April 30, 2007
Class VI MOTM: Kyle "Becks" Beckerman
Week 3 Class VI Man of the Match:
Beckerman is as strong as his hair
Fending off a late run from Greg Vanney's heroic defensive work and energetic runs out wide, Mr. Kyle "Becks" Beckerman showed he's got the staying power to go the full 90. Despite a loss to Dallas, Kyle showed some great leadership in the midfield.
Congratulations, Beckerman!
Each week (well, each game) we will have a link up on the MOTM page on this site for you to vote on. The link takes you to the CVI discussion boards. At the end of the year, winners will become finalists for Class VI Player of the Year.
Anyhooo.... voting is now open for MOTM Week 4 against Fake Salt Lake.
So, hop on board, get a login if you haven't done so yet, and get rolling!
Need a login for CVI boards? Go to the boards. Get a login. Then email and ask to be added to our little secret society.
April 29, 2007
I fart in your general direction
And piss on your "good" name!
Yup, it's time for another edition of Fake Salt Lake Smackdown!
Woo-hoo! Also known as the Rocky Mountain Cup. Also known as yet another trophy that Salt Lake fans will never get to have. Two years in existence, two years in Rapids' fans' hands!
Being perfect gentlemen and gentlewomen, we have dispatched a (small) group of extremely die-hard fans as an away-game contingent for this utterly embarrassing Monday Night Affair in Salt Lake.
Of course, with Salt Lake refs, you can always be sure they'll have a penalty outside the box to even things up, but it's fun simply showing how bad a team can be so many years in a row.
Those of us NOT going to Salt Lake will be retiring to the British Bulldog for the official Class VI away-game viewing party. The game starts at 7pm, party starts earlier!
3-7pm, 2-for-1 beer. Gametime? $3 Fuller's London Pride and ESB!
Viewing Party note:
I spoke with Isaac at the Bulldog yesterday. He apologizes about the problems with the specials at the last game.
The error of not getting $3 Fullers at the last viewing party was on the part of the Bulldog. This Monday - there again will be $3 Fullers - and he promises to make sure everyone is aware.
The error about supposedly getting a free beer if you show your game ticket was a misunderstanding with the RFO. The free beer with a game ticket applies ONLY after a home game.
Fuller's Beer & the British BUlldog - official partners of Class VI. Let's thank them for being so good to us with a great turnout and tons of fun tomorrow night!
April 27, 2007
It's a great time to be a fan
Sometimes ya gotta stop and smell the flowers
A great time to be an MLS fan, and it's an even better time to be a Rapids fan!
The Rapids time off after deflating our hopes in last week's loss gives us pause to think about all those t'ings we have to be thankful for.
No, no. I don't mean the improvement in Rapids media coverage, although there have been a few rays of sunshine. And I don't mean that *hot* new blog on the Rapids website giving us all the juicy details between games to feed our needs -- it also will never happen if history guides us.
I mean all the other stuff.
Rapids stuff, first and foremost. The new stadium, of course, but also some new players amounting to nearly a new team and a playing style out of the gate that doesn't seem insistent on playing to lose.
And then there is the crazy whirlwind that is MLS 2007, as reported by Richard Snowden.
Beckham Rule... with Beckham! And 4 or 5 other guys that should be interesting to watch, even if they only implode. And with almost everyone showing up in Summer, perhaps the doldrums just got more exciting?
And the improvements in making regular season games matter? Sheesh! Who woulda thunkit. Was it just yesteryear (or yesterday) that players themselves pronounced the regular season as nothing more than 6 months of waiting around for the playoffs to start?
Now we've got a much more complex and difficult playoff format, more club and league competitions to enter if your team plays well enough (including the $1 Million SuperLiga thingee). A good regular season could mean extra games against killer Mexican competition in the future. Two of which will be showing up on our doorstep in July.
Heck, MLS teams even had a good pre-season showing in the Champions Cup. Woo-hah!
