CITY HYPE: A Fan's Perspective, Chapter One

Chapter 1

A night in South Florida

Location: DRV Pink Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

     Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an Inter Miami CF match, which is actually in Fort Lauderdale. Before this I had never had the chance to attend an MLS match. I had tried many times before, but for various reasons I could never make it to one. As I approached DRV Pink Stadium that day, with music pumping through the warm early evening Florida air, I discovered what I was missing. Kids and families playing all kinds of games outside the stadium, and pregame energy flowing out from within the stadium filling the entire area with excitement, I couldn't help but to think forward to March of 2023 when our St. Louis CITY SC takes the pitch. The atmosphere in the plaza of the yet-to-be-named St. Louis CITY SC stadium will be absolutely flowing with the anticipation of fans in this city, known as America's Soccer Capitol. 

 As I entered DRV Pink Stadium, the sun began to set, and the bright lights brought an increased vigor to the already party like atmosphere. Music continued pumping, Inter Miami's pregame ritual was in full swing with their videos running on the scoreboard and their Inter Miami Crest flag being spread out and waved over the center circle of the pitch. When I finally took my seat, I couldn't help but to be drawn in by all the excitement that surrounded me. Fans were singing, cheering, and going all out to be a part of what would eventually end in a 1-0 victory by their beloved Inter Miami. It was such a great experience. 

As I was walking out to head back to my hotel, I couldn't help but take a look back and think about how amazing 2023 is going to be. I thought about a message I sent to a group of friends while watching the match and one of their responses. I said: "All I can say is wow! I hope it's like this when we begin in 2023" response: "It will be better!!!" - Matt Z. 

 Indeed it will Matt, indeed it will.

By Keith Smith