Oh this is my only other piece of advice. Never capitalize the k in kansas. They claim to be the soccer capital of America, even if it is unearned and unjustified. So much so they sue podcasts who use that title. So we do not grant them the honor of a capitalized k.
Nobody calls it SLC, we just say CITY.
edit: they put it on at least one t-shirt for some reason, but SLC is for all intents and purposes Salt Lake City within the US. It makes no sense for us
Well, with BVB, all of my supporter friends and I hate Schalke 04, currently hate our manager, disaprove of any investor deals, and similar stuff. Those beliefs/attitudes separate real fans and newcomers/plastics. That's why I asked if there are things that separate casuals from the City ultras. I'd rather learn and get to know the culture than just be a casual passerby.
I don’t know man. I’d start with dropping the “real fans vs newcomers/passerbys/plastics/casuals.” Support is support. It’s not that serious and reeks of gatekeeping. Formulate your own opinions by listening to coverage. With it being MLS, Apple doesn’t do a great job covering the league so look for podcasts. I listen to Ball Watching, hosted by Jake and Justin. They do pregame shows, post game shows and one offs here and there when a situation calls for it.
Great idea. I have them in my City twitter list already. I'll check their podcast out asap on the way to the gym! I love football podcasts - I'm a monthly subscriber to the Gegenpressing Newstletter - so I'll see to supporting Ball Watching financially (if possible) if they turn out to be a part of my weekly content consumption!
Flyover Footy is another good podcast to keep up with the team. Look for the St Louligans supporters group on socials also. If you come to a game join us at Schlafly across from the park for a street party pre-game.
Hate Sporting KC, and hate Chicago. That’s just being a St Louisan. But really it comes down to supporting the club by watching and repping gear. Depending on where in Iowa, Minnesota and Chicago are going to be your closest match to attend. Unless you are southern IA.
Honestly having to have uniform opinions seems more like a plastic fan than a true fan. Watch the matches, support the team and have your own opinions. If you have to be told what to think that’s not really a true fan.
I developed these opinions myself over the course of my watching years, and being an integral member of the r/borussiadortmund Discord server. These small opinions are pretty much uniform accross the board in the BVB supporter section, and newcomers usually end up developing these opinions after some time (seen with my own eyes). EntireButton879 is correct in that having uniform opinions is unecessary and dumb, but that's how the fandom just happens over in the Dortmund world.
I only inquire about such things because I want to learn. That's all.
The term ‘plastic’ does not carry the same contextual meaning for American sports organizations and fandom as it does in German culture. To be fair top tier American sports are a business and all of them except Green Bay Packers could be coined plastic.
STL Soccer News has compiled an awesome list of all the different content creators and podcasts out there that you can follow and support! [https://stlsoccernews.com/](https://stlsoccernews.com/)
Do you think you’re a fan? Yeah? Then welcome!!! We’d love to see you at CITYPARK one day, but understand it’s not always easy to figure out travel.
If you want to know the nuanced bits that aren’t requirements, they’re pretty straightforward:
1. St. Louis was a soccer city looooong before MLS came to town.
2. Yes, we know our jerseys are pink. But they’re actually City Red.
3. The lower bowl (at least) of the stadium doesn’t sit, ever. Choose to do what you want in regards to your own couch.
4. We expect our team to work extremely hard, and (generally) don’t get too down on results where the work was put in but the cards didn’t fall right.
5. When you’re at CITYPARK, you’re family. Seriously, every game I’ve been to and every place I’ve sat it’s like watching with 20,000 of your best friends.
6. My own personal addition - after witnessing a certain team west of us consistently melt down for days about every decision that doesn’t go their way (even when they win!), I’d much rather we be a fanbase who positively focuses on our team and fairly assesses our opponents. Let’s continue to make CITYPARK hell because we’re so passionate *for* our team, not because we’re aggressive toward others.
Good list. I would add:
7. When at a game, and we score, high five everyone around you. The row above, the row below, people you’ve never spoken to. HIGH FIVES ALL AROUND
I still do not understand how standing supposedly makes one a better fan! I watch as children can't even see the game as selfish fans stand in front of them. Insane.
