Tailgate tea at 2
C-Firm tailgaters will have plenty of time to soak up the sun for the Rapids annual July 4 Fireworks game with tailgating starting at 2p.m to ensure everyone beats the massive traffic expected for the homecoming of Hunter Freeman and Zach Thornton. The Rapids will face the New York Red Bulls sans Clint Mathis. Freeman has started 7 of the Bulls 9 games and has an assist along with a shot on goal.
Final word on streamers
A further clarification on streamers from the Rapids front office: “The policy in our stadium is that streamers are not allowed to be thrown during game play and can only be thrown after a goal, during pre-games, during halftime, or at the end of the game.”
Back to section 100
THe 138 experiment has been closed and those supporters in Section 138 that want to stand will be joining C-Firm in section 100 for upcoming Rapids games. A supporters group can exist in section 138, but the Rapids policy of no standing supporters group in the north stands remains.
A board members meeting is scheduled for 2 hours before kickoff of the Rapids game against Houston, which begins at 7:30 p.m. so the board meeting is at 5:30.
There have been some props given by the FO as well:
- The staff thinks our section sounds louder and better throughout the stadium than it ever has.
- So far this year they have been getting more calls from people wanting to learn about our group than they have gotten complaints.
- The FO thinks we look better on TV.
- With the exception of one or two events, they are really pleased with everything going on in 100 this year.
- They love the streamers. (But they remind us of the recent league directive about not using streamers to affect the run of play. Basically---don't throw at players, on corner kicks or throw-ins. Fine to use streamers as goal celebration, at the end of the game, even at the beginning when players take the field...)
- They realized the error of their ways after the first couple of games when we were in section 100, and they have stopped using section 101 for family night, youth sales, kids' groups, etc. Now those patrons will be steered toward the NW corner.
- They encourage us to pass the giant jersey around the stadium as Oscar proposed and we had once tried. They love that idea and think if we keep trying it it will work.
- They will talk to their TV crew people about getting microphones relocated in our direction---maybe not right in front of us, but at least on our half of the field.
- They will give us a ticket sales link button thing for our web page like the one Class VI has.
- There has not been a change on the flagpole guidelines, and if any security tries to prevent one of us from entering with an appropriate flagpole (1/2-in. PVC, 3.5 feet tall), we should ask for a supervisor, call an FO rep, or refer them to the Fan Guide.
North stands beckon - YASG
By Chili: Remember the last home game when we saw a small cluster of people in section 138 who were standing and waving flags? Well after a few phone calls, some good conversations, a nice long meeting, and some board member discussion, here is some of what I can tell you about it all. A fan named David, much in the C-Firm mold, has come up with a great vision and long-term plan for creating a rollicking section for standing fans across the entire north end of the stadium.
He has strong business connections, the support of Fernando Clavijo, and a ticket rep intent on making this plan work out. David knows how long C-Firm has coveted the north stands, but he had no idea it had ever been denied to us. He is excited about the possibility of working with us and welcomes any fan who shares his vision* to come try out section 138 at the next home game on June 21st. In return, we have invited him and his members to come check out the supporters’ tailgate in lot AA on that day.
What do I mean when I say “his vision”? Fans who want to stand, drum, chant, sing, and support the team and coaches in a positive fashion, all within the stadium’s code of conduct. I know there are a couple of things in there that will not sit well with some C-Firm members, but David is the one who has secured those seats, so if we want to buy seats in his section, we’ll have to play by his rules---just like someone who unknowingly buys seats in our section has to play by our rules, for example, not asking us to sit down. For example, it would be utterly inappropriate to chant "Fire Clavijo" in this section and I can guarantee you that such an action would get you permanently banned from 138.
Some members will undoubtedly want to check it out, while others will find this notion of “playing by someone else’s rules” intolerable, but we’ll have to see how great the draw of those north end seats actually is. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or just come to the June 21st tailgate and see me or David if you want to discuss the pros and cons of a move to 138. Depending on how this one-game trial goes, we may want to vote to move as a group to section 138.
