On Saturday I went to Toyota Park and saw the Chicago Fire take on Kansas City sitting in the frenzied fan area known as section 8. However, the seeds of information were gathered well before the opening kick.
The night before, on Friday, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the president of section 8. Then, at the tailgate prior to the Fire game on Saturday, I was able to talk to the owner of the Fire as well as a pair of members of section 8. One of the members was in his first year as a section 8 member, while the other has been a member of the section for several years.
I have had the opportunity to go to a handful of Chicago Fire games the past two years, all of which I have sat in section 8. I have had the opportunity to get to know a few members, and a couple of friends of mine are season ticket holders, so I certainly have an idea of the culture of the group and what it's like.
They are definitely a unique fan base. And that's just a tip of the iceberg.
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Good field reporting. Did you get anything from a player or coach? That really translates the impact the fan base has on the game.
ReplyDeleteAnd what do opposing players and coaches think of section 8? How about security?
Any fights or issues? Keep pressing to get more perspectives. Also: Think about The Globe Pub sidebar and the links to online fan sections.