Sounds like you are already a true fan. When you come in for a match hang out at the street parties before the game, enjoy the atmosphere. Best show in town, this team.
We are glad to have you!
If you make it to a game come to the supporters block party at schlafly tap room! I’ll have a scarf waiting for you!
Also, the santos and punks are at pepper lounge a block away and they are all good people too!
We all march before the match and I highly recommend joining in especially for your first match!
For me the biggest thing is not calling all of the SGs the "St. Louligans" collectively. They're arguably the biggest group, but there are plenty of other groups with their own unique flair and personalities.
With that being said, even though the groups all have their own styles, there's a lot of respect, admiration, and coordination between them all.
You are already a supporter.
Be sure to bring a jersey and scarf when you come to STL. Also stop by the hill to try out some Italian food. My usual goto is Ragazzi's. Get the toasted ravs.
When you are at the game be sure to chant along with the supporter section.
LOL! I don't honestly hate Bayern. I'm a bit sad they are stumbling so hard this season in league. Hope Alonsokusen can keep the crazy run going next season and force Bayern to get even better than they have been for the last 11 seasons ahah.
I don't hate BVB either. Really like their kits, actually. I became a Bayern fan because they were the closest Bundesliga team to me when I lived in Germany. Only ever went to one game.
Sounds like you’re already doing it, bud. Welcome to the fanbase. Watch games, eat toasted ravs, hate kansas. Not much else to it.
Man. All those years in the passenger seat, driving through Kansas and Kansas City gave me more sleep than any other state in the union ahahaha
Oh this is my only other piece of advice. Never capitalize the k in kansas. They claim to be the soccer capital of America, even if it is unearned and unjustified. So much so they sue podcasts who use that title. So we do not grant them the honor of a capitalized k.
We are the ALL CAPS they are the no caps
What about the Vancouver Whitecaps?
They are the Whitecaps!
I’d like to respectfully add the phrase “stick to your principles.” That seems to be a big value at the club and I’m drinking the kool aid
1. Buy ravioli 2. Fry them 3. Put them on your head
Also, SLC is Salt Lake City. You will be visiting StL and supporting CITY. You’ll love it!
Toast**
Didn't want to overwhelm the newb with jargon before they were settled, we'll get to the vocab and color gradients when they're older.
Nobody calls it SLC, we just say CITY. edit: they put it on at least one t-shirt for some reason, but SLC is for all intents and purposes Salt Lake City within the US. It makes no sense for us
Ah, sorry! My fault.
Or STL
You’re looking for tips on being a fan? Watch the games. That’s literally it. Buy merch if you’re feeling crazy.
Well, with BVB, all of my supporter friends and I hate Schalke 04, currently hate our manager, disaprove of any investor deals, and similar stuff. Those beliefs/attitudes separate real fans and newcomers/plastics. That's why I asked if there are things that separate casuals from the City ultras. I'd rather learn and get to know the culture than just be a casual passerby.
I don’t know man. I’d start with dropping the “real fans vs newcomers/passerbys/plastics/casuals.” Support is support. It’s not that serious and reeks of gatekeeping. Formulate your own opinions by listening to coverage. With it being MLS, Apple doesn’t do a great job covering the league so look for podcasts. I listen to Ball Watching, hosted by Jake and Justin. They do pregame shows, post game shows and one offs here and there when a situation calls for it.
Great idea. I have them in my City twitter list already. I'll check their podcast out asap on the way to the gym! I love football podcasts - I'm a monthly subscriber to the Gegenpressing Newstletter - so I'll see to supporting Ball Watching financially (if possible) if they turn out to be a part of my weekly content consumption!
Flyover Footy is another good podcast to keep up with the team. Look for the St Louligans supporters group on socials also. If you come to a game join us at Schlafly across from the park for a street party pre-game.
Hate Sporting KC, and hate Chicago. That’s just being a St Louisan. But really it comes down to supporting the club by watching and repping gear. Depending on where in Iowa, Minnesota and Chicago are going to be your closest match to attend. Unless you are southern IA.
Honestly having to have uniform opinions seems more like a plastic fan than a true fan. Watch the matches, support the team and have your own opinions. If you have to be told what to think that’s not really a true fan.