*AND* we've got a radio show that seems pretty good! Or it would if I could remember to listen Tuesdays from 6-8pm, or online if I could get the link to work...
I mean, is it a great time to be a fan or what?
For those of you who agree and find that NoFanAlone.com isn't fulfilling your soccer news and reading needs, I want to point out a new section on the right. It's j-u-u-ust over there-->
I've added a few quality soccer blogs and other news sources that you can roll through on a daily basis to get your fix.
I do!
April 26, 2007
SuperLiga Comes to DSG Park
Props to George Tanner at the Rocky Mountain News for getting this news out right away. As rumored, there will be a SuperLiga game played at The Dick between Mexican powerhouses Chivas de Guadalajara and Pachuca on Tuesday, July 31st at 8pm. No word yet if the Rapids will be offering any Class VI discounts.
About SuperLiga™
The preeminent club tournament of North America, SuperLiga™ will take place for the first time the summer of 2007 and will crown the top club of the region. Eight teams – D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer and CF Pachuca, CD Guadalajara, Club América and Monarcas Morelia of the Mexican First Division will fight for the North American crown in a tournament modeled after the UEFA Champions League which includes a group phase and a knockout phase with all games held in U.S. venues. In addition to the prestige of capturing this continental honor, the club that emerges as SuperLiga™ champion will take home $1 million dollars in prize money, an unprecedented prize purse in North American soccer history.
April 25, 2007
Class VI tidbits
Quality news, before it smells
May 10th Ticket Deal
Note that this is NOT for the May 5th Saturday game vs. Houston. It IS for the May 10th Thursday evening game against FSL in the 2nd meeting of the Rocky Mountain Cup for 2007.
So, what's the deal for Class VI members? BOGO
Buy One Get One free for CVI members. BUT.... you'll be paying nearly full price for the first ticket ($32) instead of the standard $27 Class VI deal. The second ticket will then be free... e.g. 2 for $32.
If you just need one ticket, considering hitting our Discussion Board Ticket Exchange forum to pair up with a like-minded friend.
May 5th Tailgate Moved UP!
Now for some May 5th (good) news. Gametime is 7:30pm, and we'll be starting the Class VI tailgate at 5pm (instead of 5:30pm) to take advantage of what promises to be a glorious afternoon of boisterous revelry, cameraderie, and other words I have to look up in the dictionary.
If you're wondering? Yes. You are invited. ;-)
Week 3 MOTM voting
Beckerman has jumped out to an early lead as the best player for week 3's loss against FC Steers. A surprise dark horse has emerged, and Greg Vanney is running a distant but decent 2nd place showing. Get your votes in on the discussion board, voting closes in a few days. Sunday morning to be exact.
Buy Class VI tickets online!
Yep, it's for real this time. You can now click on the Buy Tickets Online graphic (Pssst... it's over there, to the right). When you do? It'll go to a custom page that allows you to get the Class VI ticket price discount and access to the best tickets in section 108 for individual game tickets. Go ahead. Give it a try. You know you want to.
US Open Cup entrance set for May 23
Yes... just one more chance to melt the thin ice under FSL's dreams of actually having success at anything. While we can hope the location would be The Dick, we can't be sure of this. So stay tuned. Current kick-off set for 7:30pm.
1st Rocky Mtn Cup match only on Direct Kick
If you don't get DK, you'll be joining the rest of us at the British Bulldog for the official away-game viewing event next Monday evening. Smackdown on FSL starts at 7pm, party starts earlier.
April 24, 2007
Get to know the Rapids
It's Bouna Time!
With fifteen (15) new player additions to a 28 man roster this season... yes, over 50% turnover... the Rapids have an entirely new and somewhat unknown look about them.
The Front Office is slowly, painfully getting started on helping us get to know some of the new guys, as well as some of the reserve stars that are stepping up into starters roles.
To whit, they've added an article on ColoradoRapids.com interviewing one Bouna Coundoul (goalkeeper).
