Seattle Sounders FC supporters

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Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer club established in 2007, has gained a reputation for having passionate supporters since its inaugural season in 2009. There are four recognized supporters groups for Sounders FC: Emerald City Supporters, Gorilla FC, North End Faifthful, and Eastside Supporters. [1] [2]

Contents

Demographics

The Sounders limit the capacity of Lumen Field capacity for most MLS matches with certain seating sections covered with tarpaulins to provide "a more intimate atmosphere" and opens the entire stadium for international friendly matches. [3] [4] Initially, the capacity was limited to 24,500 before the start of the inaugural season. [3] However, due to high demand, capacity was soon increased multiple times, reaching 35,700 for the 2010 season. [4] [5] [6]

In their debut season, the Sounders amassed the largest average attendance in the league with 30,943 fans. [7] Sounders FC also was rated as the No.50 Best-Supported Club by World Soccer Magazine. [8] In 2010, the Sounders capped their season ticket capacity at 32,000. By late January, there were fewer than 1,000 season-ticket packages remaining. [7]

Supporter Groups

Emerald City Supporters unveil a tifo prior to the club's inaugural game Seattle sounders tifo 2.jpg
Emerald City Supporters unveil a tifo prior to the club's inaugural game

Emerald City Supporters

The Emerald City Supporters (ECS) is an independent supporters group that was formed in 2005 to support the USL Sounders. They are currently the largest supporter group and are located in the southern "Brougham End" of the stadium in sections 121–123. [9] [10] The group is known for their displays of tifo and chanting. In addition, the supporter group is an umbrella organization with several sub-supporter groups mostly in different geographical locations such as Los Angeles, Miami, and the northeast metro corridor.[ citation needed ]As of 2017, the ECS had 5,000 members. [11]

Gorilla FC

Gorilla FC is a group which supports Sounders FC and also sits in the south end of CenturyLink Field in section 120. [12] They are an antifa (Anti-fascism) support group who categorizes themselves as an anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-homophobic supporters group. [13] The group is also active in local charitable causes. In the wake of the Haiti disaster, Gorilla FC raised over $20,000 with the help of players Steve Zakuani, Patrick Ianni, and James Riley.

North End Faithful

North End Faithful, originally named the North End Supporters, was founded in April 2009 with hopes of uniting the fans of the north end sections of the stadium. They had 55 members by the end of the month and were primarily organized online. [14] NEF primarily sits in the north end of the stadium beneath the "Hawks Nest" in sections 100 and 144–152. [15] They also sit in the upper sections of 100, 101, 102, 142, 143, and 144.

Eastside Supporters

Eastside Supporters was founded in 2010 and became officially recognized by the alliance council in 2011. The majority of its members are residing or working east of Seattle. Eastside Supporters is a family friendly supporters group always making sure its viewing parties are all ages. The Eastside Supporters section is in 149 and 150 in the "Green Zone" but the majority of its members are located all over the stadium.

Sound Wave

Sounders FC's marching band, The Sound Wave, partaking in the March to the Match Seattle sounders fan band.jpg
Sounders FC's marching band, The Sound Wave, partaking in the March to the Match

Drew Carey also requested that Sounders FC have their own marching band. They are the first club in the MLS to have one. [16] This led to the creation of the Sound Wave, a 53-member marching band consisting of brass and marching percussion. [17] The band plays music from multiple genres such as Latin, rock and pop, [17] and sits with the supporters in the north end of CenturyLink Field. [18] The March to the Match, in which fans march from Occidental Park to CenturyLink before each home game, is led by the Sound Wave. [19]

Rivalries

The Seattle–Portland and Seattle–Vancouver rivalries formed in the years that the NASL-Sounders and USL-Sounders were playing in Seattle. These geographic rivalries are expected to continue when the MLS awards teams to both Portland and Vancouver for the 2011 season. [20] In 2004 the fan-based Cascadia Cup was created to formalize the competition between the Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver USL teams. [21]

The fan-created Heritage Cup competition with the San Jose Earthquakes was begun in the 2009 MLS season. MLS teams that carry on the names of their NASL predecessors are eligible to compete. The results of their league matches determine the winner. [22]

