Well today is my last in Seattle and I'm starting to feel very tired with all the activity. Yesterday I visited the "Experience Music Project" now although I love music I've never actually learned to play a instrument (singing as always been out of the question with my voice). Well yesterday I had a go on Drums, Keyboards, Bass & Lead Guitar. Its a real good set up and you can have a go on your own or Jam with others in other cubicles, I went solo as I didn't want to ruin it for anyone else. My Fav and best instrument in my opinion was lead guitar, ok I failed trying to copy Eric Claptons Layla or the start of Pinball Wizzard but I was able to get a sound out that resembled a tune.
One of the things I don't like about the US is the number of street beggars but I must comment on one I saw yesterday as he made me laugh. Most have notes saying various things like "Vietnam Vet", Wife and 6 Kids to support", " need air fare home", "Food please" but the one I saw I thought was hilarious "Father Killed by Ninja, need money for Karate lesson".
Last night I went to see Seattle Sounders Football (soccer) team play Portland Timbers and it certainly wasn't like visiting a match in England. The stadium was awesome although it holds 67,000 and there was only I estimate around 12,000 there so they only opened on side stand.
As I got to the ground 3 coaches arrived carrying the Portland supporters and tey were all singing and waving their flags I thought there could be a good atmosphere at the match.
I got in the stadium and the first thing you notice is that you can get served at the various bars by staff that can actually speak English and add up. Then you go to the toilet and it is actually clean and you don't have to stand in line for your go. The facilities are as good as I've seen.
Now thats the good things about American Soccer, I took my seat (you even get a drink holder) awaiting the 7pm kick off. 7pm came and went and they started playing opera over the PA system. 7.10pm came and loads of kids lined the tunnel awaiting the players, they them brought the players on not altogether but one at a time introducing them to the crowd telling you their weight, height, inside leg measurement, etc. Each player ran out with an escort of half a dozen of the kids and they all lined up in front of the stand.
7.30pm came everyone was out, ok we can start now, no along come four members of the local armed forces and took their place in front of the players and kids. The announcer then asked everbody to stand and take their hats off, they then played the American National Anthem.
The Match eventually got underway and was just getting going but after 2 minutes the announcer then started piping up doing adverts over the PA while the game went on. This was of course until after 6 minutes Seattle got their first corner when he started playing Queens "We will Rock You" while the move was completed. It was even better when they got a Free Kick when a they played a bugle playing the Cavlry charge. These things happend all the match with the announcer mixing adverts with spells of commentary of what was actually happening on the pitch.
After 13 minutes Seattle scored when Portlands goalkeeper displayed his Dracula tendancies (doesn't like crosses) and I thought this would lead to display of passion from the home support, I looked around and all we got was a polite hand clap apart from a couple of hundred with flags towards the left corner trying to match the boisterious Portland fans in the other corner.
When you thought things couln't get worse 20 minutes into the game the announcer decided it was quiz time and asked they fans a question saying the first two people to give the correct answer at the stall behind the stand would get a prize. About 2,000 people then went running out of the ground, what idiots.
This was bettered ten minutes later when the cheer leaders started throwing minature footballs into the crowd and everyone started jumping trying to catch one, you could see f**k all of the match which was still going on. They repeated this stunt in the 2nd half this time with tee shirts.
One 0f the highlights for me was when the young girl with her father who had been trying to explain the game to her, and pretending to be an expert asked him one hour into the match "Which team are we supporting".
For the supporters they were up and down all match going backwards and forwards for more food varying from burgers, chips, popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, etc it was just one big food party.
The game itself wasn't bad and Seattle deserved their one nil win, they actually played some tidy football, but the American fans have a long way to go.
8 comments:
I just roared when I read that bit about the father killed by ninja--gotta give him points for originality! You are right about the soccer fans here--we are trying but for the most part, people go to the games for the night out, the hotdogs and free t-shorts. We still don't really understand the game but hopefully we are making some progress...
I loved your description of the footie game lol. Having quizzes over the tannoy during a game indeed!
I know at rugby they play music after scores etc. But at Bradford they used to announce each player one at a time, all of em having daft nicknames. One player is called Shontayne Harpi (I think that's how you spell it) And his nick name is 'Champagne Shontayne' laughed my head off when I heard that one!
All that going on during the game would have given me the sh*ts. I loved the "ninja sign" though. By the sound of it you'll need some time off to get over your trip. Have a safe journey home.
Let's face it - soccer "ain't" our thing in the US. American football, basketball, baseball, NASCAR - all awesome. But soccer - zzzzzz, oh sorry. Don't want to be rude it's just why watch a soccer game with the San Antonio Spurs are playing Phoenix in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs? GO SPURS!
lol on holiday and you're still squeezing sports into your routine!
At the local stadium there are two giant screens which play advertisements all the time except when they are playing a re-play of action from the game. The mascots, cheerleaders, and the folks tossing prizes into the stands are usually connected to sponsors and more advertising.
Glad you enjoyed the match.
Jenny,
I think the soccer thing will grow both teams seemed to have a couple of hundred fans that were into it but most of the others were there for the night out. A lot of youngsters there and if publicity grows and media coverage I reckon the interest will grow. It is the world game and the US needs tro be on board. You have some of the best stadiums.
Airliebird,
But the music carried on while they playedits unbelievable and hilarious to me and a few other tourist that were at the match.
Celtic,
Just got home and you're right I need a rest.
Rachel,
Yes but your country needs to compete with other countries and not just play sports that nobody else does.
Cactus,
Yep
Spider,
Yes I enjoyed the match just not used to the PA trying to make the atmosphere rather than the fans.
The standard was much better than I expected to say its a level down from the MLS, I was impressed with some of the football Seattle played and they wore a all white kit.
Well, I hope that you make it home safely. May your spirits PERK up a bit on your way home.
I am envyous of your travels...I need more money to be able to travel as frequently as you do~
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