No Fan Alone Colorado Rapids Supporters

Last week Don Garber gave his State of the League as the many around the country watched and listened. I am writing now to give my own address to all the Rapids supporters on behalf of the Centennial Firm.

This is certainly a bit overdue for a number of reasons. I could say that the holidays played a role, or I could say that I’m still recovering from a cold I picked up while in Seattle, but the real reason I haven’t posted anything since last weekend is because I honestly had no idea how to approach this. Originally I was going to write this as a recap of MLS Cup and the Supporters Summit, but I think it would be more worthwhile for you to read from the perspective of someone that has seen a lot in the least week and also has intimate contact with the Rapids organization. I guess this is going to read more like a blog than a news update, but I’ll do my best…

I’d have never been to an MLS Cup before and was not sure what to expect. I was immediately impressed by the exhibition of the league in the city. The hotel itself was completely decked out with MLS Cup stuff; from the custom engraved glass doors in the lobby, to the individual room keys. Restaurants all over town had signs and deals related to the Cup. If you took all the publicity and buzz from the 2007 All-Star weekend in Denver and multiplied it by about twenty, thats what Seattle felt like.

One thing that seemed to leave an enormous impression on me more than anything was how incredibly different attitudes were in Seattle compared to Colorado. No, I’m not talking the liberal mentality of the region. I’m not about the legions of Sounders fans. I’m not talking about the FSL or LA fans either. I’m talking about the fans of the clubs the came to the city and didn’t even have a team to root for in the final. The way they talk about their clubs and owners, they have so much more optimism and possess a type of enthusiasm that I haven’t really seen or felt in Colorado since early 2007. Also, after seeing Drew Carey in person, I was blown away at how knowledgeable has was, how enthusiastic he is about his team and the league, and how much he advocated for the common fan. I could not help but wonder how different the Rapids would be if we had an owner like that.

I went to a number of supporter related meetings and gatherings in Seattle. First was the official Supporters Summit many of you may have watched live (and is still available to watch in a number of places on the web). I also went to an underground meeting that was not sanctioned by the league and was related to organizing and independent supporters union for all the groups on the US and Canada. The next day I also attended a MLS organized roundtable of various league officials and leaders of many of the league’s supporters groups. All of the meetings were insightful and they gave me some good ideas of things to try here in Colorado.

I can not stress how much I’d want to thank the FO for providing this opportunity for us. It shows that they have taken a new, better, interest in their most important fans. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, and there are a number of dilemmas both we (the supporters) and the Rapids organization face.

A lot of damage has been done over the years, and seeing the stark contrast from the various fans around the league to here is demoralizing to all but the biggest optimists. The Rapids’ reputation proceeds them as Colorado was the most cited example of a “problem” club when it comes to support and fan relations. The league as well as all the other fans are well aware that we have a “unique” situation.

One thing that was mentioned in a lot in these various meetings and conferences was that MLS plans to mandate “best practices” when it comes to handling supporters. Hopefully such policies can improve the markets that need help, and to also prevent future trainwreaks like the ones we have seen in Colorado several times. As much criticism I have had for the organization, this seems to indicate we are on a cusp of real improvement. I feel the FO is starting to “get it” and the think MLS is giving them a nudge in the right direction. While in talking to league reps I also learned that they do, in fact, talk to the head of the Dick’s stadium staff (Charlie Chicko was mentioned by name). I think its safe to say that things are now in place where we can all take the next step forward and no longer be the biggest “troubled son” in the league.

So what’s missing?

There is still a severe fog of gloom that hovers over the Rapids. It’s a complicated issue that intertwines a lack of media coverage, the poor form of the team, and an owner that does not care about the beautiful game in the least.

The only way Colorado situation will improve is when the Rapids can prove themselves to the fans and the entire market. We get no coverage from the local media because the Rapids have rarely, if ever, done anything that is worth taking notice. Dramatic changes are what will create waves, modest changes have yielded nothing. Unless people are given a reason to look at this club, and given a reason to come to games, we will forever remain a moribund minor league team.

Frankly, it all comes down KSE and Kroenke himself. Even if the Rapids FO is full of good people, I feel that best intentions will always be undermined by Silent Stan’s complete lack on interest and KSE’s undying thrust for tightening balance sheets to in order adjust the bottom line. I’ll go on the record to say that Mr. Stan Kroenke the worst owner in the league (even worse than Kraft). He has shown no signs that he cares about this team…so why should KSE? The poor quality of Altitude broadcasts and the communication breakdowns between the FO and DSGP staff send up a number of red flags indicating that the system is broken.

We have the weakest support, the lowest attendance, and still have yet to see any proof of the Rapids turning a tangible profit…that will continue as long as Kroenke maintains his current level of interest. As I said before, dramatic change is what this club really needs. Stan is the final word on any dramatic changes, and unfortunately he shows no desire to do anything like that.

In spite of Kroenke’s poor ownership, I am not giving up on this club. The recent interest of the FO has shown in supporters demonstrates that they want to try something different, and at this point any change is good as far as I’m concerned. I ask everyone to embrace the initiatives the Rapids are trying to put towards their fans. Yes, we still don’t know what’s going to happen to us next year, but both Mark and I are still actively talking to Plush, Keiran, and all the other FO staff to get things worked out for 2010 and I have a great deal of faith that things will be better next year.

Speaking of next year, there is some house cleaning that needs to be done in the C-Firm ranks. A few of my comrades are stepping down and I would like to sincerely thank them for the work they put into getting us to where we are. As of now I am actively seeking several highly motivated individuals that are knowledgeable in both the current Rapids supporters culture as well as supporters culture around the league and world. I am specifically looking for someone that is willing to help organize an coordinate TIFO in the stands and well as find a CAPO to help with chants and songs. I am also looking for someone to help with keeping track of money and fund-raising. I will also willingly take on any other individuals that are highly motivated to grow the C-Firm and to really help the Rapids supporters progress to the next level.

I encourage everyone to send me feedback via our contact page. I will do my best to address everyones questions, ideas, and concerns. I value what you all have to say, because you’re the ones that matter. You are the Rapids best and most valuable fans. You are irreplaceable. And I am with you.

- Quinn