I was on the Sam's Army web page and see that they are proudly offering seats in Section 8 for the USA-Poland match. And although I understand why the USSF likes the practice of double-headers, I don't like the practice, I don't like the double-header because it causes club/country problems, especially when they seat us together. I don't like the fact that we are suppossed to be sitting with the Fire Supporters during/before/after the Chicago match... (1) Am I correct to assume that a significant number of fans in Chicago's supporter sections are Polish? (2) I am V-Army member who supports the Columbus Crew. There is some 'bad blood' with certain Fire fans. There is a minority of Polish hoods who try to bully Columbus fans when the Fire play at CCS. Most recently, they invaded our section on the final match of the season in October. Understand that I don't have issues with Fire fans, I hosted one at my tailgate before USA-Paraguay in July 03. And I don't have a problem with Polish fans, as I drank with them in Korea after the match. But I do have a problem with sharing a section with a bunch of Polish thugs who have caused me and my fellow club supporters problems in the past.
Well, in this particular case, it's my understanding that efforts are being made to secure a separate section for travelling Revolution supporters to take in their MLS match with the Fire outside of Section 8 after the U.S. match. This make sense for the Fire supporters, this make sense for the Revolution supporters, and everyone is happy. As a V-Army member who supports the Crew, and one who's unfortunately experienced some problems with a select number of Fire supporters previously, then it might make sense to avoid the potential for confrontation by simply being a U.S. supporter on the day and not so readily wearing your club affiliation on your sleeve (if that's what you ordinarily do). Perhaps that might take something away from your experience on the day, but it would be far worse if you willfully wore club colors into Section 8 knowing that such an act could be seen as provocative. Just use common sense. The Magpie
Most were not Polish. And also don't act like the vagina army are so innocent. I've seen you guys try to start fights against fire fans when you find us outnumbered. And yes I would expect a lot of Polish people in section 8. Might be looking at a 50/50.
I'll provide you with a bit of info about this match seeing how I'm acting as a lead coordinator in regards to activities and events for Chicago Supporters clubs for this match. In January, we met and discussed exactly what we wanted to do for this match. Yes, we knew about it then and remained mum on it due to ongoing negotiations at the time. Once we got word that the deal was done, we had our second planning meeting. FYI, I've been communicating w/ Sam's Army on this topic and they're fine with us leading the way regarding activities et al related to this match. 1) There will be two sections for this match. A Polish section on the other end of the stadium and the US section which will be in Section 8. Both sections will interact throughout the match to provide support for the US Nats that has never been seen before in this country and the way it should be. They'll also provide support for Poland (as they should seeing how they're Polish) but w/no disrespect to the US. Trust me when I say it bothers them as much as you and everyone else when a US Nats match is played in the US and yet most of the support seems to be geared for the opposition. We're changing that type of atmosphere at this match. 2) During the US match, All US supporters are welcomed to Section 8. All we ask is that you wear either your US gear or a red shirt. It's that simple and we're asking Fire fans to do the same. Understand that if you choose to wear your club's colors, you've chosen to get a hard time from Fire fans. It's that simple. 3) We already have the relationships established with Soldier Field in regards to Flags, instruments, a real live bonafide smoke machine and other things, as a result it means that Sam's Army and other US supporters will be able to benefit from this relationship. 4) Please buy your tickets from the Fire (888MLSFIRE). They're coordinating ticket distribution for US soccer for this match and they can answer any questions you'll have about Section 8. 5) Focus on having a good time during your stay in Chicago. We'll host a pre- match party the night before the match at Ginger's Alehouse, http://www.gingersalehouse.com/ We will also host a morning session, a tailgate as well as a few activities after the match. We'll have commemorative gear such as scarves and t-shirts. Don't turn this into a Crew-Fire thang because it isn't. Finally, if you have additional questions, feel free to send me a PM or better yet visit either the Sam's Army website or section8chicago.com for more details about this match. Actually, I encourage everyone to visit section8chicago.com on a weekly basis for updates regarding activities and events for this match. WE WILL MAKE THIS AN EXPERIENCE SECOND TO NONE FOR SUPPORT AT A US MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM MATCH!!!!!!!!!!!! A plus tard , Fonsos
I think it would be a better idea to put Sam's Army in a different section then the Fire supporters. But not for the reasons that have been privously stated. It's more because the majority of Sam's Army view the section that they are in as GA or first come first serve. A few years ago when I still lived in DC, there was double header with the MNT. There were people in the Nest who had their seats taken by out of towners.
I think I will wear my Fire jersey under my US jersey and when the US game is over, the Fire jersey will emerge...can't be any harm in that once the whistle is blown on the US game.
for anyone to get worked up over this is just stupid. i am a crew fan, always have been and always will be, but i have numerous friends who are fire fans and i have sat with section 8 during fire games against other mls teams when i am in town visiting. do they give me a "ribbing" b/c i am from columbus and support the crew? sure. but it's all in good fun, the only thing that gets in the way is when stupid people do stupid things...and i'm not stupid and wont be wearing a crew jersey to see us.poland and then fire.revolution but some people just are not that bright. for once, go to the game in chicago...enjoy the us.poland game with sams army in section.8 and then be in section.8 and enjoy the incredible atmosphere in that section and throughout the stadium that they provide for an MLS game. trust me, despite your "v-army & columbus crew" support you'll have a good time and may just find out that out of the 2,000 people in the section...99% are good hearted people just out to support the game of soccer, sometimes you have to ignore the 1% bad to see the 99% good in life...and this should be one time to do it.
Fonsos has the right idea and has set the right tone - the Chicago fans are doing everything they can to help foster a great atmosphere, match-viewing experience, and overall great stay in Chicago. It's time to put preconceptions or misconceptions aside and leave those at home, show up, and demonstrate your support for the U.S. National Team. I think they'll do a fantastic job, and have done a fantastic job to this point. The Magpie
We should have images of the commemorative scarves, t-shirts and an FAQ for this event posted to the Sam's Army and Section8chicago.com websites by the middle of next week. Fonsos