Every fan base has, at some point during their season, held a discussion of whether or not it may be possible have a group of the most passionate fans centralized in one section.
The topic is a staple at least once a season for every professional sports franchise, but outside of soccer [or if you prefer, football] it never really comes to fruition. One could argue, however, that in Canada, every seat in every Canadian arena is one giant supporter section. But in the United States, its an idea that comes, grows some legs, but then fades away back into the thought caverns of the fans.
A group of New Jersey Devils fans seek to introduce a new tradition this Friday night, and surprisingly, the organization is behind them.
About a month ago, the idea floated out there, “Would you be interested in being a part of a supporter section at the Rock?” The question was posed by NJDevs.com member, Satan’s Hockey. A month later, with a warm reception by the users of the website, the fans will meet in section 209 of the Prudential Center for the debut of the Devils Supporters Section.
While they have not tabbed themselves with a name, the idea is simple, support the team, no matter how bad things seem. The rules are simple: You must be passionate, you must be willing to chant, cheer and do whatever it takes to generate some electricity into the crowd, and [most importantly] you must wear RED!
Fans who have never experienced the type of atmosphere which will happen in this section should not fear, as there are talks of creating chant lists, but the chants will undoubtedly be simple enough for everyone to join in. The organizers and members who plan on attending are also pledging to keep chants clean, and as free of vulgarity as possible.
Coming from a school where we had to build our supporter section from the ground up, I have seen the steps this will need to go through in order to be a success. There will be days where the fans will be scarce [UB vs. Kent State, November 2006, 14 fans in the section] and days when it will be overwhelmingly packed [Home opener, 1 year later, largest student turnout in UB history] but the members of NJDevs.com are on the right path and going through the proper channels to ensure it will have a fighting chance at working.
If you have nothing to do on a Friday night in December, and are looking to have a good, entertaining time, then you should seriously consider spending a few bucks and heading to the Prudential Center. You could witness the birth of something historical in section 209, or, if you so choose, could be a part of that yourself.
Go to the Official Thread at NJDevs.com for more information about the section, and how to purchase your tickets [at a supporter section discounted rate, by the way] and be a part of the 209 Supporters Section.
Let’s Go Devils!
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