Bouna Time!
The first three games have been instrumental in giving us fans a well-rounded look at Bouna. From the magic reaction saves that let us know Bouna will be a star to the odd and awkward positioning that gives us pause, Bouna has shown it all in just three short weeks.
Whatever else Bouna brings us this season, we'll always have the held breath and skipped heartbeat of excitment when it's Bouna Time.
April 23, 2007
Class VI MOTM: Hercules Gomez!
Hercules proves he's a fan favorite with a blast worthy of, well, Hercules!
For week 2 against the Fire, (tie game, 1-1) there was no competition. Hercules takes home Man of the Match honors from Class VI with more than 80% of all votes cast.
Congratulations, Hercules!
Each week (well, each game) we will have a link up on the MOTM page on this site for you to vote on. The link takes you to the CVI discussion boards.
At the end of the year, winners will become finalists for Class VI Player of the Year.
Anyhooo.... voting is soon to be open for MOTM Week 3.
So, hop on board, get a login if you haven't done so yet, and get rolling!
Need a login for CVI boards? Go to the boards. Get a login. Then email and ask to be added to our little secret society.
April 22, 2007
Kroenke Bio & Arsenal F.C.
England's Sunday Times has this great article talking about Kroenke's interest in Arsenal.
It also discusses his current ownership in the English club (and where it may be going), and includes a very nice biography wrap-up which helps to understand the rather reclusive guy. There are also some quotes from former business partners as well as DICKtator Plush.
April 18, 2007
Bulldog viewing party update
Isaac @ the British Bulldog has confirmed that he'll be welcoming us Rapids fans with open arms this Sunday afternoon!
Game time starts at 1pm, but the party starts earlier. Here's from Isaac's recent email:
This Sunday is the first Rapids away game of the season and the Bulldog is the official viewing party for their match against FC Dallas.
To celebrate the Bulldog will buy your first pint from 9am-Noon. Then we will be pouring $3 Fullers London Pride and ESB during the match.
But wait, there's more!!!!
Also, MLS fans can also bring their ticket stub from a Rapids game this season and get a free pint.
Now that's taking care of the fans!
April 17, 2007
1st (Rapids) Away Game Viewing Party of 2007!
The Rapids Front Office has graciously set up a viewing party where we're all planning on being anyway: The Bulldog!!!
I'm sure Isaac's ready to host us for a wonderful afternoon of folksy fun and frovolity as we continue the traditional smackdown on FC Dallas.
What's that you say? Oh.... regular season. Right, forgot about that. We don't seem to fare as well in the regular season. Whatevuh. FC Steer is cooked!
Official announcement: AWAY GAME VIEWING PARTY THIS WEEK IS AT THE BRITISH BULLDOG
What: Rapids at FC Dallas
When: Sunday April 22 at 1pm LIVE on Altitude
Where: The British Bulldog (corner of Broadway and Stout downtown)
Parking is available for free in the lot directly behind the Bulldog.
Viewing parties are back for 2007! If you are a new fan and haven't been to a viewing party I just have to tell you they are the BEST TIMES EVER!
Official Viewing Party is at the British Bulldog, however if you cannot make it to the British Bulldog our good friends at CASEY'S AND SOBO 151 will show the game for you.
Just a reminder that viewing parties tend to be full so make sure to arrive EARLY! Will update drink and/or food specials later this week.
----------------
Class VI editor's note: Sunday's are usually 2-for-1 beer in the evening, so hopefully the Rapids will get that deal for us earlier on Sunday for the game.
April 16, 2007
MOTM Week 1: It's Cookie!
Terry Cooke is the first Class VI Man of the Match
We'd like to congratulate Cookie for winning the very first Class VI MOTM award.
Each week (well, each game) we will have a link up on the MOTM page on this site for you to vote on. The link takes you to the CVI discussion boards.
At the end of the year, winners will become finalists for Class VI Player of the Year.
