Has anyone heard anything about how many are expected for saturday's tripleheader? I've heard that they aren't opening the other side of the stadium but you figure they would have to with the sort of walk up Costa Rica and Honduras could create. You guys think it would be possible to get General admission the day of the game?
If they don't open the other side it's really a problem for those of us season ticket holders who sit on the sidelines. On Tuesday the Tico fans all acted like their tickets entitled them to sit anywhere they wanted and they all piled into the first 10-15 rows along the sections at and right next to the midline stripe. As we ticket holders came in they reluctantly moved--but to the next nearest empty seat and not to where they were ticketed to sit three sections away. I had a bunch all around me all night and I must admit I was a bit ticked. Prior to the game when I first noted the problem I asked the security people to take some action and they did nothing. In fact the stadium attendants check my ticket (even though I have a season ticket holders badge hanging around my neck) at every Rev match but on Tuesday the were not checking tickets at all.
We had much the same experience. Tico fans flooded Section 112 and there were five drums within ten feet of our seats. Needless to say, we abandoned our seats and moved far away. We've enjoyed the fans at other international games, but this was too much.
Speaking of crowds....I'm looking to increase the attendance by 1. If anyone has an extra ticket, I'm interested. PM me.
Same thing happened to me in section 111 (one section over from the Tico drummers). And just about everyone else in the lower rows. In fact, sadly many season tikcet holders around me left their seats for higher ground. Quick story: A bare-chested Tico fan, all by himself with his friends down a row, crashed my 5 season ticket seats abutting the isle. He needed that much space to unfurl his flag. Before the game kicked off, having family en route, I asked the guy to move several times. Each time he brushed me off in plain English. On another attempt to rid him from the seats he jabbed a finger in my chest and said, "These are my seats. You in wrong seat... You wanna see my ticket? HUH!?! You wanna..." I backed away at first, not wanting to start a fight, but then said, "Yeah, let me see your ticket." He search for a long minute before pulling out a PRE-PRINTED FAKE TICKET... no kidding. After I called him on it he miraculously forgot how to speak English. As he continued to get more aggressive with me, the national anthems were just then about to get started. I asked him to please, "Do not disrespect the national anthems." He told me that I was a disrespect. I laughed and, noting the Costa Rico national anthem had just started, said, "Now you're disrespecting your own national anthem..." He didn't like that. Security wisked him away. Apparently someone was watching.
Well, other thread notwithstanding...we now know: Honduras vs. Costa Rica - decent crowd not huge US vs. Jamaica - excellent crowd for this - Need to think that Jamaica is looking to get some respect after missing out on WC.... Revs vs. Burn - two best teams in MLS (even missing some starters) The weather will play a role, and it could be rainy, but it will be warm. Given that the 'attendance' will be for anyone who walks through the gates (regardless of when they arrive or leave) I am hoping that we get over 30K. Anyone hear any advance statements from the Revs front office? I did check Ticketmaster and right now I can still buy 4 tickets in Cat I or Cat II on the one side that is always open...we may be depending on walk-up purchases...I hope we get a lot and I hope we get both sides very full (at least on the first level).... I also hope that Revs Security is thinking about the seating issues referenced above....I don't really plan on coming until before the US game...I understand if Honduras-Costa Rica guys want to sit in my seat, but when I show up, I don't expect any hassles to get my own seat.... I don't mind asking people to move, I DO mind getting push back on it.
Your name is kind of misleading. I thought you were going to start throwing fists. I am the first to say bring passion into the stands and rivalries are great, but on many instances rivalry turns into unnecessary hatemongering and disrespect. There is little need to boo or shout insults during another country's anthem. What game was it that they started shouting OSAMA OSAMA?
sounds like something Mexicans would say... they had those signs at Estadio Azteca for qualifying - "remember 9/11" they read... i will never forget that and now i absolutely hate all Mexicans... which is sad because i try not to be like that. but they crossed the line... pricks.
