ST. LOUIS — As the opening rounds of March Madness at Enterprise Center ruled the city of St. Louis, less than a mile away, St. Louis’ sole sport at home engulfed the sports community.
The St. Louis City SC (1-0-3) of the Major League Soccer (MLS) hosted the New England Revolution (1-0-3). With a 3-1 final, the City picked up its first win, and behind that was an atmosphere comprising an electric fan experience.
“Mostly I’m happy for the guys and the staff,” head coach Yoann Damet said. “It’s about them. It’s not about how I feel, it’s about how good they can be and what they can do.”
Beyond the final score, the fans, band and team captured the pure dedication to and admiration of sports that this city has. The City’s emphasis on inclusion held a pivotal role in what makes the fan’s decision to attend so simple.
From the State of Missouri pride flags to the country flags of Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Ghana, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Venezuela, the inclusivity began before the game.
That inclusion carried on to the national anthem, and all of the in-game hosts announcements were accompanied by an American Sign Language interpreter for every message.
As the seats nearly sold out, Energizer Park fans came ready for all things 80s. The team hosted an 80s night game with a velcro wallet giveaway and appearances by former St. Louis Cardinal Ozzie Smith and cover group Dr. Zhivegas.
Prior to the game’s start, the entire stadium held a moment of silence for midfielder Eduard Löwen’s wife, Ilona Löwen, who died following her battle with brain cancer.
“The feeling I’ve gotten in this group, with those players, with this staff, within this organization, is like the feeling of a big family,” Damet said. “It’s not an easy time, but at the same time, we gotta do everything we can to show support and the love. The feeling is quite special.”
A moment of silence was not the sole moment of community within Energizer; fans and staff members wore grey to honor brain cancer awareness. At 7:51 p.m., nearly 20 minutes into the first half, the stadium was taken over by grey signs with a centered black heart with IIona’s initials inside.
This powerful sense of community and support skyrocketed the fans’ role in the game, as they held deep and dedicated roles throughout the entire match.
From the first through the third City goal, the fans came prepared to celebrate. The fans chanted “S-T-L” and clapped to the beat of the band’s drumming. Once the goal song ‘Midwest Swing’ by the St. Lunatics came on, Energizer Park became party town.
The celebration didn’t stop at auditory sensations; red powder took over the stadium and players celebrated in ways to represent their family or did penguin-like slides as they embraced the fans.
“I changed my celebration a bit; instead of for M3, I put my second daughter’s name in the celebration, so now it’s ML,” City midfielder Marcel Hartel said.
The band established the role of energy by playing songs the entire match, like “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore. Behind the fan energy is Energizer Park, 100% supported by renewable energy for all game day operations.
With the constant sound, the fans stayed engaged, shouting “shoot it” on corner kicks and erupting during a scuffle between the Revolution goalie Matt Turner and City forward Simon Becher.
That carried over to fans who were quick to throw the ball back into play as soon as it reached their hands. Additionally, fans made full use of the sections with railings to stand throughout the entire match.
The entire experience of a St. Louis City game encompasses all aspects of sports that drive this fanbase to a level of support that fuels a competitive advantage. Energizer Park and its fan base are shaping a stadium that opposing teams will come to dread playing in.
