I have been at all but 1 of the home games this season and in total have brought 15 people to the games with me. Most of them had never been or if they had it was a long time ago. I personally normally like to get to the game early and tailgate (will be doing that Sat.) and sit in the Nordecke and be a part of that atmosphere. However, most new fans seemed a little reserved about sitting down there during their first few games so I have been sitting in other seats. 2 of the guys have become big fans and have attended matches since I took them, including the one I missed. However, I am not nearly enjoying the games as much as last season because I feel like I am trying to be a salesmen. Always making sure everyone understands the rules, getting to know the players, the opponent, and generally making sure they are having a good time. It's a tough balance. Anyone have some suggestions?
The whole idea of "standing and going crazy for 90 minutes" can be somewhat of a foreign concept for American sports fans, who typically tend to sit in their seats and only applaud or cheer when prompted, as we all know. I won't get into the whole debate of opening the Nordecke up to all fans, but if you buy Nordecke tickets you *SHOULD* be able to move to one of the upper levels, assuming the ticket checkers don't kick you out. At the least, you can still stand on the stage or on one of the upper concourses. Maybe watch a game or two on TV before you come out so you can explain things to them and pause/rewind as need be?
My suggestion is continue to bring them to the game and dont do ANY kind of sales. Let the corner speak for itself (atmosphere) In addition, introduce them to me. I dont mind doing the sales and interaction. Its what i do. So take all the pressure and just be their friend, let them ask me (or maybe another person if you feel more comfortable with that) any questions. I will answer as best i can. One thing I have found with the games that seems to work; make as many introductions to new friends the first game. Forget about the game itself (that will come later) knowing people and forming the comraderie is tantemount to football knowledge. ((I know there are others who vehemently disagree with my approach tho))
How do you think I even get my women friends to the game I am hoping a few of them will be ready to venture into the corner because at this point we are in another section but we are slowly turning that section into a little more rowdy area with my small group. Depending on who comes to the next few games I may bring them over to one of the big tailgates and to the corner so I can kinda be hands off and just enjoy.
I'm sure you could also bring friends to 4th Street and/or Rubys for away games so they can at least get familiar with the people that are in the Nordecke on a smaller scale.
My suggestion... and I am not a member of the SG's, nor do I stand in Nordecke, but I'm very appreciative of what they do.... make it a social event first. If people enjoy the social aspect of it, they'll come back. Baseball is pretty boring in my mind, but I LOVE going to Clippers games because I can hang with buddies and bullshit. Same with OSU Pointyball and the memorial. Although, I'll go to the tournament for the golf first, and then go for the social.