So, what do you need to do? If you're tired of section 100's security or the away fans right next to us, or if you are eager to see how awesome the view from 138 is, e-mail NO LATER THAN THURSDAY about being in 138 for the Houston game. Tickets will be $12 apiece and I will coordinate our group's orders through David and his ticket rep. Don't wait till game day and try to buy tickets in 138 as a walk-up, because I can't promise these seats will be available for the ticket window reps to sell.
See you on the 21st, eh?
One team, one passion! chili
Game with RMFC volunteers
On Sunday June 22nd from 330-8pm Rocky Mountain Survivors Center will be celebrating U.N. International Day Against Torture at the Bill Roberts School in Stapleton. At the event there will be speakers, soccer, and lot more. Rocky
Mountain FC will be playing a game against the RMSC volunteers at 3:30pm. So please come down and help celebrate a good cause and support our Rocky Mountain FC team. Also, please bring food or snacks for yourself and have a picnic while watching the team play. Don't hesitate to call me with any questions and we hope to see you on the 22nd. For more info, call Todd Haggerty at 303.917.6398.
From the Grand Poobah's desk
Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber issued the following statement regarding the Columbus at the Crew versus Revolution game on May 24. “MLS has conducted an investigation into events occurring at the game between the Columbus Crew and the New England Revolution on May 24th at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. During that game, objects were thrown onto the field by spectators on a number of occasions, in some cases striking players on the field of play. A number of fans were ejected by security staff as a result of these actions.
As a consequence of this review, MLS and its teams will take the following steps: 1. MLS and its clubs will undertake a comprehensive review of security measures in each MLS facility to ensure that sufficient measures are taken to prevent fans from throwing objects from the stands at players or officials on the field. Additionally, MLS teams and stadiums will fully communicate to all fans attending MLS games the League’s policy that spectators in breach will be ejected and prohibited from attending future games. 2. MLS has reviewed the increasingly coordinated use of streamers at some MLS stadiums to affect play, particularly as a distraction to visiting players as they attempt to take corner kicks. MLS teams will communicate to their supporter groups MLS’s existing policy – that streamers are not to be used to impact on-field competition or thrown toward a player, referee or stadium staff member.
While the spontaneous use of streamers and confetti as an expression of fan enthusiasm will not be prohibited, the continued practice will be kept under review. Should issues continue regarding the use of streamers, MLS will have no option but to prohibit streamers.”
An interesting and informative article on Soccer365 goes into more detail about the history of fans in the MLS.
Brunch tailgate on Sunday
Since the June 1st game against FC Dallas is a 1 p.m. kickoff, we'll be having a brunch tailgate again, starting at 10 a.m. Chef Nathan has promised us biscuits and gravy, so fellow tailgaters can bring other brunchy munchies and brunchy beverages.Sunday's game will be a double-header, with the reserve game immediately following the first team's game.
Keeper gives shout out in blog
We got a nice shout out from Rapids back-up goalkeeper Chris Sharpe in his blog which appears regularly on Tribal Football. Sharpe, who is with the Rapids as an MLS pool goalkeeper due to the injury to Justin Hughes, has been training with the team since the preseason. Chris is attempting to become the first Australian to ever play in MLS.
Omelet tailgate extravaganza
Cfirm will be tailgating in style this Sunday, May 4, beginning around 10 a.m. with a breakfast extravaganza of omelets with up to seven ingredients: salsa, Hollandaise, Green Chili- all for topping of course - Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, and Cheesy Grits with Appplewood smoked bacon. Props to our chefs Nathan & Doug. Of course no tailgate is complete without Doug's fruit Crepes as well as Doug's Breakfast Crepes and Ringshot may bring Mimosa stuff. But Supporters are always encouraged to bring some extra Champagne and OJ as well as Bloody Mary should be in attendance, as she usually is before noon... And a reminder, lest ye forget, as of this game we will be in our new home, section 100.
Lucha libre Sunday sans mask
To get your Rapids lucha libre wrestling mask you will need combo tickets to both the Rapids game against DC United and the post wrestling matches for this Sunday. The masks go to the first 5,000 and season ticket holders have to get in line to purchase the "FutboLucha" tickets at $15. The game begins at 1 pm.
