Yesterday I went to my second football game. Ever. The first was an Australian Rules Football game where the Geelong Cats played the Carlton Blues. I don’t remember the game itself, except that the Cats won. What I do remember where the fans, the songs and the general sense of friendliness and camaraderie.
Yesterday’s game was the Portland Timbers against the Colorado Rapids. Once again, my team won (like you thought I wouldn’t claim a team called The Cats for my own?). And as exciting as that was, the best part of the 3 or so hours I spent at Jeld Wen Stadium yesterday were the fans, the songs and the general sense of friendliness and camaraderie.
I always thought that professional sports were meant to be cutthroat battles with rabid fans hurling insults freely. But I saw very little of that yesterday. The worst I heard were members of the Timbers Army booing and instructing the Coloradans to go home. Now, I wouldn’t say that was exactly nice behavior, but in the grand scheme of things. it wasn’t bad.
Our seats were nowhere near the Timbers Army. In fact, we were about as far from them as one could get. Our section had lots of dads with their young kids (both boys and girls) and friendly banter all around. It really felt like Portland at its best. People hanging out together, sipping microbrews and watching a fun and exciting game. We even had a cameo appearance by a rainbow.
I was also lucky in having my own personal guide to the game’s rituals. My friend’s daughter, Little C, was great about keeping me informed on protocol. I knew when to wave my scarf (which was a lovely gift from @Lawduck) and what songs were to be sung and when. @Lawduck gave me the rundown on both Timbers and Rapids players and what their strengths and weaknesses were. Between the two of them, I felt like I really belonged.
The fun continued on the bus ride home. The bus was filled to the gills with Timbers fans. We were surrounded by friends and families doing their own post-game analysis. I really enjoyed listening to what the kids had to say. They took obvious pride in their hometown team, and offered what to my ears sounded like insightful commentary. All in all, it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Not only am I now jazzed up enough to go to another Timbers game, I am feeling adequately prepared to go to my first Thorns game. #RCTID