Anyhooo.... voting is now open for MOTM Week 2.
So, hop on board, get a login if you haven't done so yet, and get rolling!
Need a login for CVI boards? Go to the boards. Get a login. Then email and ask to be added to our little secret society.
April 15, 2007
Scarves are officially sold out
Thanks beyond words to everyone! 110 scarves are in the hands of supporters and we have no more to give, sell, or lose.
You are sharing our passion for the beautiful game, and we hope you'll enjoy for many years the most beautimous scarf in all of soccerland!
This afternoon's tailgate was a fantastic experience for everyone who could make it. Please consider the occasional donation if you are inspired to do so in order help keep things rolling.
And we ALL appreciate the generous food and drinks offered by our fellow Class VI supporters. The dips and meats and wings and everything else under the sun makes for a great, enjoyable, relaxed, and tasty way to spend a couple of hours with friends.
GameDay(tm) Weather
Brought to you by the same slow-witted actors who forecasted a 57 degree high just three days ago...
Yes.... just a week after being wrong by nearly 40 degrees in a very bad way, the highly-paid weather dorks are back. And this weekend they are off (in a much more positive way) by about 15 degrees!
Sheesh. We'll just have to put on extra sunscreen, take off the long pants, and show up early for the tailgate (official start time: 4pm) to discuss the fallibility of weather forecasters over an enjoyable pint of Fuller's London Pride beer, Black Box wine, and a cornucopia of Class VI member delicacies.
See you there!
April 14, 2007
Why is Don Garber smiling?
What does The Don know that you don't?
Okay, okay. Stop groveling. We'll let you in on the secret: Class VI scarves will soon sell out. We've only got 10 scrumptious scarves left, and Garber already has his.
NOTE: We do *not* mean a Professional Sports Team sellout (wink wink). We mean a "gonna cost you scalper's prices now" sell out.
What can you do? Get yours online now. Check out the Donations & Store page to reserve your scarf.
And if you saw the sad state of that poor US Postal Mail donkey that brought in the first batch of scarves from Poland, you'll realize we aren't likely to get more any time soon.
April 13, 2007
Murphy's Law saves the day!
If you recall, I predicted just 48 hours ago that by gametime Sunday, it would be 36 degrees cold or so, possibly snowing.
Instead? Things are looking up as of this Good Friday the 13th!
Here's the NOAA Commerce City forecast for the next 48 hours showing us hitting a high of 66 or perhaps a bit more.
Gametime? 60+ degrees. Bloody hell, matey! I'm going to be wearing my new Class VI scarf and not much else!
Am I tempting fate? Sure, what the heck. It's Friday the 13 and I'm feeling lucky.
Colorado Players: True Strength
I want to give a shout out to all of the Rapids players for their exceptional on-field presence before the game had even started.
I noticed it at the time, but didn't have a good way to share the love... but the good folks at Yellow Card Journalism managed to capture the moment beautifully.
It was 28 degrees and blowing, drifting snow. The poor little kids who walked out with the players must have been freezing. Even though the players need to try and stay warm before their game, they gave their warm jackets up to cover the kids.
As a father of two youngin's, I was touched by this simple, kind act by the guys.
More of the jacket-transfer photos are on page one of the pictures.
Rapids injury update
2nd game of the season, we're already talking injury reports.
As you can see, Jacob Peterson took quite the knock to the head from that two-bit useless hack, Fecundo Erpen, as we squared-up DC against the infinite sides of The Dick last weekend.
Here's the complete injury report for the league.
Jacob is listed as OUT for this game with a concussion.
I was reminded of this head-kicking incident last night when Eric Wynalda gave, well, everyone a yellow card to put the players on notice that apparently head MLS referee what's-his-face (nice guy) doesn't want to see head kicking or hitting anymore, and it'll be called hard. (except by our referees).
Apparently MLS is already under-cutting all of the pre-season work he did to try and keep players safe, and hasn't issued a single word about Stupid.
