Our first Toronto FC game

[blake]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if these sorts of posts annoy some of you, but I'm coming to my first Toronto FC game on June 29. Just seeking whatever advice you can offer about the best ways to enjoy the game. Having enjoyed plenty of football around the world but not yet in Toronto, I'm specifically interested in the best bar/venue to enjoy a pre/post game beer and soak up the atmosphere?

One other question, I'm sitting lower sideline 111 and one of the people I'm going with claims to be a Vancouver fan. I have no reason to think the Toronto FC "reputation" and some of what has been said in the media is true, but do you think it will be safe to openly support Vancouver in that section, or should we just tell them to shut up?

Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Shakes McQueen]

As long as he isn't obnoxious about it, I can't imagine there being much trouble. He should be able to wear their kit, and stand up and cheer if they score, without any bother.

Any negative reputation TFC have, is due to some very poor and/or slanted reporting from our previous road trips to Columbus. We've good good relationships with SG's for most of the other teams.

I don't live in TO, so I'll leave it to locals to suggest places to go, but I suspect Shoeless will be the main recommendation.

- Scott

[West220Side]

I don't suspect you would have any problems openly supporting your team, of course you may get "heckled" but that's about all I would suspect, as long as everybody around you doesn't get drunk and lose self-control.

[Suds]

Problems? No. But 111 puts you in a TFC supporter section. As Shakes noted, as long as someone is not being an ass they'll be fine. That said, have some thick skin because I'm sure some heckling will happen if they're sporting a Whitecraps jersey.

The RPB meet up at Shoeless Joes before games. There are other local pubs the other SG's meet at close to the stadium. At the Liberty Cafe and Brazen Head you'll also fund TFC fans having a pint before matches.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if these sorts of posts annoy some of you, but I'm coming to my first Toronto FC game on June 29. Just seeking whatever advice you can offer about the best ways to enjoy the game. Having enjoyed plenty of football around the world but not yet in Toronto, I'm specifically interested in the best bar/venue to enjoy a pre/post game beer and soak up the atmosphere?

One other question, I'm sitting lower sideline 111 and one of the people I'm going with claims to be a Vancouver fan. I have no reason to think the Toronto FC "reputation" and some of what has been said in the media is true, but do you think it will be safe to openly support Vancouver in that section, or should we just tell them to shut up?

Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Firstly, first time posts are always welcome. Welcome.

Secondly, I'm curious why he "claims to be" and is not "obviously apparent he is" a Vancouver fan. I would suggest he show the awareness that he is going to be standing beside some of the most rabid of our support so if he chooses to be playfully antagonistic he may not like the unplayful response. By no means do any of us approve of violence but I'd like to make sure someone reminds that this is a sporting event with no shortage of emotion and alcohol consumption.

If he wears blue and white and cheers for Vanny he may get dumped on.

As for yourself blake, enjoy yourself and I'll be in the section next to you and will keep an eye out- when there's no ball in play, of course.

[Brooker]

do you think it will be safe to openly support Vancouver in that section, or should we just tell them to shut up?

Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Tell him to shut up. Tell him to penguin dive off the back of 111, aswell.

[RPB_RED_NATION_RPB]

As long as he isn't obnoxious about it, I can't imagine there being much trouble. He should be able to wear their kit, and stand up and cheer if they score, without any bother.

Any negative reputation TFC have, is due to some very poor and/or slanted reporting from our previous road trips to Columbus. We've good good relationships with SG's for most of the other teams.

I don't live in TO, so I'll leave it to locals to suggest places to go, but I suspect Shoeless will be the main recommendation.

- Scott

your joking right....... i can see it now....TFC is down 2-0.....and some vancouver supporter is jumping up and down...in his whitecap colurs....in a TFC supporters section... and you think things would be ok....

maybe if he was down in 104.....but 111 not a chance! Tell your friend good luck

[pekduck]

so let me get this straight, you are going into a supporter section designated for home support and wearing opposition and cheering for opposition

try do that in any other sporting cities like philly or montreal he'll end up in a ambulance going to ER

toronto, it's a coin toss really, i would not advise it

[Joe Kool]

Yeah, just wearing the jersey will most likely draw the heckling but do any cheering for the other team it could get worse I would suspect. As Red Nation says, maybe in 104 you could do that if you want to move your tickets but I wouldn't pull that in or near a TFC supporter section. Especially when it is Vancouver where emotions will be higher. I know I would never do it but some people just got to be the jackass so if your friend is that type then so be it.

[blake]

Firstly, first time posts are always welcome. Welcome.