The ECS notes that the Timbers Army are among their biggest rivalries. [23] [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lumen Field</span> Multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Lumen Field is a multi-purpose stadium in Seattle, Washington, United States. Located in the city's SoDo neighborhood, it is the home field for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL), Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), and Seattle Reign FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Originally called Seahawks Stadium, it was renamed Qwest Field in June 2004 when telecommunications carrier Qwest acquired the naming rights. The stadium became known as CenturyLink Field following Qwest's June 2011 acquisition by CenturyLink and was nicknamed "The Clink" as a result; it received its current name in November 2020 with CenturyLink's rebrand to Lumen Technologies. It is a modern facility with views of the Downtown Seattle skyline and a seating capacity of 68,740 spectators for NFL games and 37,722 for most MLS matches. The complex also includes the Event Center which is home to the Washington Music Theater, a parking garage, and a public plaza. The venue hosts concerts, trade shows, and consumer shows along with sporting events. Located within a mile (1.6 km) of Downtown Seattle, the stadium is accessible by multiple freeways and forms of mass transit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cascadia Cup</span> North American soccer trophy

The Cascadia Cup is the name of the trophy created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps, which is awarded each season to the best soccer team in the Pacific Northwest. The cup is named for the Cascadia region. The Timbers, Sounders, and Whitecaps have roots dating to the days of the original North American Soccer League. It was first contested in 2004, and was claimed by the Whitecaps. In 2011 the competition continued with the now Major League Soccer (MLS) sides Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

In Major League Soccer, several teams annually compete for secondary rivalry cups that are usually contested by only two teams, with the only exceptions being the Cascadia Cup and the new Copa Tejas, which are contested by three MLS teams, each. Each cup or trophy is awarded to the eligible team with the better regular season record and are comparable to minor trophies played for in college football rivalries. Most cups are deliberately conceived as local derbies between teams in the same region. Rivalry cups are considered a tradition to most MLS fans and players alike. Out of the ten original MLS teams only three have not competed in these rivalry cups: Sporting K.C., New England Revolution and the defunct Tampa Bay Mutiny. The Texas Derby is the only MLS rivalry where the winner does not walk away with a cup trophy but instead they play for "El Capitán", a replica 18th century mountain howitzer cannon. Some derbies only contest for bragging rights of rival supporters groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seattle Sounders FC</span> American professional soccer team

Seattle Sounders FC is an American professional men's soccer club based in Seattle, Washington, United States. The Sounders compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. The club was established on November 13, 2007, and began play in 2009 as an MLS expansion team. The Sounders are a phoenix club, replacing the second-division franchise that played in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL), A-League, and USL First Division (USL-1) from 1994 to 2008, and carrying the same name as the original Sounders franchise that competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1974 to 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heritage Cup (MLS)</span>

The Heritage Cup is an annual cup rivalry between Major League Soccer (MLS) teams San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC. Both teams carried their names forward from their North American Soccer League (NASL) predecessors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Seattle Sounders FC season</span> Seattle Sounders FC 2009 soccer season

The 2009 season was Seattle Sounders FC's first in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight of American soccer. It was the 29th season played by a professional team bearing the Sounders name, which was chosen for the MLS expansion team by a fan vote. An MLS franchise was awarded to a group from Seattle in 2007, including Adrian Hanauer, the owner of the second-division incarnation of the Sounders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Seattle Sounders rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC, both based in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, with both cities reviving expansion teams, and has carried into lower-level leagues, including the A-League and USL First Division. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in American soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vancouver Whitecaps FC</span> Soccer club in Canada

Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Vancouver. They compete in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member club of the league's Western Conference. The MLS iteration of the club was established on March 18, 2009, and began play in 2011 as the 17th team to enter Major League Soccer while replacing the USSF Division 2 team of the same name in the city, making them a phoenix club and the third to carry the Whitecaps name. The club has been owned and managed by the same group since their USSF days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers</span> Soccer club in Portland, Oregon, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emerald City Supporters</span> Emerald City Supporters is an independent supporters group for Seattle Sounders FC

Emerald City Supporters (ECS) is an independent supporters' group for Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC. The ECS is known for large choreographed tifo displays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamar Neagle</span> American professional soccer player

Lamar Neagle is an American professional soccer player who plays for the Tacoma Stars in the Major Arena Soccer League. He has spent most of his career with the Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer over the course of several stints; Neagle has also played for Montreal Impact and D.C. United in Major League Soccer, as well as Mariehamn in Finland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gorilla FC</span>

Gorilla FC (GFC) is an independent supporters' group for Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC.

