A Night at Old Trafford
Let's face it. If you are going to call yourself a real sports fan, and really sit down and debate sports with guys who think they know their stuff, there is a certain list of requirements you need to have accomplished in order to qualify.
For example, despite what you'll hear from people in the Pacific Northwest, you cannot make blanket statements like, "Husky Stadium is the best place to watch football" if the only places you have been are UW and Bellevue High School.
There are some events you have to see in person to make honest comparisons and some places you have to go for actual context. For example, in baseball, it's Wrigley (check), Fenway (check), Yankee, and you can maybe add Safeco and Pac Bell (check check).
But if you really want to have legs to stand on in the International scene, there are a set of stadiums worldwise that must be experienced. I know I'm leaving a bunch out, but Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool spring to mind - and of course Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.
Earlier this year, I attended a Manchester City game, and at the time I identified them as the White Sox to Man United being the Cubs. And now, that comparison still holds true. Going to a White Sox game is a good way to sepnd a Sunday morning, but going to a Cubs game is a true experience. Ditto Man City and Man United.
It's not just the history, the 66,000 people wearing red, or the constant singing. It's the entire, unreplicable atmosphere of being somewhere famous. It's that look of nostalgia that comes to a colleague's face when they say, "Oh, you've been to Old Trafford you have" just like two baseball fans reminiscing about an afternoon in the Wrigley bleachers.
And so a 0-0 tie did nothing to damper the enjoyment of landing in one of sports most hallowed fields for 90 minutes of football. There's no question I'd be a Man United season ticket holder if I lived out here. I honestly tried to go the way of "The City's team" but there's a reason Man Utd is so popular worldwide. You can't help but get chills in that stadium, listening to those fans - who according to the people next to us were a "terrible crowd." There's something you can't describe when an entire stadium spontaneously combusts into song.
(I have this argument with my good friend and US Soccer supporter all the time. When 66,000 people are singing the same song, it's cool. When 66 US soccer fans are singing all game long, it's annoying. So Sam's Army, I implore you, teach other people the songs before the game. And please, take a few minutes before launching into them consecutively like a musical AK-47 gone awry. We don't need them for 90 minutes straight.)
Although I couldn't understand one cheer from another, I swear they were singing, "Take me home Country road at some point." And if someone can explain to me how a flippin John Denver song became a staple at Manchester United football games, I'll happily buy you a beer.
So despite the fact an American owns the team now, and that it's the EPL "All-Star team" I have to tip my hat to Man United. If the Yankees had so much character, they'd be hard to root against as well.
(Unfortunately, the pictures turned out like crap - must have had the camera settings all fouled up. But here are the couple worth salvaging)
For example, despite what you'll hear from people in the Pacific Northwest, you cannot make blanket statements like, "Husky Stadium is the best place to watch football" if the only places you have been are UW and Bellevue High School.
There are some events you have to see in person to make honest comparisons and some places you have to go for actual context. For example, in baseball, it's Wrigley (check), Fenway (check), Yankee, and you can maybe add Safeco and Pac Bell (check check).
But if you really want to have legs to stand on in the International scene, there are a set of stadiums worldwise that must be experienced. I know I'm leaving a bunch out, but Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool spring to mind - and of course Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.
Earlier this year, I attended a Manchester City game, and at the time I identified them as the White Sox to Man United being the Cubs. And now, that comparison still holds true. Going to a White Sox game is a good way to sepnd a Sunday morning, but going to a Cubs game is a true experience. Ditto Man City and Man United.
It's not just the history, the 66,000 people wearing red, or the constant singing. It's the entire, unreplicable atmosphere of being somewhere famous. It's that look of nostalgia that comes to a colleague's face when they say, "Oh, you've been to Old Trafford you have" just like two baseball fans reminiscing about an afternoon in the Wrigley bleachers.
And so a 0-0 tie did nothing to damper the enjoyment of landing in one of sports most hallowed fields for 90 minutes of football. There's no question I'd be a Man United season ticket holder if I lived out here. I honestly tried to go the way of "The City's team" but there's a reason Man Utd is so popular worldwide. You can't help but get chills in that stadium, listening to those fans - who according to the people next to us were a "terrible crowd." There's something you can't describe when an entire stadium spontaneously combusts into song.
(I have this argument with my good friend and US Soccer supporter all the time. When 66,000 people are singing the same song, it's cool. When 66 US soccer fans are singing all game long, it's annoying. So Sam's Army, I implore you, teach other people the songs before the game. And please, take a few minutes before launching into them consecutively like a musical AK-47 gone awry. We don't need them for 90 minutes straight.)
Although I couldn't understand one cheer from another, I swear they were singing, "Take me home Country road at some point." And if someone can explain to me how a flippin John Denver song became a staple at Manchester United football games, I'll happily buy you a beer.
So despite the fact an American owns the team now, and that it's the EPL "All-Star team" I have to tip my hat to Man United. If the Yankees had so much character, they'd be hard to root against as well.
(Unfortunately, the pictures turned out like crap - must have had the camera settings all fouled up. But here are the couple worth salvaging)
posted by ABoyer at
11:53 AM
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