Yep. If you scroll on over to the "discipline" page you'll find NO MENTION of any action against Burpen, I mean Erpen. I guess he'll get to play this weekend.
Way to go MLS. Gonna have to start handing out my own yellow cards. Sheesh.
And now for a PG-13 rated art class. I was looking for an image of Jacob Peterson. This droll, modern piece is what popped up. Tantalizing, yet austere. Naive in it's progressive realism. Studious in showing a simplicity of thought line.
Rapidman: VIP or RIP?
Troubling rumors abound about the last known whereabouts of our favorite Blue Margarita.... Rapidman!
It appears, in fact, that there *was* some fallout from the recent Arsenal dealings.
At this point, we can now confirm that these swirling rumors are true. Well, true rumors at any rate. High-level sources close to Mr. Rapidman himself have indicated that Rapidman was last seen getting into a coffin bound for the wasteland deserts just outside of Las Vegas.
Oh, wait, that was the show Las Vegas. And it was a cute girl. Ummm, anyway. We're pretty sure he's gone. Over on Rapidman.com you'll notice his schedule has been cleared and his whereabouts are questioned...
My kids will cry themselves to sleep this evening.
Rest in peace, Rapidman, rest in peace.
* And if the rumors of his passing turn out to be greatly exaggerated? Then by all mean, Welcome Back, Rapidman!
Rapids Development System news
The very successful Boulder Rapids Reserve has now become the Colorado Rapids U-23 team (under-23).
This is just one important element in the future success of soccer in the US, as well as for the Rapids. By having full-scale, integrated development teams the Rapids can take advantage of a vertical youth player structure in the hopes of growin' good players right here in Colorado, without having to hope the college draft can provide needed expertise.
The Colorado Rapids U-23 team will play the Rapids senior team in 3 exhibition games through the summer of 2007. All games @ Boulder's beautiful, intimate Pleasantview Soccer Complex.
Sunday, May 20th, 5pm.
Wednesday, June 13th, 5pm.
Thursday, July 26th, 5pm.
Note... these games can sometimes be cancelled or changed, so check back at the U-23 website for updated details.
April 12, 2007
Looking back, moving forward
A few more memories to whet our whistles... from the Rapids home opener at The Dick, April 7, 2007, a day that will live in our hearts forever.
Or at least until the Sunday Smackdown against the Fire: 6:00pm gametime, tailgate starts at 4pm, join us!
Opening Ceremony at The Dick, April 7, 2007
Organic Baby Spinach, wine and a keg of beer...
The ladies wonder what kind of tailgate this is!?!
Class VI Grand Poobah Mark gives a warming peptalk before the kickoff
We've also thrown a few more images in all the content pages such as the introduction, Join us page and whatnot. Enjoy!
Dino & Friends
There's a new radio show in town!
It debuted last night... You probably missed it. If so, I'm sorry for you. Heck, I'm sorry for me as I only caught 15 minutes of the 2-hour show!
Why am I feeling so sorry for myself (oh, and you, of course)?
2 hour show. About the Rapids. And it was good! Cogent discussion, insightful comments, and the guest lineup was: Marcelo Balboa, FC & Hercules!
It wa a fantastic way to get to know our team better than any PR machine could, and to understand what our guys are thinking on and off the field.
The show will air Tuesday nights from 6-8pm. During the show... click the link for the radio show although I'm not sure it'll be the same each week. I'll update here if there's a new link.
Here's Dino's web page...
Oh, and speaking of getting to know the Rapids players, check out this nice little character piece in the Denver Post about our new starting goalkeeper. Truly, it *is* BOUNA TIME!
April 11, 2007
Memories.... Ahhhh!
Nothing like a few memories during this cold snap to warm us up for a beautiful Sunday Smackdown against the over-rated Chicago Fire! (Remember, if you saw Nate Jaqua playing well last weekend... he was in a Galaxy uniform!)
