Union Omaha returned to its home at Werner Park on Saturday, and it was a return to the normal routine for a lot of supporters and fans. Tailgates were set up, pups were hanging out with their owners, as “Paws at the Park” was in full effect, the sun was shining and of course the wind was blowing. With the strong gusts of wind and a cold front moving in Omaha didn’t reach its average attendance numbers for last season, but the crowd that was there fully embraced the match and how big of a early season test it was.
Pregaming in the parking lot has been a ritual for me since I started going to any sporting event, and Union Omaha is no different. I pulled into the lot about three and a half hours early and found my usual spot open. Parked, got out the cooler and the chairs and started my pre-match routine of drinking the perfect amount of adult beverages to find my voice for the match. Looking around I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of people doing the same. Had it not been for my fear of being blown away by the wind I would have attempted to stop and talk at every tailgate but there is still time for that this season.
With the parking lots filling up and the match coming ever closer, I decided to make my way into the park and grab my traditional pre match slices of pizza. I was greeted by the sights and sounds we love and remember from last season. The players warming up on the pitch and the crowd finding their way to their seats. Looking at the pre match crowd it was as you would expect for a home match this early, with a few people watching warm ups but most in the lines for the great food and drink options around the park.
Just in time for the match and the fans and supporters in their seats we were treated to the sounds of Parliament and Local 119 chanting and drumming away. As I made my way to my seat to see my friends that I haven’t seen for a few months we picked up like we had just talked yesterday. The sense of family strong yet again this year.
The noise after the Meza goal was unreal. You would have thought we sold out the place. Such a special goal in such a special homecoming for us all. If this was any indication of what we’re going to see the rest of the year, I cannot wait to see you all again really soon to help cheer our team onto another special season at Werner park.
Who Gives A Hoot? 