enjoy the experience. If that is just chillin watchin the game, then do that. No need to argue with someone who was just tryin to help the scene! If you don't like the idea ok maybe someone else does no one is trying to impose their will on you (well I can't speak for anyone else but me) but damn people. Enjoy Soccer however you want just don't tell someone else how they should.
He sounds like Howard Dean when he does that. For some odd reason I just can't take the goal seriously anymore after hearing him.
How about taking a useful que from Toronto and just canning the fancy announcement crap? Let the fans do it on their own. Everytime there's a break in action instead of being able to loudly chant a players name they're having some "clap with your pinkies for the HerbaHutAngo Corner Kick" or "Fans, make some noise as your FCUnited chearleaders throw out worthless t-shirts" and stuff like that. It's hard to be heard when they're constantly using the PA.
If this is the Americans' mentality then everyone can ******** off. That is bullshit to not have stadium atmosphere. Atmosphere is part of the game in soccer.
the only thing i have to explain my idea is that i have a strong biase considering i watch good fans EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and know how to be a good fan. both of which i think make the experience just more fun, the main reason i think americans don't like soccer is people think a soccer game won't be fun or it will be boring but if you get into the game, know when something good is happening and you cheer for it and cheer on your team then it not only makes yourself want to come back but others
Attitudes like that will ensure stadia that are 1/4 full forever. If the people who buy the tickets are content to watch the game without having "atmosphere" as you call it, more power to 'em. Like I said, better to have a full stadium without "atmosphere" than to have an almost empty one with it. If you want atmpsphere, buy a block of tix and have at it. I've bee a fan of soccer for over 30 years, and I've done quite nicely without it, thank you.
Define a good fan. Is it someone who buys a ticket and comes to the game and supports his/her team, or is there some requirement somwhere that you have to be rowdy? Are the "really good" fans then the ones who fly Nazi flags in the stands and shout racial slurs at the opposing teams African players (and sometimes their own), or who follow the visiting fans out to their cars and pick fights with them? Is there a law somewhere that in order to be a "good" fan, you have to sing songs, light flares, bang drums, and act out? What if you simply want to buy a ticket, come out to the park when you can, and cheer your team on? What if you actually want to watch the game and not be bothered by a bunch of periferal(sp?) stuff? I don't give a rat's patoot about so-called "atmosphere;" if you want that, move to England or somewhere. Better yet, get with your team, and see if they will set aside a section for you and "all your rowdy friends (sorry, Hank)" to be faux Euros. Actually, I see nothing wrong with what you want to do, but don't try to ram it down other people's throats, who may simply want to come out and see the game. This "it has to be like _________" attitude will do more to run people off from the game than it will to bring them into the fold. Fan "problem?" I think not.
Attitudes like yours have ensured that plenty of MLS stadia are 1/4 full now. I think the intent original suggestion, is say that atmosphere is an aspect of the game that can be used to attract soccer fans to fill the other 3/4 of your happily atmosphere-free stadium. I do agree with you that his plan for how to do it wasn't a good one IMO.
No, the attitude that causes stadiums to be 1/4 full now are those that demand that soccer be called football, demand that American teams have European names, and constantly bash other sports to somehow make soccer look superior. The American sports fan who is curious about soccer (soccer-curious? ) sees that kind of crap and equates it with the garbage that goes on everywhere else (riots, racism, etc.), and decides to spend his money elsewhere, where if things were different, he might show up for a game. In case you haven't noticed, people don't like that kind of behavior, be it at an English soccer game, or two idiots jumping out of the stands at an American baseball game and trying to pound on a coach. Also, in case you didn't notice, I said that what you all are trying is not a bad thing (I said I see nothing wrong with it), as long as you don't try to ram it down everyone's throat, and make it out to be the only way to act at a game.
= Ok, what is Toronto doing differently? I don't really have any inside info..Did they market to a non-family type crowd? Was there really a pent-up demand for soccer in Toronto? Is the city that international/Euro flavor? Or, will once the first year wears off, will the novelty end?