Class VI was well-represented in the stands
Environmentally sound, biodegradable, non-metallic balloon release before the first kick! (that's a mouthful...)
Class VI tailgating lassies
The, uhhh, Pope?!? counsels a Class VI celebrator. Errr...
There are also a few more pix added to the Class VI store, Introduction, and tailgate information pages.
Here comes the weather!
As expected, our dumb weather forecasters are already starting to change their mind.
Here we go again!?!
What started yesterday as 60 F degrees and mild has just started the "3 degree creep" as I call it, changing each morning and evening forecast to reduce the temp by 3 degrees. It's Wednesday, so by Sunday afternoon I expect we'll be at about 34 degrees.
Friday snow in Denver is predicted to be (suitably vague) at 6" to 12" of snow!
Sounds good to me! ;-)
April 09, 2007
Sorry about the late entry
We won. See the happiness.
I'd pre-written the standard entry to put up after the game, just for luck: Rapids can't win 12th home opener in a row blah...blah....
That, combined with the reality that I didn't come down off my post-tailgate&game high and I wasn't able to post until just now!
And you can see I don't have much to say.
Except... ;-)
I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to Jeff and the rest of the Class VI committee for organizing the world's greatest tailgate.
Those same thanks go to all our wonderful friends who brought fantastic, 5-star quality tailgate food, snacks, appetizers, hors d'ouvers, desserts, finger foods, main dishes, and more!
And a good attitude. Everyone had a blast hanging around enjoying the weather and discussing a little soccer game we were heading over to see.
It was beautiful. Not sure if it was a tear in my eye or just sleet, but all the hopes and dreams of spending time with good friends & good food leading up to watching a professional soccer game in an amazing atmosphere....
Brrrrr.... goosebumps!
BTW - The Rapids won, 2-1. Cookie proves he's a monster and jumps into the Assist Lead race with two fantastic crosses. Hercules & El Bombadier endear themselves to the fans in the only way that matters.
And, of course, it's BOUNA TIME!
April 07, 2007
Ohhhh... the weather outside is frightful
But the game will be soooo..... delightful!
If you've no place to go-OOOOO, let it snow, let it snow, let it snowww!!!!!
The official NOAA Commerce City weather forecast throughout the day.
Here's the current weather on the Arsenal right at ground zero!
See you soon! We'll have hot food beginning about 9:30am this morning, hot coffee, and hot chocolate! Join us in parking lot AA (East side).
Cheers,
The Class VI Tailgating Good Times Crew
April 06, 2007
Class VI scarves goin' fast
I walked outside from my morning workout at the gym to find that someone had broken into my car.
The only thing missing? My Class VI scarf. My blood was boiling at the thought of losing it! (and being overheated from exercising)
Now... this is a completely fictional tale, but it illustrates how much I love my Class VI scarf that I'm having weird trains of thought like that.
I've never owned and never wanted a scarf, but now that I have it you can pry it from my cold, dead fingers if you want to take it from me (that wasn't a suggestion, Carlos).
They're great! So soft... I got rid of my teddy bear.
And.... I want to warn people they are selling like hot chocolate with whipped cream would sell Saturday morning at the tailgate (if we could sell it). Instead we'll be giving it away. But back on message, almost 1/2 the scarves are gone in just a few days of having them available.
If you want one of the first batch, make sure you get your order in online right here or with Mark at the tailgate to ensure you don't end up feeling just a bit more nekked than the rest of us!
April 05, 2007
More pictures from dry run @ The Dick
Here's the Class VI-filled Cantina Cafeteria as we're calling it. No good vibes except those brought by us fans. Too bad. Coulda been a contender... and just one more reason our tailgates are so necessary! The Rapids management must all live in 50s nirvana where their significant other cooks meals at home every night and nobody enjoys good food and drink in a cozy setting outside the house.
