When it comes to soccer or fútbol, I’m like the guy in the 1993 Pace Picante Sauce commercial. You know, where they say the knock-off salsa is made in New York City, and he says New York City!
When Jeff Hart asked me if I wanted to go to the MLS Cup Saturday, I said "Soccer!"
I’ve got to be honest with you … I’m one of the sports guys around here and my knowledge of soccer is about the size of a Nerd - the candy.
Seriously, the only thing I truly know about soccer is when the ball goes between the two iron bars, it’s a goal or gooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaalllllllllllll!
So, where do I find myself Saturday night, at the MLS Cup sitting in the press box?
Why? Because I’m a sports guy. I’ll watch just about any sport - even baseball – that’s a jab at my wife, by the way. She thinks I truly hate baseball. I don’t. I just don’t like watching all 9 innings - call me a box score kind of guy.
Anyway, back to my trip to the MLS Cup.
After walking through the rain, with no rain jacket or umbrella, we make it to the credential pick up. We then get in line to have our bags checked. This took 20 minutes, in the rain. Finally, Jeff Hart and I get into the stadium, hit the elevator to the press box and settle in for a few minutes. We grab dinner in the box, which was excellent, then made our way around the stadium before the game. We walked through the massive crowd, took some video and just soaked it all in. Wow! What... A... Fan... Base! You don't know how massive it is until you immerse yourself in it. I truly have a newfound respect for the game of soccer.
Of course, Atlanta United knocking off Portland for the franchise's first MLS Cup made the day even better. We truly witnessed a day in Atlanta Sports history. So ... this brings me to my next point - what really amused me at the Benz Saturday night.
Soccer fans are crazy - in a good way.
When I say crazy, I mean it in a good way. Actually, let's just call it loyal. These fans have packed the Benz, something the Falcons can't do. Hahaha ... sorry, I shouldn't laugh, but I do and have a right to do - I have season tickets to the Falcons. Does anybody want to buy them? OK, I digress. Really, though, these fans are passionate, maybe a tiny bit more than college football fans. They argue calls more than a high school basketball fan. They wave massive flags the entire game. Every fan is standing for 90-plus minutes. It's insane.
If Hollywood is looking for the next big movie star, come to a soccer game.
OK, before you send me scathing emails about how I don't care about soccer players, hold the phone for just a moment. I promise I will explain. Soccer players have this way of acting as if the injury is much larger than it probably is. Like, oh, say, rolling around on the field like a limb just fell off. I understand or, at least I think I do, the players are working the officials for a card. Still, it's funny to watch.
Why do they wet a soccer field - even at the Benz?
In my great wisdom of soccer, I, of course, called up Google - Alexa wasn't available at the stadium. According to Google, "the purpose is to create a slicker pitch so that the ball moves faster. Huh ... very interesting. So, you mean the fake turf doesn't need water to live?
What's up with the massive flags in the stands?
Well, I had to hit Google up again. The flags are called supporter section flags. I counted 16 flags in the East end zone at the Benz. Some of these flags are massive, some are smaller and wave the entire game. If all you want to do is have a party, then the east end zone is the place. But, if you want to watch the game, I suggest you sit in the next section.
So, my day is complete at the MLS Cup... By the way, it was my first soccer game - ever. I think the next soccer game I attend will be in the stands, among those crazy, loyal, loving, standing-the-entire game fans. I had the chance to feel the vibe of the Benz before I ascended to my seat in the air-tight pressbox of the Benz. I'll rank this experience near the top in my career. Oh, wow, I think I just hit the pinnacle. I think I deserve a raise.
And, as always, you can reach me at [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2018/12/742922/bos-musings-my-trip-to-the-mls-cup