HOW TO IDENTIFY—AND BE!—A HARDCORE FAN
Hardcore Fans represent a specialized subspecies of the Sounders’ soccer-mad followers, unique in their fanatical devotion to the club. (They sing! A lot!) Common fans may aspire to achieve that distinction, but only by demonstrating the following five characteristics of Hardcore Fandom at all times. It’s a commitment that should not be taken lightly.
Eating Habits
Frequent, lengthy trips to the concession stand thin the crowd and dampen noise production. Though not immune to the seductive powers of beer and nachos, the Hardcore Fan believes that a full section is vastly more important than a full belly. [Note: Halftime snack procurement is acceptable.]
Vocal Characteristics
In direct contrast to their fierce, sometimes aggressive demeanor, Hardcore Fans are also distinctive for their carefully orchestrated bouts of singing; an inability to carry a tune does not preclude admission to the chorus. Such outbursts must be delivered while standing and typically show support for the home team. They can, however, be employed to mock the opposing team. [See also: Territorial Instincts.]
Symbols of Affiliation
Homemade flags, banners, and various forms of signage [ also known as tifo, pronounced “TEE-fo” ] are commonly displayed in the stadium by the Hardcore Fan and may suggest a propensity for arts and crafts. These physical representations of support for the team are personal to the creator and can carry either humorous or proud messages—with varying degrees of scatological references. [Note: Per Qwest Field rules, only those formally identified as Hardcore Fans will be allowed to enter the stadium with flag poles longer than three and a half feet.]
Territorial Instincts
Opposing players and referees are unwelcome in the Hardcore Fan’s domain and are treated accordingly. Tactics for creating an environment hostile to rivals include taunting, derisive singing, and the brandishing of malicious tifo. [Note: These actions must be carried out in unison by large groups of Hardcore Fans for maximum effectiveness; rogue actions by single persons will be dismissed by opposing players as the ravings of common fans.]
Plumage
In deference to the team, which enjoys the highest position in the soccer pecking order, the Hardcore Fan shuns garish clothing and attention-seeking accessories (e.g., superhero costumes, face paint, mohawks). Jerseys are acceptable attire, but only as a demonstration of unity; excessive expressions of individuality that threaten to steal the spotlight from the team are anathema to the Hardcore Fan aesthetic.
YOU’LL NEVER DRINK ALONE
No ticket? No worries. Watch the match and tip one back where the Sounders rowdies do.
FUEL Before marching to the match from Occidental Park with fellow fans, the Emerald City Supporters—the largest, most chantastic of Sounders supporter crews—loyally prefunk at Pioneer Square’s Fuel (fuelseattle.com), a no-frills beer hovel (let’s not kid ourselves, people have thrown up here) where Sounders pennants hang opposite framed Seahawks jerseys in the main room.
FADO IRISH PUB Not a sports bar per se, Fadó Irish Pub (fadoirishpub.com) is the meet-up spot for the socially conscious Sounders supporters group Gorilla FC. Fadó is the most spacious of the fan-friendly pubs, with interlocking chambers accented by Irish bric-a-brac, imported beers poured from clean taps, and a tradition of quietly airing matches both American and European.
SUMMIT PUBLIC HOUSE On a typical weeknight, it’s just a low-key Capitol Hill canteen. But when the Sounders play away, tiny Summit Public House (summitpublichouse.com) belongs to Gorilla FCers not traveling with the team. Loud but not too loud, it’s a nonthreatening spot for Sounders newbies to discover what fandom is all about.
SWANNIES North End Supporters (guess where they sit in Qwest) kick it at Swannies (comedyunderground.com), the bar and restaurant attached to the Comedy Underground. With a glass atrium, the brick-walled sports boite sees more light than most P-Square pubs and—major bonus—has a full view of goings-on in Occidental Park.
GEORGE AND DRAGON Wizened old Brits have been showing up at worn-around-its-edges George and Dragon (georgeanddragonpub.com) to watch matches on the telly since the Sounders’ pre-MLS days, in the mid-’90s. The granddaddy of Seattle soccer bars, G&D hosts parties for all of the major fan groups and runs a bus back and forth to Qwest on game day. —Jessica Voelker
Published: March 2010
Great job on the article. For once, it feels like someone actually gets what we’re about. You described the supporter culture perfectly. Only thing you left out was the difference between fans and supporters.
Anyone can call themself a fan, only a few can call themselves supporters.
Great article! @Lukasz, they just substituted “Hardcore Fan” for supporter but meant essentially the same thing. Also, they forgot to mention the South Sound Supporters & Doyle’s Public House. Sounders til I die. :D
march 11th, at qwest, the hated portland timbers are in town for a preseason match! tickets are only 10 bucks. a perfect chance for those curious about the sounders to check them out. so be there and be LOUD and send those pissy little meth-heads from portscum back down i-5 south with their tails between their legs!!!!!!!!!
For the North Enders there is the All Nations Soccer Bar 130th & Aurora.
Bets place to catch the games is on the big screens at SPORT Restaurant & Bar at 4th Avenue No. (by Seattle Center). Great food & drinks and devoted fans…