Celebrity sightings were to be had. In this case, Rapids DICKtator Jeff Plush ran into our very own Class VI Grand Poobah Mark, and graciously accepted the gift of a Class VI scarf! (L to R: Rocky Mountain Cup, BilFish, Jeff Plush, Grand Poobah, Allen)
But wait, there's more! Sean Ford, the very congenial Mayor of Commerce City, congratulated us on the new stadium and accepted a Class VI scarf on behalf of soccer fans everywhere.
You can (barely) make out on the jumbo video screen, but as promised Mayor Ford gave his opening remarks to the crowd... draped in the ever-fashionable and oh-so-apropos Class VI scarf!
There was also some footie to be played, mostly by Cookie, who had a nice game, some extremely fast runs, and no targets. A bit like last year, but the field is hella nicer!
Soft Opening @ The Dick
Opening Ceremony @ The Dick
Was the soft opening a flop?
Not at all, but the Rapids did prove they can't beat themselves at The Dick.
Yep... tie game, 1-1. And I use the word game loosely. Less "got game" and more "practice game" where they stopped every 5 minutes for a pep talk by Clavijo, which was broadcast over the PA in unintelligible Spanglish.
MLSnet.com has a nice little write-up on the evening. (Oh, and thanks for showing how stupid Rapids fans must be.)
In fact, the night was fantastic, absolutely magically delicious. More than one grown man shed a few tears as they came through the gates, and it wasn't *all* because of the body cavity searches.
Class VI will tailgate in Lot AA on the East side of The Dick
We toured the AA parking lot tailgate area, which is abso-smurfly PERFECT for our needs as party-going fans. See the large bathrooms next to the Port-O-Potty? Get there early and be the first to scrawl "Fire Blanco!" in one of the stalls or show your pride on the Fake Salt Lake urinal cakes.
We walked the minute and a half over to the stadium, which slowly grows on you as you enter and then BAM! smacks you upside the noggin with all its soccer glorio-situdeness at once. The massive scoreboard (that doesn't display the score), the grass which looks absolutely artificial (yes, it was that perfect) shimmering in the lights after having been watered a few minutes earlier... Ahhh!
Your Class VI Ambassadors
(Yes, my wife does have a handbag in the Rapids new colors). The wind rolling over the plains was settled a bit inside the stadium (note the sprinklers), but it was still brisk enough to have passersby purchasing Class VI scarves just for warmth.
Psssst. I've also heard that Class VI scarves cure warts. Just passing that along.
And then came the moment where I understood that, from now on, professional soccer enjoyment in the Denver Metro region just got a kick in the pants. From the 360 concourse that goes right round the stadium so you can see the game and stroll along, to the comfortable/wide seats and a roof that really does bring da noyz, it's very, very good.
Quebec street appears essentially finished, although there were problems with traffic lights causing backups into the stadium.
Attendance was surprisingly good, and it was a bit hard to push our way through the new stadium store crowds. It was like being in Disneyland. Never seen so many grown-ups shelling out cash at the same time to wear someone else's logo on their bodies.
And while decorations in the store were limited, that's because the merchandise was ever-flowing and overflowing. Everything was there: stickers, balls, doormats, MLS jerseys from every other teams, our jerseys, rain jackets, pre-game shirts, t-shirts of multiple colors and varieties, a few kiddo shirts and jerseys, long plastic horns to beat your friends with, fuzzy fingers, and people! Boy were they everywhere. Not sure they realized it was for the Rapids, but they were buying in droves anyway.
MIA from the store? Hats & Visors. Huh. My wife was a bit flabbergasted at that. And shirts with playa names and numbers.
I'll go ahead and leave the rest for the imagination, but the experience was wonderful, the seating is fantastic, and the chicken sandwich in the Cantina Cafeteria might soon be the #1 choice of fans who aren't doggin' it at our tailgates... Unlike reports of the rest of the food. For example, the cheese that went along with our stale pretzel smelled strongly of vomit.
