Class VI

Letters from our Members

Making a differnce

by Dave Nuechterlein

I really enjoy being part of Class VI. This is the first season that my family has had season tickets. That adds a positive dimension to the viewing experience as well, but I will try to differentiate the two.

Before this season, we went to several matches a year. My family members are pretty big soccer fans. I have coached youth soccer for over 10 years; we wake up at 5:30AM to watch EPL games; we have traveled to England to watch a ManU match. When we went to Old Trafford, we ended up seeing a pretty so-so match, a 0-0 draw with Blackburn. It was still way more exciting than most Rapids games. I remarked that it was interesting that the crowd made it that much more fun. Everyone was excited as soon as someone made a good touch that MIGHT turn into something.

At a Rapids game, many fans don't know something good MIGHT happen until the ball is in the back of the net. So when we heard about Class VI, it was a no brainer. Sitting with people who want to watch the game, and that have interesting things to say makes a huge difference. The excitement level for me is 10 times what it is in the general seating. Class VI is a big part of that.

Enjoying New Friends and Good Atmosphere.

by Joe Higgins

Though I am a long time Rapids fan, this is my first year as a season ticket holder. I've followed soccer since the 1982 World Cup and the Rapids since 1996. Mary and I decided that buying two half-season seats would be fun and make social and financial planning easier. We heard about Class VI through the grapevine. Since we both stand all day at work, and frankly, I am not a spring chicken anymore, the idea of having atmosphere and camaraderie with the relaxation of a regular seat made it attractive.

Since then of course, everything has worked out great except the "financial planning." Mary I enjoy the new friends we've made, and enjoy the atmosphere so well, that we just wind up buying single game seats in addition to our package games. The DC United game (reluctantly) is the only one I can recall missing. Class VI-ers are friendly and boisterous and opinionated; not drunk and obscene. They are always into the game and thinking of new ways to up the spirit, and they add a lot to the experience, which truthfully, has a way to go before it can match what we see on TV for Premier League games.

If I had a dollar for every lame excuse my non soccer friends give for not coming to games with me in the past 11 years! Class VI is making a difference in that area. The newbies get a great view, they meet fun people, and they begin to understand why every Pablo Mastroeni slide tackle is a thing of beauty (or not?). I have a sneaking feeling that some of them will also wind up in CVI.

Class VI - Rain or Shine.

by Josh Oqueli

My fiancé and I are first year Rapids season ticket holder and members of Class VI. Throughout the busy work weeks, and in my case more often than not working weekends, there is one event that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Rapids games and sitting in Class VI.

I believe this is because of the camaraderie found in Class VI. Just one visit to a game in this section, win or lose by the Rapids, and Class VI members remain enthusiastic and passionate. Where else in the stadium can one go to a game, sit in his seat, and become engulfed by 30, 40, 50 or even 60 familiar faces!

Where else can I walk up to my seat and get greeted by friends on a first name basis. Class VI provides this type of atmosphere, so much so, that new thriving friendships have begun to spawn from this movement. I enjoy going to the pub for an away game at the British Bulldog and finding Class VI members there ready and friendly!

Class VI has formed a co-ed soccer team, we have collaborated on road trips to support the team at away games in defense of the Rocky Mountain Cup, we have even gathered at friends' houses to watch World Cup games! All this because of friends and networks found in and through Class VI.

In the past I've enjoyed Rapids games, once in a while, when I had the time and the money. But with the formation and our joining of Class VI, that is a thing of the past, now we go to every game, rain or shine, to sit in a great environment and enjoy a good Rapids game!