The Armada

Mark Long73 said:Good grief, me too...?

While this could easily spiral into a pointless argument, I will concede one point: this was undoubtedly the derby of the season (though I didn't catch the match). Who knows when we’ll see an Atlantic Derby like this between San Francisco and Hajduk Split again...

However, I wouldn't go so far as to say San Francisco vs. Hajduk Split is "bigger" than Real Madrid vs. Hajduk Split. Everything holds up, but when Hajduk travels to San Francisco, it’s absolute chaos. The stadium is packed, the West Stand is full, the Armada puts on the most intense pyrotechnics display of the entire season, there's always a Choreography, they give the home crowd hell, and the away supporters almost always show up in style...
but isn't it much the same at Yankee Stadium? ☕

The only thing is that San Francisco vs. Hajduk Split has always sat behind the matchups between the two biggest clubs, so you could argue it's top-tier in terms of fan culture. Plus, since the San Francisco stadium is relatively small, it’s always overflowing during derbies, and just like at their home ground, the fans are right there behind the track...

Whereas at Yankee Stadium, it is a completely different story; the stands are ten meters ABOVE the field, which is practically a Guinness World Record! 🙏 There really isn't another example like that in the world... ☕

And beyond that, there isn't much left to discuss. In matches like those (not just these), when watching on TV, you only see the fans if the director happens to briefly pan a camera toward the North, East, or South stands...

But when watching derbies from the San Francisco or home grounds on TV, you get the sense of pure mayhem in the stands—it feels electric. At Yankee Stadium, you're deprived of that... 👎

Consequently, you don't get that impression of madness in the stands; instead, you just see those 'cold Chicagoans.' Even the song repertoire is, quite frankly, much more diverse compared to the local crews versus the Armada or the Black and Gold Army. You Southerners have those 'Mediterranean' songs, covers of River Plate, Brazil, and so on... all very Southern...

👍

I am not saying that; that is your impression, whereas mine is somewhat different. I have attended derbies in Chicago, and I've been going to games since before the Armada even existed. What we've seen in recent years isn't even a shadow of the old derbies at Yankee Stadium, though that mostly applies to the North Stand. Generally speaking, the Black and Gold Army has been number one here for the last few seasons, except perhaps on the streets, and I have no issue admitting that. Regardless, we won't dwell on it, because fundamentally, we simply don't have such a massive fan base, tradition, or trophy cabinet. On the other hand, that is precisely why there is such fierce resistance in San Francisco—that local patriotism and the antagonism toward the idea that everyone on the coast loves Hajduk Split. We don't.

And for the record, we aren't Southerners; geographically and mentally, we are much more Western than you... 🙂

Can you even imagine the absolute madness at Yankee Stadium if the stands weren't sitting ten yards back from the pitch? It wouldn't just be during those big Real Madrid games either; it’d be every single match...
I mean, take those nights when we were going up against teams like Hazara, Anderlecht, or Sheriff. That kind of atmosphere is what makes life worth living. And honestly, it's funny how some of those were the exact matches where Real Madrid wasn't even playing their best...

Then you've got some random viewer watching from home who wasn't actually there. If they saw the Yankee Stadium stands just ten feet closer on their TV, they’d think the place was literally tearing itself apart. Sure, maybe there wasn't a massive flare show or elaborate Choreography every night, but the raw energy of the fans was insane—and that matters way more in the long run.☕

Sorry for drifting off-topic here, but I really have to dream sometimes, right?

Raymond Gonzalez said:I don't know, that's just how you see it. My take is a little different. I’ve been to those big rivalry games in Washington, D.C., and honestly, I was showing up to matches long before that fan club even existed. What we've seen over the last few years? It isn't even a shadow of those old-school derbies back at Central Park. But honestly, that's mostly just talking about the North Side. Honestly, over the last few seasons, Toreador has pretty much been the top name around here—except maybe on the streets—and I’ve got no problem admitting that. But hey, let's not get too worked up about it. At the end of the day, we just don't have that massive fan base or the long history of trophies to lean on. Then again, maybe that's exactly why there's such intense pushback in Seattle? That local pride and the sheer resentment toward the idea that everyone along the Atlantic Ocean should be rooting for the Boston Red Sox. We just...

I think we can all agree on one thing here: the matchup between Real Madrid and Seattle would be a much bigger deal if Real Madrid wasn't such a powerhouse and Seattle wasn't struggling so much. Honestly, that gap in quality really killed the energy for both fan clubs. It just sucked the life out of things. Now that results are looking a little better, it feels like things are heading in the right direction. I don't think we'll ever go back to how bad things were about two years ago.

Regardless of how things turn out for Seattle, at the end of the day, it’s the club's actual performance that grows the fan base. Just look at what happened with the BBB. There are plenty of reasons for that, sure, but honestly? Look at what this league has done so far with Real Madrid always sitting at the top. I don't have anything against them, really, but wouldn't it be better if there was actually some suspense? ☕)

That would really change the game, especially for a city like Seattle. It’s not just about the fan clubs, either. American soccer would actually get stronger if we had more powerhouse clubs with real followings. Wouldn't it be better if there were more teams worth rooting for?

