Canada v Mexico :: Nov 24 2013

As part of Canada’s national team supporters group, the Voyageurs, the Vancouver Southsiders are pleased to offer supporters section tickets for the Canadian Women’s National Team match in Vancouver on November 24 against Mexico. Kickoff is at 1 PM.

Supporters section tickets are $20 and include a small Voyageurs flag for pickup on match day. As a supporters section we will be standing, singing, chanting, waving our flags, and rooting our ladies on to victory against a CONCACAF rival. This is Canada’s first friendly on the west coast since June 2006: it’s a rare opportunity for us to see our national team and our best chance to prove we deserve to see them more often.

For tickets and information, see the Voyageurs website  to purchase online or in person from Brett Graham at Doolin’s before this Sunday’s Whitecaps FC match.

For those wanting a more refined atmosphere, non-supporters section tickets are also available through TicketMaster, starting at $18.75 plus taxes and TicketMaster fees.

Be sure to come out and cheer our women on to victory, and allez les Rouges!

 

– Ben Massey

Author of Maple Leaf Forever

Portland Away Plan

Portlandia.

Need I say anything more?

The annual (and sometimes bi-annual) trip to our Cascadian neighbour in the land of no sales tax and outstanding beer is almost upon us.  And as such, as your dutiful Director of Away Travel, I have a wee update for you.

Away Travel Policies

Please read through the general away travel policies and the Southsiders Code of Conduct.  Anyone who travels with us is subject to these policies.  This means that you and your friends and/or family members that are making the trip with you are held to the same standard.  And ultimately, you are responsible for them.  If anyone in the group fails to abide by these rules, travel privileges will be revoked, and funds allocated to future away trips forfeited.  Basically, don’t be a dick, and you’ll be fine.

Volunteers

We require a handful of volunteers to help us make the trip go smoothly.  At this point, we only need a few people who are willing to keep an eye out on the rest of the group.  Basically, watch the game, but if you see people throwing bottles or trying to do something that doesn’t quite seem right, you just need to report it to the designated board members, Whitecaps security/staff and/or Jeld Wen security.  If you are interested in helping us out, please fill out the following survey by no later than Wednesday, July 31, 2013.

Overseers: We will need approximately 5 volunteers for this role.  These people will be in charge of keeping an eye on his or her fellow supporters, and reporting any issues back to board members, Whitecaps security staff and/or Jeld Wen security staff.

Seating

We are going to be standing in section 222 of Jeld Wen Field, along with members of the Curva Collective and Rain City Brigade.  We had a few issues in Seattle with people not paying attention to where they needed to be, and as a result, we’ve had a hard time convincing the front office that it would be a good idea to do general admission again.  So, a visual for you all:

We will have people in place to ensure that you are in the appropriate location, and not taking over the Whitecaps and Uniglobe seats.

As in Seattle, GENERAL ADMISSION means that the seats listed on your tickets aren’t actually your seats, and you need to find a place in the section that suits your needs.  This means that your “seating” location will be somewhere in Section 222, between rows A-R.

If you see areas of the stands that are taped or blocked off, DO NOT MOVE OR INTERFERE WITH THESE AREAS.  We have those spaces reserved for the drums, capos and other trip volunteers who are giving up large amounts of time so that YOU can enjoy yourselves. This was an issue in Seattle, and we want to avoid it again this time around.

Furthermore, if you are a Southsider that made your own ticketing arrangements (i.e. you purchased through the front office, StubHub or the Timbers directly), and are not standing with us, DO NOT COME TO 222.  There is a finite amount of space in Portland, and we simply DO NOT have room for you to come and join us.  There will be Jeld Wen staff looking at tickets and sending you elsewhere.

Ticket Distribution

First, please login to http://members.vancouversouthsiders.ca to see how many tickets you have for the match.  This is what shows up in our system, and this is off of what we will be basing our distribution.

Ticket distribution will begin at approximately 6:00pm at Gate 5 at Jeld Wen Field.  Once you have received your ticket, you will be subject to security screening, and begin entering the stadium.  Distribution will end at 6:20pm so that the volunteers can make their way to the security line, in order to enter immediately at 6:30 pm.  If you are not there, you won’t be watching the game with us, nor will you be getting your money back.  Let me say that again:

If you aren’t there to pick up your tickets on-time, you don’t get to watch the game with us. No exceptions.

