Giving Thanks
Boy this post is going to go against the grain. I hope you can all recognize the truth of what I’m trying to convey to you and not think this is some kind of ass kissing exercise!!
What does a Rapids Supporter have to give Thanks for? Believe it or not, the 2009 edition of the Rapids Front Office! See, I told you you’d have a tough time swallowing it. But the facts speak for themselves. First off to recognize is the work and support Kieran Cain has given Class VI and Centennial Firm. Moving the tailgate in front of the Cantina was excellent, and having supporter parking was completely his idea. In addition, he’s supported and assisted in any initiative we’ve brought to him, especially in our efforts to elevate the content of our website (and Jason Gilham as well!), and he secured us a storage shed with Tuff Shed which has made the entire tailgating operation immeasurably easier. This past season, when you look to see things perhaps you’ve enjoyed that are getting better, Kieran had a hand in assisting us most likely.
And another big Thank You goes to Jeff Plush. Yes, it’s taken some years to come together and become a solid front, but we’ve finally fully got the backing of the most important person. In no other professional sport in our country do fans have such a direct connection to people such as Managing Director Jeff Plush, Commissioner Don Garber, and if you’re in most other cities (Seattle & KC come to mind) the owner.
Yes, we’re still working out 2010’s Centennial Firm’s section, but I think everyone is going to be very pleased with the progress that’s been made in that department. And Jeff is the person to thank for that. He’s supported my efforts to get the players that are unable to play a home match via injury or suspension, to come out to the tailgates and talk to their supporters. I’m in constant communication with him, and he has shown his desire to see us really get off the ground and growing.
In an move that is unprecedented in MLS history, Jeff sent their two Supporters Representatives to Seattle for MLS Cup for the Supporters Summit and Supporters Council. Unprecedented why? No other team paid to be sure their supporters were there, and missing from the Council’s voice were teams such as DC United, New England, Dallas, Houston, and New York. But the front office contacted me asking us to go and paying to have us there because of their growing focus and respect to us – the Rapids Supporters. They recognized the importance of, collectively, their most dedicated and passionate fans.
I know there are some of you our there rolling your eyes and questioning whether I’m just grateful for a hotel, flight, and game ticket to MLS Cup (I am grateful!), but I hope I can impress upon you – it was the Rapids priority to have us represented. So I hope we’ll see some real changes in 2010, especially in the Centennial Firm. And if you’re one of those lurkers that are waiting for the atmosphere to get up to snuff before you jump in – be a pioneer instead. Help us make Dicks Sporting Goods Park known as wonderful place to watch soccer and get off the sidelines.
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