People (SoB's) have left BigSoccer for reasons like this. This topic is still being discussed. Not to mention it went kind of off topic like every other BS page.
I can only speak for myself. 1) this site "upgrade" made the page actually harder to use as it was less familiar so I don't use it as much anymore 2) the team was fire sold against most of their wishes. I love loyalty, but not when my FO is not loyal back! 3) the shuttle and traffic situation has deteriorated since year 1, instead of getting any better, despite my complaints. 4) I never thought the SOB and river end should be separate threads. Just call it the River End, and make everyone get along in the sandbox like we try to do on game days.
whats latin for "faithful when we make the playoffs"? edit- according to google translator its "fidéles, cum facimus playoffs"
Indeed, I'm still here...been here since '03. I was a charter member, part of the very first Sons of Ben events, encouraging people to sign petitions, attending the Kixx tailgate (hey, I'm in the Four-Four-Two photo of us!), traveling to Giants Stadium, playing on our Futbolito team, playing on the Sons of Ben CASA teams, joining the team announcement, meeting Nick S. at the Dark horse, etc. However, I moved out-of-state before the first season for grad school. Since moving back to the region upon graduation the logistics of getting to the stadium in Chester with enough regularity to make it worth buying season tickets in the River End became a stumbling block. I miss the friends I made in the Sons of Ben, but today I mostly resort to BS for interaction with fellow Union fans. Many of the original Philly forum posters don't post on BigSoccer anymore. For some, interest in typing on an Internet forum became less interesting as life changes occurred and the ability to simply hang out with fellow Sons of Ben in person to discuss all things Union rather than virtually on message boards became possible.
The drunks no longer have an excuse. "HKH Announcements: The BEER is back!!! All 2013 tailgates will now include beer for the same prices as 2012." https://twitter.com/SonsofBen/status/277613620790177792 Now if only they could serve cannabis to stoners.
Great news! Hope the beer selection stays as awesome as during the last 2012 tailgate! Wasn't there Spaten Octoberfest?! Absolutely ace!!
I'm a charter member who doesn't sit in the river end or come on these boards much any more. But my reasons have nothing to do with the team or SOB. I moved my seats to midfield to be able to sit with my parents who aren't able to stand all game anymore. Plus, I've devoted most of my time and energy to growing the game for the next generation with the Kensington Soccer Club. So I miss Union games sometimes to coach little kids when I'm not bringing underprivileged kids to PPL. I never went to many tailgates because I was too busy and I like to watch soccer sober, but I hope the SOB tailgate tradition stays strong. It seems like a good way of building unity so things go better in the stands. I hate seeing people in the RE with hands in pockets, but that was a problem from the beginning. I think it's reasonable that there's a lull in enthusiasm now that the newness is gone. But as long as we don't let things fall apart, I think we'll get more and more young people joining, standing, and singing every year as they come of age.
Many have left the interwebs...well you know what? That mean's it is on us to start the next set of traditions. Keep the boards going and hopefully it will continue to grow! POSITIVITY, PEOPLE!
It's growing. This season will be my first in TRE and I can't wait. I'm so excited. I didn't join up last year and did a half season plan in 131 because I live so far away (~2 hours) and work on Saturdays, but even if I have to give some tix away, I don't care. I really, really, can't wait. The fat luchador is coming.
Boo. Just re-checked me confirmation email. Not in 138 I'm in 136, row F, seats 21 and 22. We can still be friends though, right?