Supporter's section for 2003 -- Lower 126 Simply put, if this is going to happen it is ultimately up to us, the fans, to make this happen. I imagine our best-case at this time is that the Rapids will propose a number of season tickets that need to be sold in order for us to use the section. That number is surely going to be more than the dozen or two people that have pledged their interest in 126. So let's be honest here... how many of you who claim to be passionate are willing to populate this section? I'm guessing they won't be discounted tickets, which in my opinion they shouldn't be. Of course, I have no idea what the ticket price for that section will be. The website doesn't even have an active link for ticket sales anymore, let alone 2003 season ticket info.
126 I would like to remain in the section with other loud types, so I feel like we should just make 126 "our" section. I think that the Rapids will deal with us for a discounted price. Let's face it, 129 are FREE GIVEAWAY tickets for the size of the stadium. We went for that for a year. SO 126 are 'sellable' seats, but maybe the $100 or $120 will be OK given our positive effect on the atmosphere. RLH
I thank greenie for spelling this out more clearly for everyone. I'm game for my ticket at least. Everybody, tell ANYONE and EVERYONE you know to buy their tickets in the vocal area if that's what they want.
I've got four disagreements with this kind of thinking. 1. We need to focus on getting the section we want -- and not a discount. The second we start talking about discounts with the Rapids -- especially one that gives you tickets for less than $10 per game -- then this whole turns into a big favor that the team is doing for the fans. I'd much rather that favor be the exact section we want, and pay full price for it. Keep in mind we also need to ask the Rapids to allow any ticket holder to enter this section. 2. Such a significant discount distracts from the purpose of the section. If the only reason to get seats in this section is because you can stand and be rowdy, then that's the people you'll get. If you start offering grossly discounted seats, you'll get just as many, if not more people that are simply there for the cheap seat and will stay seated and quiet the entire game (see: large amount of Ratz and MHC ticket buyers). 3. We're in this for our own enjoyment, not for the benefit of the front office. I could give a rat's ass (pun intended) about being passionate for the good of the entire stadium. I'm there to enjoy the game by being able to release my passion for the sport and the team. A supporter's section isn't about creating some added bonus for the passive ticket buyer. It's not about looking good on TV. It's about making noise and showing your support for the players on the field. We may have a positive effect on overall atmosphere, we may have a negative effect. What matters is having a section for these kinds of supporters. 4. Cheaper seats in lower-126 means unfair ticketing policies to other fans. Well, that's how the Rapids are gonna see it. The argument will be that people in the equivalent sections near the other 3 corners will be paying a higher price for the exact same seats. Simply put, this is exactly why the Ratz are in 129 and MHC is in upper-126; highly discounted tickets are only going to be offered in less desirable seating. Few other supporters' sections in MLS stadiums receive massive discounts, yet thrive because of the fans involved; for the most part, they get their sections because they have enough people committing to season tickets. Until we get our own stadium, this may be the only chance to stake our claim and prove, not just to the front office, but ourselves and fellow fans, that we can make this work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to any discount; I just think the standard season ticket holder discount is acceptable.
Bump? 1) Bump? whats "Bump"...that old dance? 2) I have no real disagreements with your points, Green One. Core fans will shell out more cash for the ideal seat. We'll remain a small, noisy, but dedicated group. Hope for growth to a 100 person section is low without help from the Rapids to promote/sell the section. This option, to remain 'standard cost' in exchange for some true promotional help may be the ideal solution. 3) The alternative is to try the low cost/good seats paradigm for one year and try to push up our numbers to the 100-200 barnburners or DC United size thru cost alone, without any other real help from the Rapids. This is the more independent supporters group option. 4) We need to avoid the 'neither' option: higher costs, and no Rapids help (read-Rapids indirect interference) to disperse and corporatize us into sitting, mumbling Rockies type lower section fans. We could discuss our 401K accounts and the metro rush hour problems during games. RLH p.s. trick 'r treat!!!