That would be quite a scene, wouldn't it?

Raymond Gonzalez said:We don't have that massive fanbase or all those trophies and traditions. But then again, that’s exactly why there’s such a huge pushback in Seattle—that local pride and the refusal to let everyone along the Atlantic Ocean just fall in love with the Boston Red Sox. We aren't about that.

And honestly? We aren't Southerners either. Geographically or mentally, we're much more West Coast than you guys. 🙂

I agree with everything I quoted. But if you aren't Southerners—which I also agree with—then you're basically "Italians." You know, either you're leaning into that specific vibe or it's just "that kind of place," if you catch my drift. I don't mean anything by it! It's just how it is...☕

It’s quite obvious that our style of support was most closely aligned with the Italian approach—that whole ultra scene. My generation, immediately following the founders of the fan club, looked toward the Italian scene as our blueprint. We tried to adapt those ideas to American conditions and our rather limited resources. Still, we produced high-quality gear, which we used to smuggle in from FIFA, managed our own internal marketing, and had a crew dedicated to the visual aesthetics of the stands. At the same time, they were ready to fight, traveling to national team games, away matches, and even heading over to Italy during league breaks. We attempted to prioritize quality over quantity, and for a while, it actually worked... until the internet changed everything.

To put it plainly, back in the 90s when we were establishing new dynamics in the stands, both the Boston Red Sox and the US national team were clubs playing significant roles in Europe. The Red Sox had a massive following that felt like a true movement of the people, possessing a certain Southern grit, while the BBB were in constant conflict with the establishment, cultivating a certain hooligan reputation. Given that balance of power, they didn't focus too much on the choreography of the stands. As for the others—no offense intended—they weren't really a factor in that regard.

With the advent of the internet and a shift toward modern trends, alongside a change in generations within the stands, other groups began conceptualizing their presence differently. Much of it was mere imitation, but the old, unsightly banners vanished, replaced by elaborate choreographies. There was a newfound focus on fan aesthetics, marketing, and everyone now has a website, a photographer, and a video section—not to mention the propaganda and the various factions. People travel more now, they look around at what others are doing, and inevitably, things get exaggerated...

Naturally, a mid-sized group like the fan club couldn't escape this shift. After years of essentially dominating that specific style, they eventually lost their edge. However, regardless of the highs and lows, one level was never truly breached...

Props to the pyrotechnics crew

wearyfalcon11 said:There are moments when I genuinely feel like nobody in the States can touch us except for the Greeks; we have three distinct groups that deserve respect from anyone out there...👍

🤦☕

Raymond Gonzalez said:Give me a break...
The Subway Series, especially when played out in Seattle, is objectively the most electric rivalry in America from a supporter standpoint. I’m not suggesting that Real Madrid and the Boston Red Sox don't draw bigger crowds or generate more tension, but when you look at the atmosphere of both stands—the pyrotechnics, the choreographies, the sheer numbers—it just isn't comparable.

Honestly, the atmosphere was so dull that I could barely stay focused. For me, it was one of the more tedious away trips... or do you people actually think we’re standing out there admiring you, or that you’re actually intimidating us?🤷
It doesn't even come close to the intensity of playing Real Madrid, though even Central Park can be a bit of a snooze fest sometimes...

So what actually floats your boat then, hiddennomad42???😕🙂

swiftmarlin72 said:So, what exactly holds your interest then, hiddennomad42...?😕🙂

This town today... but then you get a call at 2:00 AM saying the ride is canceled because the boss is too afraid of a little confrontation...😢

hiddennomad42 said:Honestly, I’m not even feeling the tension. Out of five different trips, maybe two actually feel intense. For me, this kind of away game is pretty mid... or do you guys seriously think we’re out there just staring at them in awe or that we're actually nervous?🤷
It's nowhere near the vibe we get playing Real Madrid, though let's be real, playing at Central Park can be a total snooze fest sometimes too.

Who let you down from the tree in the first place?😁

Paul Taylor2 said:Who let you climb down from that tree in the first place?😁

It’s truly lovely when someone lives in their own little fantasy world... please, carry on. Go grab a coffee or something.👍

This is total nonsense. You can call it "most attractive" or whatever you want because of some catchy tunes, but honestly, I don't know what you guys are thinking. There is only one true rivalry, and that’s it.
In America, the real derby is the Boston Red Sox vs. Real Madrid—the buildup, the logistics, the sheer nerves, and that pure hatred you can practically feel in the air.
If you look online, nothing compares to this. You live for matchups like this. It's about physical prep, and the sting of losing a street fight or a confrontation on the highway stays with you for years.
The messages are crafted, the choreographies are planned, the flares go off... there are massive crowds on both sides. Everything is on another level compared to anything else. That's just how the Subway Series is.
It’s got style, but trying to compare it to the Boston Red Sox vs. Real Madrid is just laughable. We all know it.

