Wait ‘Til We Get to the Hills

Well its been a while since I have voiced in an opinion through here, but with school in full swing, time is tight.  But with many announcements by the Quakes in the last few days, I felt a need to definately blog about these changes through my “just a fan” lense and my “supporter” lense.

Just a fan

A friend of mine summed it up best in THIS way.  Us San Jose fans have been worrying for a long time about our stadium being small, bare bones, “souped up Buck Shaw”, among other things.  But this design is just beautiful.  The intimacy, the huge double-sided HD screen, the location, the roof…need I go on?  Would I like a fourth stand?  Of course, but that will come in time with demand for watching this team hopefully growing in the future.  I would be proud to call this the home of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Supporter

Where are the Supporter’s Groups, like us,  going to stand?  There are 3 rows of “premium seats” in front of the rest of the sections that is sectioned off around all 3 sides.  Are the people, likely corporate or family types, who are paying $100+ a pop going to enjoy having a rowdy group of supporter’s throwing streamers, chanting (with swearing at times), flag waving, and screaming?  very likely not.  This could become a problem.  I say make those seats on around the stadium except for BEHIND the goal, where the SGs should be.

Just a fan

Thank you!!! With the economy still not back on it’s feet, most people cannot continue to afford to pay the same rates for tickets as 2009.  The reduction (said to be 40% in some sections) makes it easier for not only me to go to games, but family and friends.

Supporter

Thank you!!! With the economy still not back on it’s feet, it is hard for some members and participating non-members to make it out to all the games.  The reduced ticket prices allow the Ultras to definately have a heavier wallet after purchasing their season tickets, but to also get those family and friends who love the games to get their season tickets as well.  The lowered price can only mean good things for this group in the future.  It also shows the importance the group is to the Earthquakes with the Quakes giving their most faithful fans a discount like no other section.

Starting next season, season ticket holders will be able to tailgate at Lot 4 by the Earthquakes’ offices.  FINALLY!  Some of my best memories of the Quakes was the pre-game tailgate parties.  Every one was a blast and every one united the fans and got them ready for the game.  This brings back a staple in gameday atmosphere that has long been missed the last two years.

All of these changes show that the team and organization are moving forward.  And there are apparently more changes (for the good, I hope) coming between now and the beginning of next season.  This helps cope with hurting over this past dismal season, and makes all us fans look forward to next season and FAR FAR beyond that.

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I would also like to take this time to say THANK YOU to the legend that is Darren Huckerby.  Although he has only played 28 games with San Jose, his exciting style of play and his love for the game CHANGED how this team played last season.  It made for some good looking soccer and brought hope into last season.  It is sad to see him go in this manner, but all good things come to an end.  Good luck in the rest of your life Hucks, especially with achieving your coaching badges.  You are always welcome in San Jose and inside the Ultras section.

This blog post is the opinion of the writer and NOT that of the 1906 Ultras group as a whole.

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 20th, 2009 at 6:08 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.