We've reached a week till the home opener, and first official match in the new era. As there are a lot of changes on the field this year, some will start to happen off it. This thread is for addressing all of the fan-related issues leading up to opening day next sunday. -------- One I'd like to start off with, is organising/timing the planned section 8 parade into the stadium. One of the things all of us who went down to Morelia brought back in addition to all of the food, booze, and singed eyebrows, was a appreciation of the traditions of 'section eight' Morelia (who actually sit in section 8 there, go figure) who go by the name Barra Locura 81. The parade is what I would (and Don Crafts, PW, and others seem particularly excited about this too) like to institute first, at least for big games, and what will probably only come into full practice when we return to the city. Basically, the idea is this: at a specified time prior to the game, the entirety of section 8 (or as many as possible dependent on circumstances) gather at a predetermined point, complete with flags, and a few banners (the others will need to be set up already in the stadium, that will need to be worked out) and when everyone's there, we all walk together singing, flagwaving, drumming, etc. together into the stadium and into Section 8. A few things need to be worked out to make this happen: A starting point -- Ideally we should use the new site of tailgating behind one of the storefronts on Chicago Avenue, but I need someone who knows exactly where it is to specify. I'll post an overhead map of Naperville to help us coordinate where it is. The route -- This is important as we need to go to a gate that will let us in, and knows we will be bringing in flags and banners. Some things are unavoidable (all the people will have to have their tickets and such in advance, and we'll have to go in one at a time -- they did in Morelia too) but they shouldn't be a detterrent to, making this happen. Preparation of Section 8 -- In Morelia they all enter the stadium together 2 hours before the game. That's simply not going to happen here, so I think 45 minutes is reasonable to get in and not have Section 8 taken over by random folks. As a result, the setup of section 8 is going to have to happen before all this in some part, so it's there waiting for us. If that means going in early and coming back out and coming back in with the parade, I don't know, but it's an issue that needs to be resolved to make this work. This is something important to show the solidarity of Section 8 despite out many groups and that we are a force to be reckoned with. There is no reason why we shouldn't be able to do this (similar activities already take place in Metroland and DC) and it will be good practice for the real deal starting in October. For now, this probably will only happen for the opener, the Dallas game, and one of the Metros games in Naperville, if that. It's all about establishing a tradition and making people aware of this first. Any comments, suggestions from section 8?
Im all in favor for this, I think it would be really cool. Plus it would help section 8 solidarity and hopefully get some more to stand and sing with us.
If I understood DC correctly, the proposed tailgate site, still pending negotiations, is just about under the "a" in the word "Features" on Jeremy's "Overhead Map of Naperville" in the "Potential additions to Information Thread" thread. That puts it right on the north bank of the river about a half block west of Washington. It's at the rear of the River City sandwich shop/deli, which is about 26 West Chicago.
Pretty much right. Actually just a little bit west of there. There is a grassy area south of River City that I think is the target area. The light colored area is a concrete parking area. And due to the time of day the picture was taken (mid-morning) there are shadows being cast on the west sides of the buildings which somewhat obscures the visibility.
This is just corrollary, but maybe we can find a new song to play during introductions? I'm still in favor of the theme from The Untouchables.
It appears that, barring a miracle, the washing of the chicago flag is simply not going to happen for opening day. It's been cleaned up a bit and none of the flags should smell any longer, but it's not as nice as it could be.
I agree, that thing is: A. Fricking huge B. Discolored for reasons not related to cleanliness C. Inhabited by some sort of nasty moisture loving microbes, now deceased, that are nearly impossible to get out. Lessons: 1. Organize an effort to get the flags DRY after a game where it rains, so that we don't end up with situations like this in the future. 2. Bigger, not always better? 3. Heat and pyrotechnics do not mix well with polyester.
flag It sounds like the flag has had it? what does a new one cost and can it be had by the opener? does anyone want a new one? personally, I like it a lot. enough to buy a new one, if the price is right.
Re: flag By NO MEANS has it had it. the thing could last 8 lifetimes. It just got pretty damn nasty after a few years of neglect, copled with a few...mishaps And this should be no deterrent from continuing to go big with flags.
Yes, but that was short lived. Leichetenstein actually managed to hold England to only two goals under our flag. Following that, there was a bloody revolution. probably incited by British commandos.
The flag WILL be washed and ready for the opener due to an 11th hour agreement reached with the Fire equipment manager. And we'll nail something down about the walk into the stadium by the end of the day Thursday.
Definite answers will come tonight/tomorrow, but the gathering point for the walk into the stadium WILL be the BBers tailgate. So, all Section 8ers regardless of affiliation should start showing up there about (my guess) 45minutes ahead of kickoff (unless something changes). we'll go in 30-40 min ahead. Again, I'll get more details tonight.