I went to see them play the other week just to take in a match while away.
The stadium was lovely although very steep inside on the steps - never seen anything like it in my life. It wasn't that high but the steps were dangerous. I'd be nervous with kids.
Outside the stadium they had loads of pre-match entertainment for the kids which was nice. Penalty kicks in small areas on the road (closed) with nets around, all sponsored by Red Bull of course. There was also some very small kick about boxes for the adults, 2 on 2 with nets.
There was a BBQ (no I didn't touch it!) and a beer garden. A DJ entertained and the youth team showed off their skills to music, a kind of pre-match bash. Small but fun.
Buying tickets prior to the event was great. You could select available seats in the stadium and then click on the seats to have a virtual view. I selected just behind the goal, slightly off centre. Good seats, great price... can't remember exactly, probably about $25 each. I printed them off at home to be printed.
Inside the stadium there were signs saying 'Arsenal Fans' pointing to a specific section in the stadium. Not sure if this was a one off organised event or whether it happens every game but it was bizarre during the game hearing chants that we're used to in the Premier League / English Leagues. They had a section to themselves with numerous Thierry Henry banners. I guess they were the New York based Arsenal fans turning out to support their past hero.
Behind one of the goals were signs saying 'Red Bulls Ultras' and this was packed. They had a guy stood in front of them with a megaphone urging them on. It was like something out of Turkey or Italy. Bizarre. The Spanish locals I assume? (Stadium announcements were in English and Spanish).
During the game every American shouted 'pass to Henry' every time they had the ball. It was quite annoying actually.
The standard of the football was much poorer than I expected. I used to like Henry but not after he robbed the Irish. Putting that to one side, seeing him play in this environment just didn't seem right. He can still do it but he was such a different class to the others. He often looked frustrated.
The stadium was gorgeous but there were more empty seats than full ones. The fans didn't chant (only the Ultras, and very loud!). But they did strangely stamp their feet a lot en mass.
As I was there I thought I'd buy something from the club shop. I was shocked to see one girl working in a room that held about 8 people. Anyway, I still bought myself a cap to support their efforts.
Hotdogs were $1, match day programmes were free.
Every time someone was booked, the PA said: "Attention ladies and gentleman. The referee has issued a yellow cautionary card." It made me chuckle.
At the end of 90 minutes, they called stoppage time extra time which annoyed me grrrrrr!
Parking facilities were great, the location was well out of New York - I think I paid $50 for an arranged taxi but I met my mate Smoove at the match and he drove us back.
There were Liverpool and Arsenal shirts on the kids around the stadium including Torres & Cole tops. There certainly wasn't many Man U or Chelsea tops if any. Maybe one Chelsea jumper!
I love my football which is why I had to try a game but I don't think I'd go again as I was so bored *sigh*.
10 out of 10 for effort though. I hope the MLS grows because they deserve it, especially for the way they look after the young fans. There also isn't that arrogance found in the Premier League.
I hope you enjoyed it in New York. It's nuts there man, i used to have to go there alot cause of the female... I'm sorry you had to deal with traffic and the boring wait in the taxi.. and the smelly taxi's..
sounds like there approach to the game, entertainment wise was brilliant. I would like to go to an MLS game in the furture when im next in USA. I must admit tho there so funny when they talk about "soccer" they don't have a clue.
My other halfs dad had business associates over from USA couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me how he considers David Beckham the best player in the world hahaha. They worship beckham its unreal.
Yeah... sigh... Bunch of Manchester United and Chelsea fans down here in Virginia. All of them look at Beckham as a good cause they also watch MLS. Personally i look at MLS as a highschool league for americans.. It's so slow and boring. I haven't seen many Arsenal shirts.. the arsenal fans are scattered. I have only seen one other liverpool fan besides myself. But yeah, america sucks no doubt when it comes to football.
Being in New York it is fun going to the MLS games at the Red BUll stadium. I watched the Red Bulls v Spurs game a couple of months back, it was good fun and the atmosphere is really good(no hooliganism).
I live in New York and have gone to a ton of Red Bull games...I've never had a bad experience, and compared to other sports in the NY area it is the cheapest to go to. The stadium really is awesome, but yes the MLS game lacks excitement. Glad you got to see the MLS in person Dunk, but its a shame there were so many empty seats. I went to see the Red bulls play Man City, Tottenham, and Juventus and the stadium was almost sold out...plus the crowd was much more enthusiastic compared to a MLS game. Hopefully the MLS can attract some more internationals, and maybe up the tempo of the game.