After the game, we will be held in our section for safety purposes.  Please don’t try to leave at that time – you won’t be able to get out.  We will be escorted out of the stadium via Gate 5, and from there, you will be free to celebrate accordingly.

Itineraries

Ticket-Only

5:30 pm

Volunteers arrive at the stadium

6:00 pm

Ticket distribution begins outside of Gate 5 at Jeld Wen Field.  We will have a “Will Call” set up for everyone who purchased tickets.

6:20 pm

Ticket distribution ends – if you’re late, you’re out of luck.

6:30 pm

Entry into the stadium.

8:00 pm

Kick-off

10:00 pm

3 pts

10:30 pm

Egress from the stadium

Overnight Bus Itinerary & Notes:

Bus Captains: Scott Misfeldt, Dan Olson

Time

Saturday, August 3

7:00 am

Arrive at Burrard Street Skytrain Station.  No seriously.  Get there early so you can sign your waivers, get coffee from the Hyatt, etc.

7:30 am

Bus departs from Burrard Street Skytrain Station.

8:00 am

Bus arrives at Campbell River Store in Surrey for pick-up, and head for the border.

4:00 pm (ish?)

Bus arrives in Portland.  Drop-off at Red Lion Hotel and Portland State University dorms (Ondine)

5:30 pm

Volunteers arrive at stadium

6:00 pm

Ticket distribution begins outside of Gate 5 at Jeld Wen Field.  We will have a “Will Call” set up for everyone who purchased tickets.

6:20 pm

Ticket distribution ends – if you’re late, you’re out of luck.

6:30 pm

Entry into the stadium

8:00 pm

Kick-off

10:00 pm

3 pts

10:30 pm

Egress from the stadium.  Play nicely with the Portlandia folk.  They’re very nice hosts.

 

Time

Sunday, August 4

10:00 am

Depart Portland State University dorms

10:15 am

Depart Red Lion Hotel

6:00 pm

Arrive back in Vancouver

Long-Weekend Bus Itinerary & Notes:

Bus Captain: Brett Bird, Paul Sabourin-Hertzog

Time

Saturday, August 3

7:00 am

Arrive at Burrard Street Skytrain Station.  No seriously.  Get there early so you can sign your waivers, get coffee from the Hyatt, etc.

7:30 am

Bus departs from Burrard Street Skytrain Station.

8:00 am

Bus arrives at Campbell River Store in Surrey for pick-up, and head for the border.

4:00 pm (ish?)

Bus arrives in Portland.  Drop-off at Red Lion Hotel and Portland State University dorms (Ondine)

5:30 pm

Volunteers arrive at stadium

6:00 pm

Ticket distribution begins outside of Gate 5 at Jeld Wen Field.  We will have a “Will Call” set up for everyone who purchased tickets.

6:20 pm

Ticket distribution ends – if you’re late, you’re out of luck.  Time to get to your seats.

8:00 pm

Kick-off

10:00 pm

3 pts

10:30 pm

Egress from the stadium.  Play nicely with the Portlandia folk.  They’re very nice hosts.

 

Time

Sunday, August 4

N/A

Enjoy Portland.  Help keep it weird.

There is a Bones & Brew festival taking place, as well as a Whitecaps/Timbers reserve match, followed by a Thorns/FC Kansas City match.

 

Time

Monday, August 5

10:00 am

Depart Portland State University dorms

10:15 am

Depart Red Lion Hotel

6:00 pm

Arrive back in Vancouver

Notes

1.  “Southsiders Will Call” will have lines set up for different sections of the alphabet.  Please go to the appropriate line to expedite the process.

2. After picking up tickets, please queue for entry.  You will start heading into the stadium around 6:30 pm.

3. Enter the stadium, grab a snack and a beverage and settle in.  We’ll be going through some of the unfamiliar chants pre-game so that we can be at our best come kick-off.

4.  You will be held after the match.  This means that you won’t be able to use the washrooms at the end of the game.  Please plan accordingly.

 

The New Supporters’ Shield Tour Makes a Stop in Vancouver This Weekend

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Vancouver, B.C. – Over the past few years, the Independent Supporters Council of the United States and Canada (ISC), has brought together the leadership teams from various supporters groups from around the MLS to achieve a common goal. Today, we would like to recognize the long and rewarding efforts of this group in introducing the new Supporters’ Shield to the city of Vancouver.

