I'm new to the forum, so I can't create a new thread yet. Anyways, my girlfriend and I were thinking about joining The Barra Brava until I ran across some articles on a website that had me second guessing the decision. The articles I read describe the Barra Brava as being very strict on rules (showing up to a tailgate late, not pronouncing words correctly in songs, etc..) and overall just a lot of drama involved with being a member. Is this accurate? When I've attended games in the past and sat in the Barra section, everyone seemed really cool and friendly. Now I'm reading articles about bullying and kicking people out of the Barra for next to nothing? How accurate is this? I don't want to come to a tailgate to be hassled My g/f and I are big United fans but I don't want to deal with the headache of added drama. I want to come to games and tailgates and enjoy myself and meet new people. I don't want to get harassed for showing up late or pronouncing words in spanish wrong. Anyways, I'm hoping some members can shed some light on the subject and make my decision easier. Thanks
Don't know what you're reading but we have very few rules. The general principles I share with newbies are simple: 1. Support the team during games. That means sing, drum, make noise. If you insist on sitting or texting or taking inane pictures of yourself all game to post on Facebook, the Barra probably isn't for you. We're hardcore fans of the game and the team. 2. Be respectful of the game and of each other. Don't be an ass and make us clean up for you (literally or figuratively). It pisses off the elders, who have to babysit. There. I think that's it. The Barra is a community. Sometimes a rowdy, slightly inebriated community, but a community nonetheless. If you're doing something that pisses people off, stop that shit. Otherwise, have fun. And support the team win lose or draw. What did I leave out?
I can't even remember if MLS has some sort of supporter code of conduct or supporter group rules but what ever they have should be replaced by the above.
Like I said, I've attended games before and sat in the Barra section, sang and had a great time. It wasn't until I read posts on this website that I started second guessing myself: http://www.labarrabrava.com/ I know its not the official Barra site, but read some of the articles half way down the page and you will see what I mean. Also, I can't attend every single game. Just not feasible given other obligations. I don't want to get hassled for not showing up to all the home games either
The site you linked to has nothing to do with us. Or DC from what I can tell. Relax. Its all good. See you Friday.
If the rest of the members are as cool as you, I'm not worried at all. If I buy my membership tonight or tomorrow can I still partake in the tailgate without a member card? Most importantly, what kind of beer is everyone drinking at the tailgates?
To your membership question, yes. To your beer question, good beer. Those with remaining tastebuds in the Barra drink good beer. You bring me a corona, anything named lite or something from the budweiser family (the non-Czech bud), we'll have to send you to the screaming eagles on loan until you're match fit.
Alright cool. I plan on getting there around 5:30. Is there some place I should go when I get there to pick up a jersey or member card? Just want to clarify that beer and food is provided? I'm not picky, I'll drink anything even though I prefer non-light beers (who doesn't?)
welcome to the dark side!! when you get there ask anybody where Oscar is and then go to him to pick up your membership package... there might be a line, but it shouldnt be too long. beer (kegs) and food (hells kitchen) are provided, but that shouldnt stop you from bringing something... its a community, so we all chip in. if you cant bring something, dont sweat it... just go to the grills, ask for bootsy, and ask him what you can do to help! i wont make it to the tailgate tomorrow (working in richmond till 5pm) but i hope you enjoy it and will try to track you down at the next game! btw, dont take anything on that website you posted as true... its a smear site and pretty plain to people who have been around long enough who made it. the real website is http://barra-brava.com/
Don't forget to bring your own beer - that's a rookie mistake! Kegs run out, nobody has the tap - stuff can happen. Any food you bring will be appreciated, though I've got to say we usually have enough chips already... I never saw that web site before. Weird.
Looks like we're gonna default to just bringing some pizzas this time. So uncreative! Looking forward to seeing the team for the first time this year. Vamos!
Well I feel stupid after posting in this thread with my concerns. Had a great time at the game on Friday! It was awesome meeting some of you guys. I plan on being at the game this Saturday as well. Quick question about the half season tickets. Can anyone confirm that you do indeed get two tickets at the quoted price on the Barra website? Also, it says you can attend any 10 games. Do you pick the games ahead of time by sending someone an email a list of the games? Or can you pick and choose the games you attend on a week by week basis?
give oscar a call at 571-594-3819 to get 100% accurate answers with that said, here are my guesses: 1) i think you only get one ticket at the member price per game 2) i think you get to pick the games you want as you go as i said, call oscar and get the skinny.
thanks. looks like i got my hopes up too soon. here is the description:http://barrabrava.mybigcommerce.com/2012-half-season-tickets/ it says "Two Half Season Tickets per Member" so I guess that's where the confusion came in
ohhh yeah, i thought you meant for individual games from what i gather, your membership allows you to purchase 2 of the half-season ticket packages, and then you just pick what games you want to use the tickets for.... but im just a guy, so i cant say for sure. Oscar is usually pretty flexible and will work with you to get done what you need done, so give el jefe a call.
Okay thanks man. I figured it was too good to be true that the ticket plan included 2 tickets for the price!
The half season ticket gets you 10 vouchers that you can trade in for tickets to any MLS match other than Galaxy. You can use more than one voucher per match.
Oh really? I didn't know that's how it worked. So if I buy the ticket package and get 10 vouchers....I could attend 5 games and bring someone else to the 5 games as well? Why can't you use them for Galaxy games?
correct, you can use the 10 vouchers any way you want... you can bring a friend to 5 games, or you can bring 9 friends to one game. as for the galaxy, that rule was put in place when goldenballs came to town and everybody wanted to see him... people would come out of the woodwork and try to get cheap tickets thru the barra, then show up wearing a beckham jersey-- not cool.
thanks for all the good info in this thread! I really appreciate it. as for what was going on with the Galaxy games....that just really....lame.. anyways, can't wait for the game this weekend. see everyone there!
see you there! i will actually be able to tailgate this weekend... how do i find you so we can knock back a drink and formally welcome you?
I'm a tall white guy, mid twenties. I'll be wearing a black Barra jersey and my girlfriend will be with me. I met Andy last week so he will be able to point me out!
For all of those iquiring about the "Free food and beer" that's "provided", it is provided by the members.... so if you are one, bring some to "provide" See you guys Saturday!