We went to the finale at RFK today, it was my first time attending a MLS game. The game itself was fun. The crowd, well at least the NY Red Bulls cheering section, got out of control toward the end of the game. They were lighting red sparklers, and at one point lost control of one and tossed it over the railing. Fortunately it landed harmlessly in an open area behind the old 3rd base dugout. We were in 311, under the overhang behind the 1st base dugout. When the DC United player got a red card people started tossing beers down from the 400/500 sections onto 211/111. I guess this is standard "soccer hooligan" behavior, but it will definitely make me think twice before attending another game. Maybe things will be better at the new park?
I'd also add "good riddance" to RFK. The stadium looks like something that should be in Cuba or another underdeveloped part of the world, not in our nation's capital. Lines for everything today were insane with only an announced attendance of 41k (and most of the upper deck was empty).
Well, this was the first game in RFK for years in which the upper deck has even been open, so it's a rare event these days. The architecture of the new park will probably make the throwing of beers from above be less of a thing, but the tradition in the hardcore supporters' sections has always been to throw beers in the air when DCU scores. As for the sparklers/smoke, it's been years since I saw that inside the stadium, and I have to say I loved it (though not the dropping of one out of the upper deck, which I saw too). The atmosphere is usually a bit more intense at MetroStars matches (no matter what they call that team now, it's always the MetroStars, just like calling them "New York" doesn't magically move their stadium in from Jersey).
RFK yesterday was the best it's been in years. As for the lines, that's mostly because they only open a minority of the concession stands, etc. for DCU games. But then again, when RFK was built, people didn't treat sporting events as simply one more in their long list of daily activities that come with a side of gluttony.
New place will certainly be different, but I'm not sure I've ever seen much better than RFK when it's full and the fans are engaged (and I've been to a few of the big clubs in Europe).
Heineken? That's new. I've had many of the 24 ounce Modelos and Coronas at RFK. I kind of doubt the $10 vat of Modelo will be available at Audi Field.
It's definitely been around the last 2-3 years. Don't remember when it started.
Not sure if it's universal practice in the Premier League, but at Chelsea you can't drink in the stands - you can get a beer (except at UEFA Champions League matches which are dry) but you have to drink it on the concourse.
Universal, and not just the Premier League. The lower leagues in England are the same.