 

The original Supporters’ Shield was created in 1999 by supporters who wanted to see the regular season champion rewarded for their efforts. The supporters fundraised, organized and designed a modest trophy that has been awarded every year since then. When the ISC was formed in 2009, it was decided that the Shield, which holds a unique place in the history of this league and the game, would be upgraded to something that is grander and more appropriate to be given to the champion of a major North American sports league.

 

In an effort to share the Shield with MLS fans around the continent, it is being delivered to each supporters group who funded the design, development and production of the new prize. On Saturday, July 7, the Vancouver Southsiders supporters group took control of the Shield from Gorilla FC of Seattle. On Sunday, July 14th, the Southsiders will be showcasing the Shield in two pre-match events:

Doolin’s Irish Pub 12-2PM

Supporters can see, touch and get their photo taken with the Shield.  Professional photos will be taken with the shield with purchase of a “I Support the Shield” Scarf.  Hi-Res Images will be touched up and posted after the event and low-res previews will be live tweeted on site.

‘Caps Kickoff 2:30-4PM

Fans can see and take their own photos with the Shield at the Terry Fox Plaza.
This will be it’s only stop in Vancouver until the Whitecaps FC win the regular season championship in October 😉
ON_Tour_Graphic
Date City Stadium Match
March 3 Santa Clara, CA Buck Shaw Stadium San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake
March 9 Commerce City, CO DSG Park Colorado Rapids v Philadelphia Union
March 30 Sandy, UT Rio Tinto Stadium Real Salt Lake v Seattle Sounders
April 27 Carson, CA Home Depot Center Chivas USA v San Jose Earthquakes
May 5 Carson, CA Home Depot Center LA Galaxy v Houston Dynamo
May 18 Chester, PA PPL Park Philadelphia Union v Chicago Fire
June 8 Bridgeview, IL Toyota Park Chicago Fire v Portland Timbers
June 22 Columbus, OH Columbus Crew Stadium Columbus Crew v Chicago Fire
June 29 Washington, DC RFK Stadium DC United v Vancouver
July 3 Seattle, WA CenturyLink Field Seattle Sounders v DC United
July 14 Vancouver, BC BC Place Vancouver Whitecaps v Chicago Fire
July 31 Kansas City, KS Sporting Park MLS All Star Game
August 3 Kansas City, KS Sporting Park Sporting Kansas City v New York
August 17 Portland, OR Jeld-Wen Field Portland Timbers v FC Dallas
August 24 Frisco, TX FC Dallas Stadium FC Dallas v San Jose
September 8 Houston, TX BBVA Compass Stadium Houston Dynamo v New York Red Bulls
Sep. 21 Toronto, ON BMO Field Toronto FC v Sporting Kansas City
October 5 Harrison, NJ Red Bull Arena New York Red Bulls v NE Revolution
October 12 Montreal, QC Saputo Stadium Monreal Impact v NE Revolution
October 19 Foxboro, MA Gillette Stadium NE Revolution v Columbus Crew

Vote For Bobby in the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community MVP Competition

Vote For Bobby in the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community MVP Competition

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Southsiders, we need your help voting and spreading the word about Bobby Samra’s quest to win MLS Community MVP. Bobby is the Whitecaps nominee in this league-wide contest, and as we come down to the final days, it is a horse race between him and the Montreal Impact representative. Bobby is a long-time Whitecaps fan, and has done some great things to help make kids’ lives better through soccer.

MLS WORKS is Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues, and serves as a platform for both league and club philanthropic programs. MLS WORKS seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport.

Bobby was chosen as the Whitecaps representative for his 25 years of coaching soccer and improving lives through the sport he loves. Here is an excerpt from his nomination:

“Bobby has tackled the issue of acceptance head on with soccer. When he coached at the high school, where he is also a vice principal, there was no female soccer program. Bobby allowed young women to try out for the men’s team and developed a strong team culture that ensured his female athletes were treated with respect as soccer players. Most recently, Samra was approached by his community soccer club to create a program for local youth, who do not have the opportunity to play soccer. Bobby did not hesitate to organize and chair a partnership between the Central City Soccer Club and the Surrey School District that has and will offer hundreds of young people the opportunity to learn the sport he loves.“

If Bobby wins the contest, he will be given $10,000 to donate to —the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. A few years ago, Bobby’s son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. After all the support the JDRF gave him and his family, he has worked hard to help them in any way he can.