Secondly, I'm curious why he "claims to be" and is not "obviously apparent he is" a Vancouver fan. I would suggest he show the awareness that he is going to be standing beside some of the most rabid of our support so if he chooses to be playfully antagonistic he may not like the unplayful response. By no means do any of us approve of violence but I'd like to make sure someone reminds that this is a sporting event with no shortage of emotion and alcohol consumption.

If he wears blue and white and cheers for Vanny he may get dumped on.

As for yourself blake, enjoy yourself and I'll be in the section next to you and will keep an eye out- when there's no ball in play, of course.

Firstly for clarification the Vancouver sympathiser is a she, not a he. I didn't tell the full story before because I didn't want to crap on forever, but none of us who are going are originally from Canada, we're football enthusiasts catching this game on our travels. So none of us can really claim to be true supporters of any MLS team (although I must admit I had a hell of a lot of fun cheering on Chivas against the Galaxy in the prime of the Beckham hype a few years back).

My point being I think this person could be talked out of supporting Vancouver, which having read this thread is probably something we will make happen!

And pekduck to be honest I had no idea about the section, we just nabbed the easiest and cheapest tickets we could, but I'm stoked to hear that's the sort of section we're in. And I'm interested in the Montreal comment, I'm not a huge hockey fan but I was always led to believe Habs-Leafs games always have plenty of travelling support each way, and while hostile, rarely get violent? If I'm wrong on that I'll cross "cheer the Leafs on in Montreal" off my sporting travel to do list!

[kodiakTFC]

Firstly for clarification the Vancouver sympathiser is a she, not a he. I didn't tell the full story before because I didn't want to crap on forever, but none of us who are going are originally from Canada, we're football enthusiasts catching this game on our travels. So none of us can really claim to be true supporters of any MLS team (although I must admit I had a hell of a lot of fun cheering on Chivas against the Galaxy in the prime of the Beckham hype a few years back).

My point being I think this person could be talked out of supporting Vancouver, which having read this thread is probably something we will make happen!

And pekduck to be honest I had no idea about the section, we just nabbed the easiest and cheapest tickets we could, but I'm stoked to hear that's the sort of section we're in. And I'm interested in the Montreal comment, I'm not a huge hockey fan but I was always led to believe Habs-Leafs games always have plenty of travelling support each way, and while hostile, rarely get violent? If I'm wrong on that I'll cross "cheer the Leafs on in Montreal" off my sporting travel to do list!

You'll be fine but tell her not to wear Caps colors out of respect. Have a great time, I'll be in the same section but up top.

[liv4evr]

That is a great section to be in to catch a game! any of the supporters sections are! Standing is encouraged as is singing your arse off and drinking your face off! I would agree with the others, violence is VERY unlikely and since there is no die hard supporters in your group just help us out by cheering on our boys!! You can be honourary Reds supporters for the day (it'll be way more fun!). Before the match i'll be at brazen head which is very close to BMO field, come by and have a pint or 6 with me. I usually get there around 4:00 to ensure a good seat and get a few in me before the crowd packs in.

Hope that helps and enjoy the game!!

*edit - let me re-phrase a bit, there will be no violence as long as you do not provoke any. ie. visitors colours and being a loud mouth, but since you are not die hard shitecap supporters you should be fine...drink and be merry.

[pekduck]

Firstly for clarification the Vancouver sympathiser is a she, not a he. I didn't tell the full story before because I didn't want to crap on forever, but none of us who are going are originally from Canada, we're football enthusiasts catching this game on our travels. So none of us can really claim to be true supporters of any MLS team (although I must admit I had a hell of a lot of fun cheering on Chivas against the Galaxy in the prime of the Beckham hype a few years back).

My point being I think this person could be talked out of supporting Vancouver, which having read this thread is probably something we will make happen!

And pekduck to be honest I had no idea about the section, we just nabbed the easiest and cheapest tickets we could, but I'm stoked to hear that's the sort of section we're in. And I'm interested in the Montreal comment, I'm not a huge hockey fan but I was always led to believe Habs-Leafs games always have plenty of travelling support each way, and while hostile, rarely get violent? If I'm wrong on that I'll cross "cheer the Leafs on in Montreal" off my sporting travel to do list!

Ah, okay. Well I'm in 111 as well, lol. It's a TFC supporter's section and especially passionate in the lower rows. I would recommend to not wear opposition jersey there male or female but to have a great time cheering for the home side.

Regarding Montreal... in playoffs, Habs fans will set St. Catherine street to a riot and burning cops cars. Leafs jersey is going to be a ticket to ER half of the time unless you travel in large groups. When we went there playing Impact, 3 years and 3 confrontation with local hooligans. Even at large groups you'll run the risk. We got peppered with bottle caps, rocks,and coins first year there and brawl took place just outside gate. Second year was better but then there are isolated assaults to smaller TFC groups. Third year still couple of small scale skirmishes among supporters.

