With a new season comes new and exciting times around Union Omaha. This is a great time to be a supporter. It’s almost time to get the tailgate gear together again, call on some favors from your favorite food and beverage providers, and get out your standby gameday fit (speaking for myself, its always in the rotation tbh). That being said there are a few things I’d like to talk to everyone about: how we can make this year the best yet.
First, I want to talk about the supporters and fans. There is a difference between the two, but both are immensely important to the success of the club. I’m not here to talk to the supporters of the club – the ones who are there every match no matter what. What the club really needs to be successful long term, aside from loyal supporters, are the fans – the more casual side that come out to the big matches or when the weather is nice. If us supporters and the front office can focus on making their experience the best they’ve had, they will be turned into supporters. In my eyes there are a couple of ways to accomplish this feat. One is obvious and happens every match, but they need to feel welcome. No matter what their previous soccer experience or knowledge is they need to have a good time. If we can sprinkle in some extra knowledge so they can understand the game better, than great!
Next, I want to talk about the atmosphere. Last season was great! I remember hearing about how much the team appreciated us as fans and supporters making the noise. SKC: need I say more? With two matches at Caniglia Field to open the season, there is a real chance to grab some of the more casual fans that will make the trek to UNO and not out to Werner, but if we as supporters can support the team and show them a good time there is a better chance of them making the pilgrimage to the home of the Owls. A big tifo, some pyro and vocal support will bring them in.
The team will look a bit different this year. We have some returning players, but there is a good chance we will see some new faces. Getting to know their history ahead of the first match will help with relations and will make them feel more at home here. I am fully confident the podcast team here at WGAH will be sharing more information about the new signings as they are announced and you can also read any of the introduction articles that are written by Rich, as both sides work tirelessly to make sure you have all of the information that you need.
I know that this is going to sound like a broken record coming from me, I reference it every single year, but getting all of the tailgates into the same area of the parking lot and creating a hang out spot for all fans pre-match is going to go a long way to foster relations. When you go to any professional sporting event you will see the “Tailgate Village,” or the area where the diehards mingle with the casuals to create a fun environment before the game, and there are enough fans that show up early that it could be a real possibility here and something that should be explored in the coming months. Just one persons opinion, but I would love to see that here.
Finally, I just want to say that I appreciate every single one of you that have shown up, been loud, and have supported this team. We wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you. Lets make this season the best one yet and bring another trophy home to keep the one we already have company.
Who Gives A Hoot? 