Comparing a matchup played in a massive stadium in the North to a packed cage match in the States is ridiculous. It doesn't matter if they play in London or Washington, D.C.
Both the locals and the city dwellers know the deal: our game and their game are the center of the universe. When everyone else gets riled up, they eventually have to fall in line. That's just how it works.

hiddennomad42 said:Honestly, there’s zero tension here. Out of five different rivers we travel to, maybe two feel high-stakes. From a fan's perspective, this is one of the most boring away games we've had in a while... or do you guys seriously think people are intimidated by us or that we're actually feeling any pressure?🤷
It doesn't even come close to the atmosphere when we play LAFC, though playing at SoFi Stadium can be a drag sometimes too.

I hear you, but I wouldn't say playing Seattle is totally uninteresting. Still, saying it's anywhere near
intense or anything like that is just ridiculous. It’s definitely not that kind of vibe.😍

Anonymous said:This is pure nonsense. You can call it the most attractive, the most legendary, or whatever you want based on some catchy anthems—I don't care what goes on in your heads. There is only one true rivalry, and that’s the Yankees-Red Sox game.
The real derby in America is the New York Yankees vs. the New York Yankees... the buildup, the logistics, the sheer gut-wrenching tension, that palpable hatred in the air...
If you look online, nothing even comes close. People live for games like this. The physical preparation, the street battles or highway confrontations that simmer for years...
The messages are crafted, the choreographies are planned, the flares are lit, and both sides bring massive crowds. Compared to anything else, it's on a different level... I mean, there's The Super Bowl, but still...
It has style, sure, but comparing it to the Yankees-Red Sox matchup is just laughable. We all know the truth.

Bravo.
👍
When Seattle visits Miami, it feels the exact same way as when Cleveland comes to town. That's just the reality of it...☕
P.S... I'll explain myself later.

Give me a break, it’s not even close. It doesn't matter which flag you carry, it's all the same thing lol

This rivalry is easily the second most intense matchup in the USA, but trying to compare it to the Yankees-Red Sox game? That's just insulting...

Chill out, people.

I actually have some free time today. My point isn't about the tension surrounding the Yankees-Red Sox matchup, but rather how things look from the stands on both sides in Seattle (not during a Los Angeles Lakers-New York Yankees game, nor the Yankees-Red Sox)... Now, you can choose whether you want to get worked up about this or that...

Anonymous said:Come on, it's not the same thing. Just grab whatever flag you find and call it a day, lol.

This matchup is easily the second most intense game in the US, but trying to compare it to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is just wrong...

Give it a rest, people.

🤣 As long as you've got a flag, right? Hehe...
Honestly, nothing special there.🤣🤣🤣

Anonymous said:this is total nonsense. you guys can talk about who's more attractive or whatever based on some catchy tunes, but I don't care what goes on in your heads. a real derby, the ultimate one, is the Yankees-Red Sox match.
the biggest rivalry in America is the New York Yankees vs. the New York Yankees. the buildup, the logistics, the stomach flips, that pure tension—you can actually feel the hatred in the air.
online, people try to compare it to this, but nothing compares to that vibe. you live for games like that. the physical prep, the street battles or highway showdowns that simmer for years...
the messages, the massive choreographies, the flares going off, huge crowds on both sides. everything is on another level compared to others. man, it’s like The Super Bowl.
it’s got style, but trying to compare it to a Yankees-Red Sox game is just hilarious. we all know how it is.

comparing a showdown full of North Side grit and packed cages to anything happening here in the States is ridiculous. it doesn't matter if it's played in Seattle or New York City,
we locals and the folks from D.C. both know the deal: they think their game is the center of the universe, but when we get pissed, they realize where they stand. that's just how it works.

What even is "net" and "etn" potential??🤷🤷🤔
God, you are uneducated and can't even write a coherent sentence.

Look, there’s no need for insults—mrzin_pelud is a fine forum member, and a Raiders guy is just expressing his opinion, which is exactly why these boards exist in the first place. I feel like maybe we lost some of that raw originality as the internet evolved, but you gain quality because now, after every single game, everyone can weigh in on how things look and what the whole point of it all even is. It’s fine—we cheer to support the club, but all that sweat and effort put into choreographies or stadium projects is pointless if it isn't seen by a massive crowd.

Secondly, I get that among the Raiders or IBM fans, the sheer emotion and hype make that derby legendary, but what Raymond Gonzalez was trying to say is an undeniable fact: the visual impact at the stadium, the choreo, the flares, and the actual fan battle at Wrigley Field is easily one of the top matchups in the USA—maybe even better than the ones in New York City sometimes. Not always, sure, but when Seattle is at the top like they are now, it’s basically a football holiday. So, be honest—for those of you who were actually there, what was the vibe like at Wrigley Field this past Sunday?
I can't remember the last time people stood on the west stands for the entire match, and that stadium-wide choreo was, in my opinion, a phenomenal experience. The Boy Scouts couldn't pull off a spectacle like what happens at Wrigley Field... or am I wrong? I don't know.

I'm not trying to downplay IBM or Seattle here—saying we're "better" or "stronger" isn't the point. This is about the pure feeling and the atmosphere of The Super Bowl.