So, now we need you to Help us, Help Bobby, Help the kids!

Go to http://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsworks/community-mvp/vote and select Bobby Samra. You can vote an UNLIMITED number of times.

Cascadia Supporters Groups and Major League Soccer Reach Agreement in Principle on Cascadia Cup Trademark Issue

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For Immediate Release

July 5, 2013

Cascadia Supporters Groups and Major League Soccer Reach Agreement in Principle on Cascadia Cup Trademark Issue

 

Portland, OR, Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, WA — Ahead of this weekends Cascadia Cup match between the Sounders and the Whitecaps, the supporters groups in Seattle, Portland and Vancouver and Major League Soccer are pleased to announce we have reached an agreement in principle regarding the Cascadia Cup Trademark Issue. The agreement in principle was the result of a transparent and productive dialogue between the league and the Cascadia Cup Council (CCC) representatives.

While final ratification of the agreement is pending legal approval, both parties have agreed to a general framework that includes important provisions regarding trademark and sponsorship. The Cascadia Cup Council will own the name, logo and likeness of the trophy and no party may sell trade nor barter any sponsorship to the Cascadia Cup without the unanimous approval of all parties (i.e., CCC, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS).

More details regarding the agreement will be released upon legal ratification.

The Cascadia Cup Council is pleased with the agreement in principle with Major League Soccer and is encouraged by the fact that Major League Soccer recognizes the importance of the supporter-owned Cascadia Cup for the growth of soccer in the Cascadia Region. The CCC believes this agreement in principle ensures that the Cascadia Cup will remain a supporter-created and supporter-owned cup.

——-

 

About the Cascadia Cup Council: The Cascadia Cup Council is a recognized non-profit entrusted with the management of the Cascadia Cup. The Council is made up of one representative from each of the three founding Cascadia Cup supporters groups. The current representatives are Jeremy Wright – Timbers Army, Greg Mockos – Emerald City Supporters, and Brett Graham – Vancouver Southsiders.

Bus To The July 6th Match With Big Ridge Brewing Co.

Southsiders! Our partner, Big Ridge Brewing co, has a special offer for our members. They are organizing a bus to take Southsiders from their location in Surrey into Vancouver for the Seattle home match on July 6th. Below is a message from Gino Herring, the general manager at Big Ridge, with the details.

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I have been very pleased with our collaboration this year and thanks to all of you who have been coming out and supporting the Vancouver Whitecaps in our Pub. We have had a great time cheering together and I am proud to have the pleasure of our association. I should also mention that one of your own, Rob Wheeler has been an integral part of this and very much my partner from the beginning of this journey. His enthusiasm and passion is the example of what your membership represents.

Some of you may be aware that we had planned bus trips that would transport you from our establishment to Doolin’s Irish Pub, another official partner of the Vancouver Southsiders, in time for the March to the Match at BC Place. You would then loudly participate in the match in all its glory and then be taken back to home base at Big Ridge where the festivities can continue. Or if you prefer, you can remain downtown to celebrate there. However if you choose to do so, you will be responsible for finding your own way home at that point. I unfortunately had to cancel our first booking due to a lack of interest at the time but we need to re-double our efforts.

This adventure is a win-win for all. Free parking at Big Ridge, a song filled bus ride to and from the game & a 20 oz pint of our craft beer all included in the $20 bus ticket. However each guest would be responsible for their own game ticket. You might well have to spend at least that on parking downtown not to mention worrying about having to drive. If the evening has gone really well and you are unable to drive home from Big Ridge, our complimentary shuttle service will ensure you arrive home safely. On game days we offer all our artisan pizzas for $8 and our 20 oz pints of craft beer for $4. Sounds like a plan to me.

I would very much like to book a Charter bus for the July 6th match vs Seattle Sounders, one of the Whitecaps Cascadia rivals, and possibly August 24th against the LA Galaxy pretty boys. But we need to know that enough people will be on board.

If you are interested in one or both of these trips, please email BRSSBustrip@gmail.com and advise which trip and how many people are coming. So come one, come all, and let’s make this happen!

Thank you all,
Gino Herring
General Manager
Big Ridge Brewing co.
5580 152nd Street,
Surrey, BC V3S 5J9
604-574-2739

If you are interested, please contact our friends at Big Ridge Brewing!

