Chants, Rants and Circumstance
Story and Photos by Renee Ritchey, Columbus Wired (5/10/10) -

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They’re hot – they’re on fire!

Another victory for the Crew (3-2) over the New England Revolution gives the Crew fans something more to holler about, especially those in the Nordecke. It’s the culture of the sport and a way of life that brings the magical experience together for this close-tight community.

A German translation meaning North Deck, Nordecke can hardly be missed – just look for the section where there’s an abundant amount of fanfare with beating of drums, blowing horns and overzealous fans consuming a fair amount of beer while yelling profanity slurs to the opposing team. Unless you didn’t make it to the game, chances are you won’t miss them!

Amidst all the pomp and circumstance, I had an opportunity to meet a few energetic fans including Rodrigo Iglesias, a native of Uruguay, South America. He came to Columbus in 1998 when he was 14 years old and although he loves watching the Crew, he doesn’t have allegiance to one particular player.

“I don’t have one favorite, but I like to follow Guillermo Schelotto. At 37 years old, he’s still a great player and captain of the team, said Iglesias. “Uruguay doesn’t have a professional soccer team, so it’s nice to root for Schelotto who is from Argentina, a neighboring country”, he said.


Roughly 3,000 fans sit in the Nordecke, sections between 139-142. Many of whom are members of three organized support groups – the Crew Union, Hudson Street Hooligans and La Turbina de Las Amarillas. Although each group displays varied levels of expression in support, the Hooligans or HSH are known for their Rated-R banter in comparison to its counterparts. La Turbina de Las Amarillas, meaning Yellow Turbines, is largely made up of Hispanic supporters and favors a vibrant South American-style flair with drums and percussions.

Each have their own pre, during and after game venues. While the Crew Union likes the Fado Irish Pub at Easton, La Turbina can be found at Claddagh’s and the Hooligans, a little closer to home, typically gather at Ruby Tuesday’s Bar on Summit Street.

Rich Lee of Columbus has been a season ticket holder for the last four years. “I am not a member of any of the support groups but I like to sit with them all in Nordecke”, said Lee. “I get a bunch of my friends together and come to each home game. It’s always a good time”, he said.

The Nordecke welcomes any Crew fan – even if you’re not a veteran.

There were many newbies who were getting acclimated to the outrageous surroundings.

One of them was Alissa Doty, who is a native of New Jersey but now resides in Columbus.

“This is my first Crew game and I’m having a great time”, said Doty. “I came with my friends who are season ticket holders and have been coming to the home games for a while”, she said.

If you’re like Alissa and new to the Nordecke section be prepared to stand, stomp and scream for the entire duration of the game.

And a fair warning: watch out for spraying beer, streamers and confetti. If the Crew is having a great game, you may expect to get a little wet. I did.