Rapids host pint pack
Join the Rapids for an exciting pre-game party at Dick's Sporting Goods Park! Fans are encouraged to gather and celebrate the World's Game from 5:30 - 7:30 prior to the Rapids match against rival Real Salt Lake on Thursday, May 15! Get 2 Tickets and 2 Pints starting at just $29!
Pint vouchers are available for redemption at The Cantina or concession stands 4 & 5 on the south concourse throughout the game! Must be 21 years old to redeem pint voucher with minimum of 2 seats required to purchase package.
From the Pitch tonight
From the Pitch with Marcelo Balboa will air Tuesday night from 7 to 9 pm (MST) with guests Tom McManus, forward for the Rapids; Tom Soehn, head coach of DC United and Scott French, managing editor of MLS Magazine.
Champions League action, as well as the Rapids upcoming game against DC, will be discussed on the show, which is broadcast on 1510am Mile High Sports Radio. The show can also be heard on MLSNET.com and Mile High Sports.
Local listeners can call into the show at 303.297.1510 or long distance listeners can dial 888.817.1510.
Radio show appearance
We have been invited to be on 1150 AM La Buena Onda, the local station that does Spanish-language broadcasting for the Rapids games. They want us to come with our drums, chants, etc. and be part of their Friday night Deportes (sports) show. The show runs from 7-8 p.m., but we need to arrive by 6:30. All are invited! Please let Chili (email chilistrider at yahoo.com) know if you plan to attend so I can contact you with the address, directions, and any other important info.
Denver SCORES Jamboree
We have been invited again this year to help out with the Denver SCORES Jamboree on Saturday May 17 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Denver SCORES is an after-school program for disadvantaged children, and their two main activities are creative writing and soccer.
The Jamboree is their end-of-season round-robin tournament for student participants and will be held at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday May 17th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or any portion thereof. Activities that volunteers may choose from include field setup and takedown, goodie bag stuffing, face-painting, handing out water and snacks, helping with the book drive, or refereeing games. Please e-mail me chilistrider at yahoo.com [as soon as possible] if you want to volunteer, and please mention which volunteer activities you prefer.
Members who volunteered for this event last year had a great time and say they would recommend it to everyone---even kids, even people who can only spend an hour or two there---so please come out and do some good to help a very worthy cause!
Cfirm meeting Saturday
Our second home game of the season is this Saturday, and kickoff against the San Jose Earthquakes is at 7:30 p.m. Tailgating will take place prior to the game in lot AA as usual. Also, please note that we will be holding our April meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. in lot AA. All members are invited to attend. We want your ideas and input for this season!
Also, anyone who is interested in a board position, please volunteer at the meeting, as we have two openings to fill!
Wizards change game time
The Rapids away game April 5 against the Kansas City Wizards has been moved up to 3 p.m. MT and will also be broadcasted on Altitude network. Radio from the game will be broadcast on 1150am as will all of the Rapids games this season. We're not sure if the time change was made simply to screw with the revelers traveling to the game or because a college baskeball team (Kansas) has the gall to schedule a game (Final Four) at the same time as the Rapids.
Steve Davis of mlsnet.com had the following to say about the Wizards' start to the season.
In Kansas City, newcomers Claudio Lopez and Ivan Trujillo had strong debuts. Not only did each strike for a goal in the Wizards' 2-0 victory, they successfully pressured United defenders all night. It's just one night, but technical director Peter Vermes and manager Curt Onalfo seem to have scored with their major offseason foreign acquisitions.
Speaking of newcomers in Kansas City: CommunityAmerica Ballpark had its MLS coming out party, and it looks like it's going to be a fun place. Some odd camera angles aside, CAB looks great and sounds lively. The Cauldron was rocking and I love where they have it positioned, in a corner behind one goal, but angled by the baseball park layout so that it really "hangs" over one end of the field.
Balboa discusses Rapids win
Marcelo Balboa and guest Fernando Clavijo will discuss the Rapids 4-nil season opener victory over the LA Galaxy on From the Pitch broadcasting on 1060AM from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Rapids midfielder Nick LaBrocca will also discuss the game and Kansas City Wizards Head Coach Curt Onalfo will also call in to discuss his team's game against the Rapids this weekend in KC.