The Supporter Shield Tour to Arrive in Vancouver in July

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The New Supporter Shield

The process of creating a new Supporters’ Shield has been a long and rewarding endeavor. Over the past few years, through the Independent Supporters Council of the United States and Canada (ISC), we have brought supporters group leadership from across the league together to achieve a common goal. The Shield has been a shining example of the positive collaboration that can be achieved even between the largest of rivals. We believe that this award holds a unique place in the history of this league and the game in this country.

The Supporters Shield is awarded to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record.  The original trophy was created in 1999 by supporters of the league.  Up until that point MLS had simply celebrated the winner of MLS Cup.  But the supporters, who were the ones who followed their club all season, not just through the playoffs, wanted a trophy to celebrate the achievements of the regular season winner. So in 1999 supporters created a modest trophy that has been awarded every season since. Now this season the ISC, which the Southsiders are proud members of, have fundraised and created a trophy that is absolutely stunning.

 

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New Shield 1999 Shield
A full history of the shield written by Sporting KC supporter Sam Pierron can be found HERE.

The Tour

Part of the fun of the new shield is that this season it will navigate the entire league making a stop in every MLS city before it is awarded to the regular season champions.  The trophy itself is actually being transported from one supporters group to the next by travelling fans. With each group handing it off to the next.  Our stop will be in July.

The Supporters Shield will be in Vancouver on July 14,

when the Vancouver Whitecaps take on the  Chicago Fire

The new Supporters Shield will be on display on that day.  Supporters from Vancouver will be able to see it, touch it and get their photograph taken with it  with the purchase of a scarf.

Additional dates and events might be added. Details to be confirmed. 

The Scarf

As a fundraiser the ISC and it’s groups have produced a beautiful scarf.  Not only will you look sharp wearing it, but with it’s purchase you will be directly paying for the new shield. So when you wear it and display the words “I Support The Shield”, everyone will know that you helped directly fund the new Supporters Shield.

Scarfs will be available for purchase for only $20 both online and at our events in July.

More details will be released soon regarding details and how to reserve. 

 

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Cascadia Cup Away Match Information – Seattle Sounders, June 8th, 2013

Cascadia Away

Greetings fellow Southsiders,

After being unfairly handed a draw (get it? Handed?) in our first Cascadia match of the 2013 season, we now look forward to the battle in Seattle on June 8.  This release has a lot of information pertaining to the game, so please read through it carefully. You can check your purchased options for the trip on our membership site.

 Away Travel Policies

Please read through the general away travel policies and the Southsiders Code of Conduct.  Anyone who travels with us is subject to these policies.  This means that you and your friends and/or family members that are making the trip with you are held to the same standard.  And ultimately, you are responsible for them.  If anyone in the group fails to abide by these rules, travel privileges will be revoked, and funds allocated to future away trips forfeited.  Basically, don’t be a dick, and you’ll be fine.

 General Information

We are standing in section 300 along with members of the Curva Collective and Rain City Brigade.  This section is a GENERAL ADMISSION section.  This means that the seats listed on your tickets aren’t actually your seats, and you need to find a place in the section that suits your needs.  There will be some areas blocked off for drums, capos and other volunteers who are giving up their time to help make this trip a success – please do not interfere with these areas.

Ticket distribution for both bus passengers and members travelling down on their own will begin at 5:30 pm at the North East gate of Century Link Field.  Once you have received your ticket, you will be subject to security screening, and begin entering the stadium.  Distribution will end at 5:50 pm so that the volunteers can make their way to their seats before 6:00 pm, to comply with MLS requirements.  If you aren’t there, you won’t be watching the game with us, nor will you be getting your money back.  Let me say that again:

If you aren’t there to pick up your tickets on-time, you don’t get to watch the game with us. No exceptions.

After the game, we will be held in our section for safety purposes.  Please don’t try to leave at that time – you won’t be able to get out.  We will be escorted out of the stadium via the NE gate, and from there, you will be free to celebrate our first Cascadia win.

 Volunteers

We require a handful of volunteers to help us make the trip go smoothly.  If you are interested in one of the positions below, please email travel@vancouversouthsiders.ca before Wednesday, June 5, 2013.

Ticket distributors: We will need approximately 5 volunteers for this role.  These people will be required to arrive to the field at 5:15 pm to help set-up, and then hand out tickets.

