“Bring it on”: Section 8 Plan to Expand, GM approves

By: Tom | June 7th, 2007

The Fire’s Section 8 may be one of the largest and most respected supporter’s groups in MLS, but this has been a tough season for them so far. There was the debacle of the threatened selective security searches of Section 8 ticketholders that the Fire backed down from, the theft of their Full Power banner and a myriad of other small but cumulatively frustrating clashes with Toyota Park management throughout the season.

For the Fire, too, this has been a difficult time on and off the field, with attendance at the year-old Toyota Park down in 2007 even from 2006’s disappointing numbers. When the Mayor of Bridgeview (the village who actually own the stadium) stepped in to prevent the above-mentioned pat-downs amidst concerns of a potential breach of civil rights, it was clear changes would have to be made in the operation of the stadium if the Fire’s biggest supporter’s groups – and the heart and soul of the stadium’s atmosphere – were not to be alienated.

Last night, the leaders of Section 8 Chicago met with the honchos of the Fire and Toyota Park, and it’s quite possible a turning point has been reached in relations between Section 8 and the Fire.

One example of the potential for progress came over perhaps the most important issue addressed: how Section 8 can spread and expand in size, to generate an atmosphere in the stadium similar to European football matches. Or how Major League Soccer can differentiate itself in a crowded sports market, so that it has a buzz about it far beyond that of, say, Major League Lacrosse games (whose markings deface the turf at Toyota Park, a so-called “soccer-specific-stadium”).

Right now, Section 8 only officially occupy Section 118 of the Harlem End of the stadium. Like most American supporter’s groups, this keeps their impact and reach to within what seems like an odd, artificial constraint: to this observer, it’s always been a strange sight at poorly attended games to see Section 118 packed with hollering Fire fans, yet flanked by empty benches and quieter fans. Only Section 118 is ticketed as general admission, meaning they cannot simply take over surrounding sections during games.

Section 8 Chicago have long held the ambition to spread their reach across the entire Harlem End of the stadium, in the manner of stands full of boisterous supporters that give European and South American games such atmosphere. Whilst that might not be feasible in the short-term, they have at least wished to reclaim the adjacent Section 117: despite the low attendance in the stadium in general this season, Section 118 has been sold-out most games. Yet negotiations on this were another sticking point; it seemed as if the Fire were putting obstacles in the way of producing the kind of supporters and atmosphere they desperately need to fill their stadium. Section 8 Chicago’s frustration grew, and their leadership determined to take a tougher stance.

It has paid off, as at their meeting with Fire GM John Guppy last night he acknowledged the benefits of Section 8 expanding throughout the Harlem End would bring. Progress was made on a number of problematic issues. Section 8 chairman Ben Burton told me that “Guppy shares our vision. The whole ‘end zone’ as Section 8.” Indeed, Ben said, Guppy was enthusiastic about all of the Harlem End becoming a supporter’s stand, saying bring it on. For a start, the Fire indicated they are prepared to make Section 117 available for Section 8, and are already planning to reinforce the benches ahead of the enthusiastic hordes spreading and standing on them throughout the game.
Megabandanera
It’s great to see an MLS front office looking beyond the petty problems supporter’s groups do bring (swearing, spent alcohol containers, etc) that pale into comparison to developing the potential of soccer as a unique participatory American sports experience. Interestingly, another British writer over at The Guardian has started banging this drum as well. People are listening, and former GM’s Peter Wilt’s legacy at the Fire has not been lost.