The 2010 Seattle Sounders FC season was the club's second season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States. It was the 30th season played by a team bearing the Sounders name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 U.S. Open Cup final</span> 2009 final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seattle Sounders FC results by opponent</span>

Seattle Sounders FC is an American soccer club founded in 2008, after the city of Seattle was awarded a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. The club began playing competitive soccer in the 2009 Major League Soccer season. It plays its home games at Lumen Field, competing in the Western Conference of the MLS. The current Sounders FC is the third soccer team from Seattle to bear the Sounders nickname. The tradition was started by Seattle's North American Soccer League team in 1974, and continued by the city's United Soccer Leagues side, formed in 1994. The current Sounders FC is an entity distinct to both of these clubs, and played its first MLS game on March 19, 2009, against the New York Red Bulls.

Seattle has had professional soccer clubs for over four decades who have played in various leagues since the 1970s. These include three incarnations of the Seattle Sounders, playing in the North American Soccer League, United Soccer League, and Major League Soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Seattle Sounders FC</span> Aspect of history

Seattle Sounders FC is a Major League Soccer team, sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation, based in Seattle, Washington with origins that go back to the 1970s and the North American Soccer League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry</span> American soccer rivalry

The Portland Timbers–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, both based in the Cascadia region of United States and Canada. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, and later carried into successor leagues through the 1980s and the 2000s, including the A-League and USL First Division, with both cities reviving expansion teams. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States, in 2011, where it has grown into one of the largest in North American soccer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seattle Sounders–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry</span> Soccer rivalry

The Seattle Sounders–Vancouver Whitecaps rivalry is a soccer rivalry between the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Seattle Sounders FC, both based in the Pacific Northwest region. The rivalry originated in the North American Soccer League of the 1970s, with both cities reviving expansion teams, and has carried into lower-level leagues, including the A-League and USL First Division. The rivalry moved to Major League Soccer, the top division of soccer in the United States and Canada, in 2011. The two clubs are part of the Cascadia Cup, the trophy and competition created in 2004 by supporters of the Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Seattle Sounders which is awarded each season to the best top-flight soccer team in the Cascadia region.

References

  1. ↑ Evans, Jayda (March 14, 2020). "Sounders fans are still trying to maintain sense of community with MLS season on hold due to coronavirus". The Seattle Times . Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Sounders FC Supporter Groups". Seattle Sounders FC. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  3. 1 2 "MLS awards Seattle expansion team for 2009". Major League Soccer. November 17, 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2008. Retrieved April 10, 2008.
  4. 1 2 Ruiz, Don (June 27, 2009). "Qwest seating increased for hot-selling Sounders". The News Tribune. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  5. ↑ Romero, José Miguel (October 29, 2009). "Freddie Ljungberg is MLS Player of the Month, and game is sold out". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on November 22, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
  6. ↑ Romero, José Miguel (January 7, 2010). "Keeping Sounders FC together is key to long-range success". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on January 30, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2010.
  7. 1 2 "Seattle set to shatter own attendance record". CNN. January 28, 2010. Archived from the original on February 1, 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Attendance". Archived from the original on May 12, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2010.
  9. ↑ "About ECS". Emerald City Supporters. WeAreECS.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved May 13, 2008.
  10. ↑ Campanario, Gabriel (March 11, 2011). "Color me sea green and sky blue". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  11. ↑ Greder, Andy (August 20, 2017). "Seattle's supporters culture is envy of league as Minnesota's buds". Twin Cities Pioneer Press . Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  12. ↑ Guzman, Monica (March 18, 2009). "The Sounders and Gorilla FC: New club, old sport". Seattle Post Intelligencer. Archived from the original on March 21, 2009. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
  13. ↑ "About". Gorilla FC. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Know Your Sounders FC Supporter Groups Pt. 4". Seattle Met. April 28, 2009. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  15. ↑ "North End Supporters". Members Association. Seattle Sounders FC. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
  16. ↑ Romero, José (December 5, 2009). "Keeping it official". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
  17. 1 2 "The Band". Seattle Sounders FC. Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
  18. ↑ Romero, José Miguel (May 30, 2009). "Golden Scarf presentation". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on June 30, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2009.
  19. ↑ "March to the Match". Seattle Sounders FC. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  20. ↑ "Sounders FC get a rival—Portland awarded MLS franchise". KOMO-TV. March 20, 2009. Archived from the original on October 4, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  21. ↑ "Soccer fans creating Cascadia Cup". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. March 31, 2004. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  22. ↑ "The Heritage Cup". Soccer Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Archived from the original on March 25, 2009. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
  23. ↑ Romero, José Miguel (August 8, 2003). "206 vs. 503: Soccer rivalry still simmers". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
  24. ↑ Romero, José Miguel (June 30, 2009). "Portland Timbers fans take rivalry with Sounders FC to another level". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on July 3, 2009. Retrieved June 30, 2009.
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