Calvin
05-10-2009, 11:23 PM
I had a wonderful time this weekend in DC, the fact that it was one of the most exciting games I've see period, only added to that.
I will break my most memorable experiences into bite sized stories:
1) RFK Stadium is filled with Toronto Dominion or TD ATMs. With lineups of DC United fans at the ATMs around the stadium I could not resist asking some questions. I first approached a fully decked out fan (scarf, latest jersey etc..), and asked "Do you know what the T in TD stands for?", he said he didn't, I told him it stood for the same thing as the T in Toronto FC. By the end of my night I enlightened a number of DC fans, regardless of if they were ecstatic to hear the brutal truth. I suppose they would be happy to hear that TD is the rival of our sponsor BMO.
2) Unlike most of our fans, I sat amongst the DC fans, I was actually at the game with my brother and nephew, who live nearby. I spent the first goal in the Stratosphere with the main group of TFC fans. Back in my seat, on our second goal, I stood proudly celebrating with scarf in hand . When DC scored after that, a dude, about my age, came racing down the stairs to my seat, so he could flash his DC jersey in my face and scream in joy. As he walked back to his seat I thought to my self "what a douche bag". Luckily two minutes later we scored. I, without hesitation, charged up the stairs pointing at my new nemesis found him and gave him a heavy dose of his own medicine. He took it well, laughing and we pounded on it. Next, they got the penalty shot. Of course my friend came down the stairs and plopped down right beside me, as he put his arm around my shoulder he said "im watching this with you buddy". Of course they scored and he was cool about it. He wanted a picture together and I got one with him. All in all my experience with DC fans was one of respect.
3) On my way from RFK to the subway (the DC subway is basically in hell as far as depth is concerned, but this has to be one of the most beautiful cities ive ever seen), I had two more positive experiences with DC fans. TFC supporters brought a banner supporting the club staying at its historic, long standing and community tied home in RFK stadium. Some DC supporter, again about my age, came up to me and said "I don't know if you were a part of that banner, but I want you to know that we really appreciated that, It meant a lot to us". I had nothing to do with it, so if you did, pat yourself on the back and if you know who was responsible forward this message. He also added that there are some negative social implications with the new stadium, as low income housing units are going to be destroyed. We talked about the game, he mentioned that we had some beautiful goals, and was overall a class act. A few minutes later a group of Screaming Eagles respectfully said thanks for coming to the game.
My respect for the league, its fans and my team has grown tremendously. I recommend you all go on the road at least once, if you haven't already, whether its with just some friends or the RPBs.
Thanks, Calvin
I will break my most memorable experiences into bite sized stories:
1) RFK Stadium is filled with Toronto Dominion or TD ATMs. With lineups of DC United fans at the ATMs around the stadium I could not resist asking some questions. I first approached a fully decked out fan (scarf, latest jersey etc..), and asked "Do you know what the T in TD stands for?", he said he didn't, I told him it stood for the same thing as the T in Toronto FC. By the end of my night I enlightened a number of DC fans, regardless of if they were ecstatic to hear the brutal truth. I suppose they would be happy to hear that TD is the rival of our sponsor BMO.
2) Unlike most of our fans, I sat amongst the DC fans, I was actually at the game with my brother and nephew, who live nearby. I spent the first goal in the Stratosphere with the main group of TFC fans. Back in my seat, on our second goal, I stood proudly celebrating with scarf in hand . When DC scored after that, a dude, about my age, came racing down the stairs to my seat, so he could flash his DC jersey in my face and scream in joy. As he walked back to his seat I thought to my self "what a douche bag". Luckily two minutes later we scored. I, without hesitation, charged up the stairs pointing at my new nemesis found him and gave him a heavy dose of his own medicine. He took it well, laughing and we pounded on it. Next, they got the penalty shot. Of course my friend came down the stairs and plopped down right beside me, as he put his arm around my shoulder he said "im watching this with you buddy". Of course they scored and he was cool about it. He wanted a picture together and I got one with him. All in all my experience with DC fans was one of respect.
3) On my way from RFK to the subway (the DC subway is basically in hell as far as depth is concerned, but this has to be one of the most beautiful cities ive ever seen), I had two more positive experiences with DC fans. TFC supporters brought a banner supporting the club staying at its historic, long standing and community tied home in RFK stadium. Some DC supporter, again about my age, came up to me and said "I don't know if you were a part of that banner, but I want you to know that we really appreciated that, It meant a lot to us". I had nothing to do with it, so if you did, pat yourself on the back and if you know who was responsible forward this message. He also added that there are some negative social implications with the new stadium, as low income housing units are going to be destroyed. We talked about the game, he mentioned that we had some beautiful goals, and was overall a class act. A few minutes later a group of Screaming Eagles respectfully said thanks for coming to the game.
My respect for the league, its fans and my team has grown tremendously. I recommend you all go on the road at least once, if you haven't already, whether its with just some friends or the RPBs.
Thanks, Calvin