Speaking of which, the spread is ON! Tailgating begins early at 10am, and I talked with a lot of Class VI members bringing dishes to share. I don't want to give away all the secrets, but think Buffalo ribs and you'll get a sense of the effort going into Operation Good Times.
Mmmm.... I'm salivating for Saturday. Rain? Snow? DC United? Bring it on.
April 04, 2007
Brr-r-r-risk! It's a cool Colorado Spring!
Just wanted to share the latest weather report for tonight's Burgundy & Blue intra-squad scrimmage:
The kind of beautiful soccer weather that makes for great energy on the field and shiv-v-vers in the stands.
The kind of weather that makes me wish I had a sweet new soccer scarf to keep my sensitive neck warm.
Yeah, something like that!
I'm sure the Class VI Grand Poobah will have a few on hand tonight to show off to any interested parties.
Speaking of weather (or were you just making conversation?) Anyone see the (everchanging) forecast for Saturday? :-). Yep... 41 degrees and a mix of rain and snow.
"sniff, sniff." I smell scarf weather all week long!
Woo-hoo!!!!!!
* obligatory note: get yers now!
April 03, 2007
MLS Regular season finds meaning!?!
MLS announced a bunch of little stuff today, and much of it we have already heard. Put it all together, though, and I think it's all good for on-field presentation and play.
Here's the full article link @ MLSnet.com if yer bored.
New game presentation initiatives we like: less PA announcements/commercials during play, both teams will line up together pre-game, new MLS anthem, and consistency for the fields and better grass-cutting to show offsides.
The new SuperLiga addition with a $1 Million purse is nice. The top 4 teams in the regular season will get an invitation. Adds a touch of regular season meaning, depending on what happens to the money! If it just lines the owners' pockets, it may not mean much for on-field play.
I hate the new rule to yellow card players busily requesting cards for others... now Pablo won't even have to pretend to slide to get red-carded out of a game!
The player bonuses still need work (well, more $$$) but they're slowly getting the idea. Now bonuses will be paid every couple of weeks instead of once a year.
While the playoffs re-jiggering had to do with 13 teams instead of 12, I like the idea of winning spots in the playoffs so a stronger conference can get more teams. Extra competition that forces, again, more emphasis on the regular season, game after game after game.
Suddenly, the Regular Season just might matter a bit more, game after game after game!
- Supporter's Shield award for winner
- Champion's Cup play next year for winner or perhaps runner-up
- SuperLiga entry for top 4 teams (with $1 Million on the line)
- Improved chances of a playoff birth for top regular-season points holders
Hey, I like it!
Then they went and actually hired referees! Then they went and hired bad referees... Oh, well. Can't win 'em all.
Oh, and the Fire hired Blanco. Better them than us.
Section 108 Class VI Concessions
For those who don't get enough grub & pub at our almost-famous tailgate, you can breathe easy. Apparently there's a concession booth right in our section!
Section 108 has been labeled the "Cocktails & Bottled Beer" section and also the "Bigger Better Dog" section.
Le Menu is shown below. Helllooooo Sierra Nevada! And here's the full boat at dsgpark.com if you'd like a full rundown on concessions.
If that's not floating your boat or wetting your whistle, just down the road from us in section 105 is the BBQ area... Pulled Pork and Sausage on a stick! Yep....
And, of course, there will be the Cantina which we will all be introduced to Wednesday evening.
April 02, 2007
"3D" view from Class VI seats
Computer-generated composite view from our Class VI(P) seats!
Click image to enlarge
Don't forget to check out the page on this website entitled Where Our Seats Are! You can get an overview map as well as click the link to see the 3D view in all its scrolling glory.
For those who haven't seen this video in a while... I just took a gander and it still gives me pins and needles, and not just because U2 is on tap for the soundtrack.
Check out the great flyover animation of the new stadium.
And the Denver Post put out a nice little spread on the new stadium this weekend. It includes this illustration on the grass design....
Here's the DP article on the Rapids new look colors and players.