Overseers: We will need approximately 5 volunteers for this role.  These people will be in charge of keeping an eye on his or her fellow supporters, and reporting any issues back to board members, Whitecaps security staff and/or Century Link security staff.  Please note that these people need to be individuals who will remain relatively sober for the match.

 Ticket-Only Itinerary & Notes

5:30 pm

Ticket distribution begins at the North East gate of Century Link Field.  We will have a “Will Call” set up for everyone who purchased tickets.

5:50 pm

Ticket distribution ends – if you’re late, you’re out of luck.  Time to get to your seats.

7:30 pm

Kick-off

9:30 pm

3 pts

9:45 pm

Egress from the stadium

  1.  “Southsiders Will Call” will have lines set up for different sections of the alphabet.  Please go to the appropriate line to expedite the process.
  2. After picking up tickets, please queue for entry.  Security will likely start screening at that time.
  3. Please head to the 300-level immediately upon entry, as the sooner we fill the section, the better.  There are washrooms, concessions and alcohol available on the 300-level.
  4. You will be held after the match.  This means that you won’t be able to use the washrooms at the end of the game.  Please plan accordingly.

Same-Day Bus Itinerary & Notes

Bus Captains: Dan Olson, Wendy Turnbull

11:00 am

Arrive at Burrard Street Skytrain Station.  No seriously.  Get there early so you can sign your waivers, get coffee from the Hyatt, etc.

11:30 am

Bus departs from Burrard Street Skytrain Station.

12:15 pm

Bus arrives at Campbell River Store in Surrey for pick-up, and head for the border.

5:30 pm

Bus arrives in Seattle in the North Lot.

5:35 pm

Ticket distribution begins on the bus.  Once you have your ticket, make your way to the queue for security screening and stadium ingress

7:30 pm

Kick-off

9:30 pm

3 pts

9:45 pm ish

Egress from the stadium, return to buses being held in the North Lot.

10:00 pm

Bus departs – NO EXCEPTIONS

1:30 am

Home

  1. After picking up tickets, please queue for entry.  Security will likely start screening at that time.
  2. Please head to the 300-level immediately upon entry, as the sooner we fill the section, the better.  There are washrooms, concessions and alcohol available on the 300-level.
  3. You will be held after the match.  This means that you won’t be able to use the washrooms at the end of the game.  Please plan accordingly.

Overnight Bus Itinerary & Notes

Bus Captain: Peter Czimmermann

Saturday

11:00 am

Arrive at Burrard Street Skytrain Station.  No seriously.  Get there early so you can sign your waivers, get coffee from the Hyatt, etc.

11:30 am

Bus departs from Burrard Street Skytrain Station.

12:15 pm

Bus arrives at Campbell River Store in Surrey for pick-up, and head for the border.

5:30 pm

Bus arrives in Seattle in the North Lot.  Please leave your personal belongings that are not needed for the match in the bus – you will pick them up post-match.

5:35 pm

Ticket distribution begins on the bus.  Once you have your ticket, make your way to the queue for security screening and stadium ingress

7:30 pm

Kick-off

9:30 pm

3 pts

9:45 pm ish

Egress from the stadium, return to buses being held in the North Lot to pick up personal belongings

10:00 pm

Bus departs – if you don’t get your things, you’re out of luck until Sunday!

 

Sunday

3:30 pm

Arrive at North Lot of Century Link Field for pick-up.

4:00 pm

Bus departs – NO EXCEPTIONS

8:00 pm

Home

  1. After picking up tickets, please queue for entry.  Security will likely start screening at that time.
  2. Please head to the 300-level immediately upon entry, as the sooner we fill the section, the better.  There are washrooms, concessions and alcohol available on the 300-level.
  3. You will be held after the match.  This means that you won’t be able to use the washrooms at the end of the game.  Please plan accordingly.

Let’s all have a great trip down the I-5 Seattle! See you in the stadium.

Rebecca Contant
Director of Away Travel

International Day Against Homophobia

 

rainbow_Southsiders_bannerThe International Day Against Homophobia, held on May 17 every year, is a rallying event offering an opportunity for people to get together and reach out to one another.

This weekend in recognition of the The International Day Against Homophobia the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) and it’s members will be displaying messages and creating displays in support.  This is done  in collaboration with Major League Soccers broader “Don’t Cross the Line”  Campaign.

The Southsiders, a founding member of the ISC, have created a large banner, displayed across the front of our section, to show our support .  As a group we stand against violence and bigotry in all forms.  We believe that homophobia has no place in the game or in modern society.

