The Importance of New Fans in the Supporters Sections

On Wednesday (June 29), I went to the Toronto FC league match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and I took my cousin along for the match. He already went to a couple TFC matches, but this was his first time in the supporters sections. In the first half, he wasn't feeling the singing and chanting going on (I didn't think a lot of people felt the singing going on in the half and wasn't really into it), but in the second half, the chanting and atmosphere was much louder and he, as well as the rest of us, were all singing, chanting, and bouncing around in the second half.

But one thing really bothered me. At halftime, I overheard a middle-aged lady complaining about how there were a lot of “tourists” in the supporters sections. I’ve also heard others complain about the same thing in previous matches that I went to. This hurt me a little bit, knowing that I myself have taken a first-timer into the section for this match. Well, I’m here to say that these “tourists” can potentially help the atmosphere in the stadium in the long run, and here is why I think this way.

If the first-timer didn’t like the experience in the supporters section, there is a high chance that the person wouldn’t come back there. That person would either find tickets in a safer section of the stadium, or not get tickets at all. On the other hand, if the person enjoyed the experience and contributed his or her part to the atmosphere, then that person would probably want to come back in another game, ready to support the team. I really don’t see the problem with taking new fans into the supporters sections for the experience, but other supporters see it differently.

As for the supporters who complain and whine about “tourists” and how they “kill the atmosphere”, I kindly advise that you take your grievances somewhere other than the stadium.

To shorten what I just said: Shut the fuck up and take it somewhere else.

If the “tourists” really bother you that much, then move to another part of the stadium. They are always going to be there, and it is up to us as TFC supporters to make them feel welcome and to positively encourage them to support the team for the duration of the match. If they like it, they will come back ready to support the team just like the rest of us. I don’t like people who have to complain about every single thing, especially about newcomers into a certain section. The only thing you should be doing is enjoying the match and supporting the team.