[yellowfellow]

I think it was Henry's first game in Toronto and some guy wore his NYRB jersey. He didn't last too long. Security had to escort him out...

Seriously, stand somewhere else.

[Azerban]

no fucking away colours in the supporters section

[Fort York Redcoat]

I think this person could be talked out of supporting Vancouver, which having read this thread is probably something we will make happen!

There. Job done, guys. Glad to see so many 111ers represented in here!

[eustacchio]

I don't think anyone has lasted long wearing an opponent's kit in 111/112/113 (except those people who were mistakenly sold the accessible seats at the top of 112).

[ExiledRed]

As long as he isn't obnoxious about it, I can't imagine there being much trouble.
- Scott

a) Wearing opposition colours and cheering for the opposition in a supporters section is obnoxious behaviour by default.

b) I can imagine there being trouble, given alcohol is served openly, people get drunk, not all supporters are sg members, and there is no code of conduct amongst casual fans.


Taking the risk, tells me your buddy might actually want trouble.

[blake]

Just to clarify nobody in our group owns any away colours, and the one who was considering supporting Vancouver has been talked out of it, thanks for the advice and look forward to enjoying/participating in the atmosphere of the home support.

[prizby]

as has happened in the past, opposition supporters in the supporters section are usually asked and then forcefully removed by security, for their own security. I would suggest you bring a different friend...

[NewCity]

104 is Supporters Section for VISITORS.

End of story. This is OUR House, OUR rules.

[kodiakTFC]

Regarding Montreal... in playoffs, Habs fans will set St. Catherine street to a riot and burning cops cars.

I was in school in Montreal during the last major hockey riot. Sitting in my school library I get a phone call to come outside and 'check out the cop cars on fire.' It was kind of surreal and something as a Canadian I'm not use to, although my friends from France whom I was with felt at home (apparantly burning cop cars are commonplace there).

A friend of mine was wearing a Capitals jersey and he got a lot of high fives, but this was just around the resurgence of the Caps and Ovechkin so maybe that would be different now. I didn't dare wear my Leafs jersey even though it was during our terrible run. While at bars wearing my Leaf jersey I've been pelted with beers and wings (eaten and not eaten).

[Detroit_TFC]

Unless the alleged Whitecaps fan is looking to have a negative game day experience, they should keep quiet in the supporters section, or go stand on the rail in the former beer garden. This is just common sense.

[blake]

I respect and completely understand what you guys are on about and have been to plenty of intense matches (Manchester derby, Leeds, Swansea, etc. despite not having lived in the UK) so those of you concerned their may be an away fan in that section have nothing to worry about, we'll all be supporting Toronto.

Thanks very much to everyone for all the advice, we'll no doubt have a much more enjoyable time because of it.

[Red Rat]

oh one more advise.
Tip the waitress in your section and ask for a Vodka Martini they are to die for.

[mar1960]

111 is supporters section stay out

[TorontoBlades]

advise...should have told him to come in 2008 when it was fun

[blake]

I'll repeat once more that we'll all be supporting Toronto, so not sure why anyone would mind us being in there (and if you do, blame the person who put the tickets on stubhub), particularly given if we have a good time we'll probably all be fully-fledged Toronto fans at the end of the day. Each to their own.

[pekduck]

I'll repeat once more that we'll all be supporting Toronto, so not sure why anyone would mind us being in there (and if you do, blame the person who put the tickets on stubhub), particularly given if we have a good time we'll probably all be fully-fledged Toronto fans at the end of the day. Each to their own.

most people don't read previous posts

no worries

[Auzzy]

I'll repeat once more that we'll all be supporting Toronto, so not sure why anyone would mind us being in there (and if you do, blame the person who put the tickets on stubhub), particularly given if we have a good time we'll probably all be fully-fledged Toronto fans at the end of the day. Each to their own.

Yeah, sorry about that, I really don't get why people keep piling on in this thread as you've made yourself very clear a long time ago. It's not just Stubhub by the way: even on Ticketma$$ter, the supporters sections are easily available for individual purchase these days, and are the cheapest or 2nd cheapest tickets. Sure, if you zoom into the seating map, you can see they are supporters sections. But if you just go off the pricing list & buy the cheapest tickets, you'll end up in a supporters section with no warning whatsoever.

So some people end up in there with no clue that everyone around them may be standing -- and you may even end up there as away supporters in the wrong jersey. Plus the fact that in most North-American sports, away supporters end up mixed in with the local fans anyway (which I often find really annoying -- I've had some bad experiences at Jays games for example).

In any case, cheers, enjoy the game on the 29th, ignore the occasional debbie downers & have a good time!!!