Definitely out of line. I think a lot of it too has to do with politics. The USA's action on the political scene definitely affect crowd attitudes in soccer. After a long history of meddling in South and Central America, it's probably inevitable, but still shouting Osama or signs saying remember 9/11 are beyond disrespectful. Really very shameful stuff.
Did you get checked while in the section or as you were entering the section??? I hope they continue to check tickets when entering the section....especially for tomorrows matches! Mike
Security and ticket-checking picked up in my section during halftime. The guy up top wouldn't let anybody down without a ticket. Few Tico fans sneaked in, bit the section was noticeably thinner until about 10 minutes left in the match. I assume the ticket guy then went on break -- probably for the night. I'm a soccer player, not a fighter. Only time I turn into a fighter is if you purposefully kick my Sam Adams over. Then all hell breaks loose. And I will insult your mother, grandmother, AND great grandmother. But only if you waste a fine ale.
Security and stadium personnel came through my section several times. First was just before the game started. But they only checked tickets of fans who looked to be obviously "lost" and those who others called over to get the outsiders out of their own season ticket seats. Second was about 10 minutes into the first half. They hit problem children (rowdy, bullying fans, all Tico supporters) and again addressed issues of people who called them over. They also "flexed their muscles" by eyeing the rowdy groupings and dropping friendly word that they will be watch. Third was about 25 minutes in. Apparently (my guess) they had way too many complaints about season ticket holders' seats being hijacked. They asked no less than 30 for their tickets. Most of the offenders walked away or were escorted out. Fourth was latter in the match when the sweet smell of a familiar "herb" came a-wafting northward. In my experience, this is how security is for ALL international games. They stay at bay when the crowd is behaved. They stay at bay until asked to come to the rescue otherwise. And when they are called, if they can get to you, they will do the right thing.
I am just glad to know my seaon ticket holder section wasn't the only one having to fight off Tico fans for our seats. I already "confessed" my actions on another tread. That makes me nervous about trying to get my seat for the 1PM game, so I think I will skip it. I was really impressed though, everytime a Costa Rican player handled the ball, it got so loud in that stadium. We could learn a thing or 2 from them.
Ha. I direct you to my post: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219541 Obviously it's been beaten into the ground long before you or I got here.
Two Tico fans in section 112 banged on their drums all game long. In fact, they kept at it for so long, it was easy to spot who of the two had more match experience (the less fatigued one). Right about 10 minutes into the second half I started toying with them in attempts to get them tired. Anytime they'd stop for a break, I start up "You. Ess. Eh... USA." Within seconds they started banging on their drums in attempts to quash my chants. We did this back and forth the rest of the game. Only there weren't many brave USA chanters to help along. I sounded pretty weak. I expect Jamaican fans will bring similar enthusiasm.
Yeah! I just learned there's a market for phony tickets to a midweek match in a lame tournament. That'll come in real useful, given my student loan tab. Thanks, Ticos!
I JUST GOT TICKETS THROUGH TICKET BASTARD. Section GA7? Where the heck is that? Have they opened more seats up?
last chance if anyone wants my two seats for saturday....... whatever my other two special events are better be amazing (wcq in oct is one im assuming)
only when i entering, not while seated. not sure if that was a straight question (were you not there?), but yes. the Ticos support was large and loud. they brought quite a lot of atmosphere with them. hopefully we will get another great turnout for Saturday. im ready to make lots of noise for US and Revs though, dont worry.
USA fans know how to cheer as well (ever been to a Patriot Game?) I found the child like, knee jerk cheering to every Tico touch of the ball unsophistcated and not what one would expect to see from a knowledgable fan base in any stadium in the more developed world. Thats not what we need in our Stadia. Yes, we could use more noise and more atmosphere but IMO, we don't need mindless noise for the sake of making noise. US soccer fans are still evolving in how they watch a match and as our product improves and our fan base deepens we will see a more lively fan reaction.