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Tifo: What Is It, How Does It Happen, & Can I Get Involved?

The topic of the day hits where I live. As the Director of Stadium Ops I am directly responsible for our group’s efforts in showing the team that we care and that we support them, while inside the stadium. From coordinated chanting, to permanent visual displays, to one off events: if it happens in the stadium I have some hand in making sure it goes down. We’ve had a few hiccups this year and it’s been suggested that a little education will help future efforts, so here we go!

What is tifo?

In the broadest sense tifo is a visual display showing our support for our team. Our railing banners, flags, and 2-sticks are all forms of tifo. I would even consider those moments on game day when the entire crowd is standing with their scarves up as a type of tifo. However, when someone speaks about tifo they are usually referring to a larger piece, like a large overhead banner, or a coordinated effort such as a card stunt, massed flags, or even a 3D display. I encourage everyone to search YouTube for tifo from around the world, and see what goes on elsewhere to get inspired. Some of my favourites are from the J and K Leagues as well as Borussia Dortmund.

I have hopes that with interest, practice, and time, we will get to the point where videos of our tifo are spread around the world, but we aren’t there yet. For now let’s start with some basics:

  • Overheads go up or down the section. Unless specifically told otherwise, they don’t go left or right, and they don’t “do a lap” of the stadium. We spend hours and piles of cash making these things, we don’t want to lose them, or go find them in a puddle of beer in some weird corner of BC place.
  • There are 3 basic commands that you should listen for: PULL, HOLD & RELEASE. We need to PULL it into position, HOLD it so that it can be properly displayed, then RELEASE so we can get it out of the way and watch the game.
  • It’s not an elementary school parachute game. Please do not slap or ripple the overheads when they are in place. The visual impact of the design will not be improved by rippling waves and chaotic bouncing underneath. In fact, most of the time the design will be ruined. If you are under an overhead, relax and stand still. It might be a minute or three, but I promise your view will not be impeded for longer than that.
  • No we won’t tell you days/weeks in advance what we have planned. Part of the excitement that surrounds these types of displays is the element of surprise. We don’t do them for every match, or every opponent, but when we do we want to spring it on them. We want it to be a bit of extra encouragement for our guys, and discouragement for theirs. Putting it out ahead of time on social media takes away from that potential impact and reduces the excitement for what should be a special event.

Which brings us to: How can you get involved?

  • The number one thing: Get to your seat early. By early, I mean 15-30 minutes before kickoff. Talk to the people around you to see if they know what’s happening. If you see someone buzzing around the section talking to many people they might be giving instructions. Wave them over or go ask them what’s going on.
  • Pick up a communal flag or 2-stick on the march from Doolin’s or inside the stadium. Unless told otherwise display it: when our team is coming out of the tunnel, after the anthems, during Boundary Road, as the players leave the field at the half, when they return, until the last player has left the field at the end of the game, and also anytime we score. Basically, anytime we can show our guys respect and encouragement without blocking views during the run of play the flags and two-sticks should be in the air.
  • Bring your own flag, 2-stick or banner, and see above.
  • If you get to the stadium and something is on your seat, read the attached instructions. If they are unclear or you are unsure about the instructions, ask around. The earlier you are in your seat the better this will work.
  • Did I mention coming early and getting to your seat? Another side benefit to this simple task: we can start warming up our voices earlier and start establishing our presence in our home fortress. Standing in place and chanting during warm-ups sends the message that we are here, we are invested in the game, and we won’t let the players down.
  • If you didn’t bring an item to the pub or stadium, please don’t take it home. At the end of the match pass it to the front of section 251. We will collect the communal items so that we can redistribute them or re-purpose them later. They aren’t souvenirs and they do cost us money and time. Please consider taking them an act of theft and vandalism. If you REALLY REALLY like a piece, come talk to me, or send me an email.
  • If this all seems so fantastic and you want to get your hands dirty and do work: send me an email. We need people with all skill levels to help us formulate ideas and make them work. Even if you don’t have a clue how you can help nor have a concept to contribute, please reach out to get involved. You’ll probably end up surprising yourself and we will teach you new skills. At the very least: anyone can help inform the crowd of game day activities, help hand out and collect pieces, or fold fabric.

Thanks,
Brett Bird
Director Of Stadium Ops
ops@vancouversouthsiders.ca