OK is about time we start talking about where the SG's section it'll be, chants, and many other thinks that concern the FO and the fans relations. First,I will like to ask, what kind of crowd the FO is targeting to? From this, we can actually decided to nature of the Serengeti. I, for one, will like a group, like the 1906 Ultras (Quakes supporters) with a lot of flags and chants, definitely a standing section,but family friendly were kids and (yes) soccer moms & dads will bring their kids and show them what support a team is all about. For chants, it may be a bit to early, but we can start working on them, so , if you have an idea, feel free to post it. GO PRIDE !
From going to the launch conference I'd say the crowd is definitely a tad younger and family oriented overall that the FO is looking for. Definitely more the AYSO set than the Quakes appeal to. So a more Casbah-esque feeling to the Serengeti might be advisable. Though I agree a standing group would likely be preferable with banners, flags, drums etc... Basically take the form of the 1906 Ultras and cross it with the more family friendly aspects of the Casbah.
First and foremost you should contact the FO ASAP. Get to know them, and let them get to know you and your intentions. Promises to buy season tickets always help in sweetening the pot. Having a supporters group at a women's game is an exercise in fan frustration and flexibility. During the C-Rays run, the FO was wholly supportive of us, but then hired The Cool Cats to play samba rhythms during the games. They were great folks, but it was a clash with what I pictured the Rayistas doing (more Casbah). We eventually just folded in with them (since none of us could drum as well as they did). If this FO is behind you, your biggest problem will be the other fans. A lot of the C-Ray crowds consisted of parents looking to let their kids run around for two hours without much supervision. They couldn't care less about the game, and will find your enthusiam annoying to the point of complaining to the FO. It's why a good relationship with the FO is necessary. They'll have your back with stupid complaints like those. That said, use those kids as allies. Bring them into the group, encourage them to start chants (yes, they'll be silly every now and then), let 'em drum, swing flags, etc. You'll win over those same annoying 'rents, and get more people into the group. Don't even think about cursing at these games, even as individuals (which I found funny cuz Brandi cursed like a sailor while playing). You might not have the numbers to have an entire section to yourselves, but I think it'd be worth pursuing having the visuals. The kind of flags, banners, and tifo that the 1906Ultras had this season. Actually, it would f***ing rock. The players would eat that s*** up. Feel free to hit me up for any advice via PM. I gotta go check on April, my baby girl's crying. I'll try and help where I can. Heh, I wish. p.s. I like the name, Serengeti
Thanks for the advise Guy. Now,I think is time to start setting the pcs in place. Like I mentioned before, I have all the intentions of been in most of the Pride's games, but the whole economic situation is really hurting my wallet. As for now I haven't renew my Quakes tickets yet (waiting for a big miracle ) Anyways,who will take over from here ? At least in planning things, or should we wait for the season to start ? I noticed that, there are only about four or five of us in this board; when you checked the team's site, there are about 50 -53 persons listed as Pride supporters (BTW I'm not listed in that site), is there anyway we can get some of these listed fans to start posting in this board? Like this, we can get this thing going, you know, the more ...the merrier. GO PRIDE !
It looks like ,we will have to play by ears, because all depends in the crowds in the stadium. sections 101 or 109 are OK with a 80-100% full stadium even 107 will do (great visual) section 107* will do good for a 50-70% full stadium section 106 for less than 50% Now the question still is how big of a crowd the FO is actually expecting ? *section 107, I consider it as great section for a SG for it view, but the down side is the section is farest away from the pitch.
Only concern I'd have with 107 is that it appears to be set aside by the team for other things. Another consideration is price, the endline sections 109 in particular have a good price point for supporters who may want to sit there. As for 106, if 106 why not 101 like the Ultras?
I'm thinking "visual" 106 is like in the middle of the stands. The group may get more interested fans to join it, if (in a way) the group is standing close to those fans. Section 101, it could be considered as the beginning or the end of the stadium. Just my $0.02
In my view, Serengeti should be in Section 109, behind the goal, like the Casbah. This is the best place for a supporter's group and also offers the cheapest tix. I have deposits on four tix and will get them wherever the Serengeti is.
Hey Don ! welcome to the forum. You are right about the location of the SG, but I personally never have been in a woman soccer's game, so I don't really know what to expect (crowd wise)...question, what what the crowd in the WUSA days ? We were discussing, how awful it will look, the SG in the 109 with a half empty stadium.
I don't think it will look awful. The stands are effectively U-shaped with an open southern end, and section 109 is centrally located at the bottom of the U in the north end. From Section 109, the Seregenti should be visible -- and audible -- from virtually everywhere else. On the other hand, if the Serengeti are along the east sideline, we won't be visible or audible to most others on the east sideline, which is where we can expect most fans to be, based on the pricing structure and the preference of most fans to be on one sideline or other.
He's got a point there. While the SG would be visible to TV in 106 or 101, they'd not be visible to the fans in the stands.
As much as I dislike the Scheming Weasels, their midfield presence has contributed greatly to the TV viewing flavour and in-game experience at RFK. If you can convince the FCGP FO to allow y'all midfield seats at reduced prices - take 'em.
I was called today by a FCGP ticket rep about seat location and the gist of my remarks were as quoted here. I also referred him to this thread since he didn't seem to be aware of a Serengeti supporters group. He said he would follow up re whether there would be a designated Serengeti section and where. I suggest those wishing to be in the Serengeti make sure to ask for it by name when called about your desired seat location.
Not a bad idea. Also it might behoove the Serengeti to make itself known to the FO since as Don discovered no one has actually done so yet.
Hey guys and gals, I'm the web/graphics manager at FC Gold Pride and just wanted wanted to say hello and extend a sincere THANK YOU for all of your support and interest! As you guys may already know, we have a growing presence on Facebook as well: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FC-Gold-Pride/49231886559 If you haven't yet joined, please do so, and please pass on the word to any friends or family who may be interested in the team! If you guys have any questions or comments, please feel free to send me a PM here, email (hdehal@fcgoldpride.com) or post on our Facebook wall. Thanks everyone! Keep on posting!
Folks, Just joined. I'm out in Stockton, but I'm bringing my 14 yr old and 5 yr old in for Opening day. I hoping for it to be one of those "I remember when Dad took me to the first game of FC Pride" days. I'll be getting seats in section 109 along with the rest of you. My main question: What color shirt should we wear? I really would like my daughters to feel like they are part of a community. Thanks!