TSF Members:



Last night, myself and several other leaders from the Triangle Soccer Fanatics met with RailHawks President Curt John as well as several of his staff members for over 2 hours to discuss supporters club ideas and issues for the upcoming season.

It was a refreshing and constructive meeting -- the first time in my 5 years of dealing with the RailHawks front office that they came to this type of meeting with a list of ideas of their own, rather than just waiting for us to ask for them to do things for us.  I think we are definitely off on the right foot with the new management team.

One very interesting proposal that the RailHawks brought to the meeting was a proposal to move our supporters section from the current 204 section located behind the South goal, to sections 309-310, located on the East side line from about 30 yards out from goal to the end line.

The RailHawks propose to make 309-310 a designated general admission, standing, singing, shouting, drumming supporters section.  These seats are currently $15 reserved seats but the RailHawks will offer them to supporters at $10 in advance or on gameday (no matchday upcharge like last year) and season tickets would be $119 (as opposed to currently costing $199 in those sections).  Under the new proposal, no seats will be sold in this section unless someone specifically asks to sit in the supporters section to insure that those in the section "know what they are getting into", so to speak.

This is an interesting proprosal and one I think we should consider carefully.  I listed a number of the Pros and Cons we discussed with the RailHawks staff last night below.  Once you've had a chance to think this over, I would appreciate your feedback on the idea in two ways:

First, vote:  I have opened a poll at the TSF meetup site so you can register your opinion:
http://events.trisocc...

Secondly, share with us your thoughts on why you voted the way you did.  Either simply reply to this email or go to the meetup site messageboards and reply there:
http://events.trisocc...

Here are some of the Pros and Cons we discussed last night behind this proposal:

Pros:
* Better sight lines.  With the sections extending out past the top of the penalty area, we will have a different, and arguably better view of the game.
* Better noise projection.  With the supporters sitting across from the main West stand, our songs and drums will project better towards the bulk of spectators. Currently, we project towards the open North end of the field.
* Less foot traffic through our section.  In 204, spectators must pass through our section to get from the West to the East stand.  In 309-310, there should be very limited foot traffic of spectators not in the supporters section due to traffic patterns on the upper concourse above us and the path to crossover at the far extreme of the stadium.
* More TV time.  With the main cameras for streaming and live TV production positioned in the West stand, the supporters section would be more often visible on the video feeds of the games.
* Much closer proximity to the beer garden. Beer Run!
* Closer proximity to the Taco truck...plus you can watch the game while walking across the North end to access the Taco truck.
* Closer proximity to restrooms.
* No more groups or families mistakenly buying tickets in the supporters section because they were just looking for the cheap seats...those groups will be directed to the South end.
* Less random children running through our section and begging to play our drums (as family four packs are in the South end)
* Better positioned for call-and-response cheers (think RAIL-HAWKS) with the West stand
* No longer a 1 half ban on throwing streamers on our own goalkeeper's goal.
* The ability to harrass opposing players taking corner kicks is greatly increased.
* Closer to an assistant referee to harass for making bad offside calls.
* Closer to the storage space where we store our drums and banners between games.
* Seats are actually closer (lower) to the field of play than 204.
* Seats are molded plastic (no backs) rather than cold steel, of course you should only use them during halftime.
* Closer to the PA system speakers.  We might actually be able to hear in-game PA announcements!

Cons:
* Tradition.  204 has been our home a WakeMed Soccer Park since day 1. 
* Proximity to the South goal mouth.  We would no longer be directly behind the opposing keeper or our own keeper for 1 half each
* The streamer effect.  We can obviously still throw streamers from the sideline, but it isn't as humiliating to the opposing goalkeeper as throwing them directly onto his goal.
* The early evening sun sets behind the West Stand and could be in our eyes for the first 10-20 minutes of a match depending upon kickoff time. This is not an issue in 204.
* Less fence space to hang flags and banners as this is prime advertising real estate.  The RailHawks are willing to work with us on finding a place to do this as Curt is a big proponent of the international flag display.
* Closer to the PA System speakers.  We'll be subjected to more ads and music during the game than we can normally hear in 204 with the drums going.


I'm sure there are other pros and cons that others will think of.  Feel free to respond to this email or via the messageboards and don't forget to vote.

We would like to convey our support or rejection of this proposal to the RailHawks by early next week so your prompt vote is appreciated.

Jarrett Campbell
Founder, Triangle Soccer Fanatics

I vote yes.

It gives us more exposure to "regular" fans, possibly increasing our ranks.
They are better seats and are a lot closer to the parking lot.
I think our noise projection will be greater, and more likely to get other fans into it.

It was a good meeting last night. The more I talk with Curt and the new RailHawks the more enthused I become about the upcoming season.

In regards to moving to 309, Jarrett forget one con:
Balls kicked into our section will be generally less hazardous. We may become complacent, especially during pregame warmups, without the spectre of death commanding our attention to the field.

I have strong feelings on both sides of the decision. I love the Depot and the tradition we've built there but I also crave the new adventure. I've voted to stay in 204 but will be happy to resettle in 309.

In regards to moving to 309, Jarrett forget one con:
Balls kicked into our section will be generally less hazardous. We may become complacent, especially during pregame warmups, without the spectre of death commanding our attention to the field.

I'll be happy to no longer receive pre game concussions. How many times was I hit? Four?

But the Depot is a part of me. I'll be extremely sad about leaving it. I'd prefer to stay, but I'll sing and support anywhere. Chucking streamers at the opposing keepers will be missed.

Given that the RailHawks are compromising about the ticket values, I think this isn't a bad idea.

But the Depot is a part of me. I'll be extremely sad about leaving it. I'd prefer to stay, but I'll sing and support anywhere. Chucking streamers at the opposing keepers will be missed.

The Depot is a state of mind. To paraphrase a favorite Crowded House song...

"Everywhere you go, always take the Depot with you"

I say let's move ! the sight lines are terrible in 204, the peeps walking thru are distracting, when the action is on the far end of the pitch, I miss alot of it ! I think we can make a bigger difference for the club being more in the middle of the pitch ! My vuvuzela will carry father in 309/310, and finally we will be that much closer to the beer, Yea Beer !!

p.s. who knows a bagpiper I can hire for the 1st match ?

Buddy

I'm with Marc on this one. I see the benefits, but trashing the keeper for a half was one of the best parts of being at the game. I like that the team is trying to cater to the club and the sight lines would be better. I'm OK with which ever spot. I don't feel strongly in either direction.

Going with a Yes on this. The change may be great for getting new Fanatics into the club.
Plus we will still be close to the north goal for doing our magic on the opposing keeper.
We've done it before.

I already haves season tickets to section 204. But if they're willing to move those to the new sections, I don't see a problem at all.

Personally, my favorite part of this idea is that you have to specify that you want to be in the supporters section to get the tickets.

Most people who have tickets in 204 like to stand around in front. Would moving to 309-310 force them to stay in or near their seats? Seems likely, especially if ushers and cops are enforcing fire code by keeping the front walkways clear. I kind of liked having a section where you could move around.

So, my vote was I'll move if you go...