I’ve been wanting to write for a while now but haven’t really thought about it. There are many points I want to touch on. Let’s see if I make any sense…
The $100k question: Why isn’t there an MLS Team in South Florida? A few weeks ago, David Bidoul (Hot Shot) posted some pictures of Lockhart Stadium back in the ’80s and the stadium was filled to capacity! We can fill Joe Robbie Stadium (that’s right, I still call it Joe Robbie) almost to capacity for Barcelona vs Chivas USA or the upcoming AC Milan vs Chelsea matches but we can’t do the same for the Strikers.
We’ve come a long way from the Miami FC days when we would barely get 1k fans in the stadium and our tailgates consisted of 8 of us sitting by our cars drinking last years donated beer from the team lol. Now we have The Red Light District with 8-10 tents, awesome tailgates with ice luges, increased numbers in both the Ultras and Flight 19, more sponsors and food trucks. But there is still something missing.
An investor willing to put their money where there mouth is and invest in South Florida again with an MLS team. The fans that attend the international friendlies don’t attend the Strikers matches. Otherwise, our stadium will look like the pictures from the ’80s and the Ultras and Flight 19 would take up 3-6 sections of seats instead of one. Proper advertising will spread the word that an NASL team is just as entertaining to watch as an MLS match.
Eventually we’ll get there and it will be amazing. Let’s just hope we’re not on a 10yr plan cuz I’m not sure if I can lug those quads around into my late 40s.
Speaking of Utras and Flight 19, I’m glad to see the increased numbers in our section. Lots of new blood and OG’s mixed in. I have to give my props to the Reese Brothaz (that should be a Zazzle shirt by the way). I thought I was dedicated to the group but they lead by example. They were the only Strikers supporters that made the trip up to see the Strikers play against the RailHACKS. They are also the co-ordinators for our road trips every year to Tampa and Atlanta and all our awesome tifos. Thanks for all your support!
I’m getting a bit off topic (not sure I had one) but a few more things I wanted to comment on. I loved seeing Adam and Cammy at the last home game wearing their Strikers inspired Storm Trooper and Clone Trooper helmets! After the match they told me they were inspired by me wearing the Boba Fett helmet. Btw, Thank you Pauly for letting me wear your helmet. It truly inspired me =). I will continue to wear my helmet and hope that other fans are inspired to wear theirs. I’m thinking of starting my own legion called the 954th Ultras Legion. No disrespect to the 501st, but in the 954th, you can use store bought gear. No need to build your own. What do you guys think? Your input is appreciated.
I also would like to expand our “drumline”. Having the Scottish bagpipes, snare and bass drum at last week’s home game was a welcomed accent to our regular repertoire. Since our section tends to get a bit “quiet” with chants after the first half, more drums can fill in the gaps. Some practice jam sessions I think would be helpful to come up with some “cadences” and set pieces so we sound a bit more organized. Just a thought.
In conclusion, I love being part of a supporters group. I can no longer attend a futbol match and not be a part of it in some way. Nothing against the fans that don’t get involved in the chants or drums, but my passion is with the supporter’s group. Let’s keep this going and make it a great experience. See you all at the next home match!