Re: Bump? I have similar concerns as the Green One about what a super discount will do. He said "If you start offering grossly discounted seats, you'll get just as many, if not more people that are simply there for the cheap seat and will stay seated and quiet the entire game." Can't say it any better myself. If these people come to the section because of discounts, stay past one year and do not give the more vocal, standing people crap (whining, going to security, whatever) for doing so, then it might work not ideally, but workable in the end. However, going on my experience with soccer fans in the US, as soon as the discount is gone, they're gone. In this case it's obviously back to square one numbers wise.
Re: Re: Bump? So is $192/ticket OK for 126? I presume that the $88 season tickets I bought last year were "grossly discounted". Well, 129 is an otherwise empty section, so maybe just sorta' grossly discounted. So to cut to the chase.... If we all buy Section 126 $192 tickets (I'd get two) will we get to sit/stand in the front rows? Will we be expected to sit/stand in our seats as others will be checker-boarded around us who sit? Will there be a buffer so that the tall ones (me, my son John, Jeff, etc. can stand toward the back of the standing section to avoid blocking others' view? Will they let less-vocal supporter group in lower 127, 125, or higher 126, to sit and sometimes stand? I could go on. The point is will we be yellow-coat harrassed all year by the stadium or will the Rapids allow us to carve out a 'festival seating' section. If the Rapids are OK with the lower 126, I'm OK at $192. They know by now what we're all like (they even read these threads....Hi German! Hi Ashley!!). Maybe there is a group sales discount, so if we get 25 or 30 tickets, we'll get a standard price? RLH
I say we just steal their jackets, stuff some confetti in their mouths, and throw them under the seats until the match ends. Discount, we don't need no stinking discount.
I just want to be counted, and my girlfriend who is a non-bigsoccer, will also join me, so count me as two, we will be purchasing seats in that area VERY SHORTLY... TeamUSA, what's the word? and what about UK?
So... has anyone here taken the bull by the horns and approached the Rapids with this on an official level? Moreover, have the Rapids set a sales target for us louts?
I'll let you all know if I hear anything about a sales/number target or anything else. Sent an email to the Rapids this evening.
Here's what I've gotten: - no sales target as of yet - logistics and cost (amount of games in ticket package) being worked on, hope to have more info. by end of week - solution being worked on that will hopefully see agreement between fans and club
My concerns are that anyone in the section be allowed to stand, that this fact is well marked (like in Naperville), and that we will have the full support of security. I would also like to be able to bring in instruments, as was the case in 129 last year. If we can get these things worked out, count me in. I should have no problem getting my 4 soccer friends to join us. I agree that we want support from the Rapids and vocal fans, not a ridiculous discount. However, last time I checked, the Rapids offered group discounts to parties of 20 or more. If we can get more than 20 people, then we should get that discount, as it applies to all fans.
A reminder that simply buying a season ticket gives you a discount, which is equal or greater than the discount offered to groups. At this moment, the ball is in the Rapids' half. They need to tell us what they're willing to sell, and how many tickets need to be sold to make it happen. I'm hopeful that they'll be willing to offer lower-126 or one of the equivalent corners. However, given the experience of supporters' groups and their dealings with the Rapids over the years, I'm not expecting this offer will come anytime soon.
There was an email sent out this morning from the FO that referred to "Fan Club Members" and "Fan Club Pricing" -- is that the Supporters' section? I fully support the "dedicated Supporters' section" initiative, but don't want to taint your poll by voting "No". We're renewing our regular seats for 2003, but won't be in that section (having more to do with having a small child and a great group of other plan holders around us than with being in the "Soccer Mom from Parker" category you guys love so much ).
"It is time again to start looking forward to another great season of Major League Soccer and for the 2003 season a few things have changed. The Full Season Ticket Package will now consist of 18 games (compared to 16 games this year). 15 of those games will be regular season home games, plus three extra games that will be for Exhibition Games and Playoff Games. The Half Season Package will still consist of 8 games of your choice. If you place a deposit before Dec. 2nd, 2002, of $50 per seat, you will be guaranteed 2002 pricing* (avoiding the 2003 price increase). Please look for your renewal invoice to arrive in the mail this week! If you do not receive an invoice, or if you have any questions please contact customer service at (303) 299-1583." Also said to get in touch with German Sfarra for Fan Club pricing info.