The show is on the Radio Colorado Network with 1060AM in Denver, 1580AM in Colorado Springs, 1450AM in Buena Vista and 610AM in Vail.
Roadtrip to Kansas City
The Centennial Firm and Class VI have a road trip bus to the Rapids first road game of the season against Kansas City on April 5. Time is running out fast. Email Chili at chilistrider at yahoo.com or Danielle at ddicarlo23104 at yahoo.com ASAP, if you are interested in going on the trip.
Here are the details:
Leave DSG Park - 6:00 am MST, Sat. April 5th
Arrive Kansas City Hotel - 3:00 pm CST, Sat. April 5th
Leave for game - 5:30 pm CST- Tailgate bus leaves from hotel near Stadium to bring us to the game.
Game Time - 7:00 CST pm
The bus will return us to the hotel after the game.
Leave Kansas City - 9:00 am CST, Sun. April 6th
Arrive Denver - 6:00 pm MST, Sun. April 6th
Note: Times and plans may change a bit as we nail down locations and other plans. Tailgate info: TBD
Balboa previews Galaxy game
Marcelo Balboa will preview the Rapids home opener Saturday against the Galaxy on his From the Pitch radio show (1060AM) tonight, Tuesday March 25, from 6 to 8pm with guests Commerce City Mayor Natale, Rapids Midfielder Cliaran O'Brien and Rapids Head Coach Fernando Clavijo.
Balboa will also discuss with his guests and callers the opening weekend for the 2008 MLS season, as well as the Burgundy and Blue Game from last week and the US Olympic team loss to Honduras this past weekend.
The show is on the Radio Colorado Network with 1060AM in Denver, 1580AM in Colorado Springs, 1450AM in Buena Vista and 610AM in Vail.
Opening day noon tailgate
5 days till the home opener! We look forward to seeing everyone in lot AA for our first tailgate of the year, which will feature another Doogiemo crepe extravaganza!! If you weren't there for the crepes last year, you really missed out, but here's another chance to get in on the action. Tailgating for the die-hards will begin at noon on the 29th, but look for crowds to start picking up around 3 p.m. And remember, we will be in section 114 for the first two home games.
While the web site shows that 114 is sold out, limited tickets *may* (no promises here) still be available by contacting Marcus in the front office. And what happens close on the heels of our home opener? Our first away game of the year, which is also our first ROAD TRIP... There is still time to get your deposit in for our first roadtrip of the year. Not only will you be able to cheer on YOUR 2008 Colorado Rapids, but you will also get to know plenty of other Rapids fans. It'll be a GREAT TIME!
Here is a quote from Stephen Keel, "The C-Firm is by far the best supporters group in the league. They support the team loud and clear not only at home games, but also on the road. I am very thankful to have the greatest fans in the league supporting the Rapids day in and day out!" So come on guys, lets keep the guys believing that we are THE BEST SUPPORTERS GROUP IN THE LEAGUE! Please contact Danielle at ddicarlo23104 at yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Rapids season ticket info
It won’t be long now as only 22 days remain until the 2008 MLS Season kicks off. Remember game 1 is going to be on March 29, 2008 at 7:30pm vs. LA Galaxy. If you are in need of additional tickets for this match please contact Marcus Myrick ASAP as the game is nearly sold out (if not already).
Season tickets are due to arrive on Tuesday of this week. If your account is not paid in full, your tickets will not be sent to you and will be held here until they are paid in full.
If you have paid you should be receiving your tickets between March 15 and March 18th via UPS. Remember, UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes. 2008 Burgundy and Blue scrimmage is scheduled for March 19th at 7:30pm here at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Tickets should be included in your season package.
Did you know about the new season ticket holder website? The site contains answers to many frequently asked questions, the 2008 exchange policy, information on your Sales and Customer Service team and much more.
The Rapids now have their own Adult Soccer League! A fun treat for sure and you get to play on the best fields in the state of Colorado. For more information on how to sign up or register a team please contact Mr. Luke Lavorato at 303.727.3521 The team is having an UNBELIEVABLE pre-season having lost just once. That loss occurred to partner club Arsenal FC’s reserve side yesterday 2-1. Team returned to Colorado this past Sunday to continue preparations for the 2008 campaign.