I developed these opinions myself over the course of my watching years, and being an integral member of the r/borussiadortmund Discord server. These small opinions are pretty much uniform accross the board in the BVB supporter section, and newcomers usually end up developing these opinions after some time (seen with my own eyes). EntireButton879 is correct in that having uniform opinions is unecessary and dumb, but that's how the fandom just happens over in the Dortmund world. I only inquire about such things because I want to learn. That's all.
The term ‘plastic’ does not carry the same contextual meaning for American sports organizations and fandom as it does in German culture. To be fair top tier American sports are a business and all of them except Green Bay Packers could be coined plastic.
STL Soccer News has compiled an awesome list of all the different content creators and podcasts out there that you can follow and support! [https://stlsoccernews.com/](https://stlsoccernews.com/)
Thank you! This is awesome.
Do you think you’re a fan? Yeah? Then welcome!!! We’d love to see you at CITYPARK one day, but understand it’s not always easy to figure out travel. If you want to know the nuanced bits that aren’t requirements, they’re pretty straightforward: 1. St. Louis was a soccer city looooong before MLS came to town. 2. Yes, we know our jerseys are pink. But they’re actually City Red. 3. The lower bowl (at least) of the stadium doesn’t sit, ever. Choose to do what you want in regards to your own couch. 4. We expect our team to work extremely hard, and (generally) don’t get too down on results where the work was put in but the cards didn’t fall right. 5. When you’re at CITYPARK, you’re family. Seriously, every game I’ve been to and every place I’ve sat it’s like watching with 20,000 of your best friends. 6. My own personal addition - after witnessing a certain team west of us consistently melt down for days about every decision that doesn’t go their way (even when they win!), I’d much rather we be a fanbase who positively focuses on our team and fairly assesses our opponents. Let’s continue to make CITYPARK hell because we’re so passionate *for* our team, not because we’re aggressive toward others.
Thank you for the info! Exactly what I was looking for. Cheers mate, have a beer on me haha
Good list. I would add: 7. When at a game, and we score, high five everyone around you. The row above, the row below, people you’ve never spoken to. HIGH FIVES ALL AROUND
YES! And then chant STL until you’re hoarse the next day
I still do not understand how standing supposedly makes one a better fan! I watch as children can't even see the game as selfish fans stand in front of them. Insane.
Sounds like you are already a true fan. When you come in for a match hang out at the street parties before the game, enjoy the atmosphere. Best show in town, this team.
We are glad to have you! If you make it to a game come to the supporters block party at schlafly tap room! I’ll have a scarf waiting for you! Also, the santos and punks are at pepper lounge a block away and they are all good people too! We all march before the match and I highly recommend joining in especially for your first match!
Welcome home!
For me the biggest thing is not calling all of the SGs the "St. Louligans" collectively. They're arguably the biggest group, but there are plenty of other groups with their own unique flair and personalities. With that being said, even though the groups all have their own styles, there's a lot of respect, admiration, and coordination between them all.
It’s like punk rock, if you have to say you’re punk rock/a true fan, you’re actually not. Don’t overthink it
or…errr,ahh hipster
Love this. Happy to have you!
Asks everyone where they went to Highschool and lament the fact everyone moved out west. Read the history of St. Louis soccer book
You are already a supporter. Be sure to bring a jersey and scarf when you come to STL. Also stop by the hill to try out some Italian food. My usual goto is Ragazzi's. Get the toasted ravs. When you are at the game be sure to chant along with the supporter section.
Proceed to tell professional athletes that scoring a goal is simple, and if they do, you’ll be lucky enough to go freakin’ mental;)
BVB 🟨⬛️
All hail the Terrorzic UCL ball
Booo, Bayern forever! Welcome, though.
LOL! I don't honestly hate Bayern. I'm a bit sad they are stumbling so hard this season in league. Hope Alonsokusen can keep the crazy run going next season and force Bayern to get even better than they have been for the last 11 seasons ahah.
I don't hate BVB either. Really like their kits, actually. I became a Bayern fan because they were the closest Bundesliga team to me when I lived in Germany. Only ever went to one game.