The next morning we woke up in our hotel rooms, feeling slightly less than
100% fit... It is fortunate for Ross that he did not even think about taking
any pictures at that stage, as it would likely have resulted in the camera
being inserted someplace painful. A careful breakfast later, we were beginning
to approach normal operational levels. Our supply of beer was completely
packed into my backpack (it felt heavy enough at least) and we set off
for the tailgate party.
A group of Galaxy fans (including our friend John Dack) had organized a
fan bbq in the spirit of Fans are Friends, and done it amazingly well:
covered seating, large amounts of food and more than enough drinks. Extremely
professional! Granted, they had a large number of helpers, but everyone
was impressed (and well fed).
The weather was fantastic for the tailgate party, mostly sunny and warm.
It turned wet later that night, but by then everyone was inside the stadium
anyway. A great time was had by all, especially me after I ran into a Claymores'
fan who had brought a bottle of single malt Scotch! He was extremely generous
in sharing it with me as well.
|
The bbq was extremely well organized,
don't let the smoke fool you.
|
Single malt Scotch?!
My hero!
|
As you can see, the weather was just perfect for a party like this. |
I was extremely surprised when the Bowlhunters from Berlin suddenly presented
me with a home-made Thunder helmet. Apparently I had mentioned how much
I liked their headgear when they were in Amsterdam for the Thunder match
and they had promised to make me one as well; I guess as a thank you for
my hanging out with them at the ArenA (and getting them photo-ops with
our cheerleaders, who were busy signing their new calendar!). I really
appreciate the gift: Thanks guys!
|
The transfer of the helmet.
|
Thanks again guys! I love it.
|
Still some Scotch left!
|
A party where I can drink Lagavulin straight from
the bottle can't be anything but great.
|
|
We chatted, ate and drank as the afternoon wore on. We met up with some
more friends and some interesting fans. And finally I got my hands on our
World Bowl tickets. Phew! Now nothing could spoil WB2000 anymore. Not even
a loss... I guess it has at least this advantage: when your team isn't
in the final, you can't lose the game.
|
Finally! Tickets!
|
Garbage arrives in style.
|
Another mascot!
|
Little Al is way cooler, obviously.
|
Whatever you might think of Kleinmann...
|
This is a really nice jersey!
|
It was finally time to enter the actual pregame party. We had finished
our supply of bottled beer so they'd let us through the gate without taking
it away (and I could carry my backpack again). The party just continued
there. We met up with a group of Admirals' fans and I was actually able
to join in a game of fan-football! Ross missed it completely, apart from
the last few plays where he took over at center. I did pretty well as WR
and CB. And Doug as referee earned Ross' prize for 'most gigantic holding
penalty that was completely overlooked'. Hopefully I get to play in a few
more games like this in the coming season. I just love football.
|
Hey, get your own girl...
|
That's better.
|
The always present Phil.
|
Amazing how these guys keep coming to games.
Would we be so loyal if we lost our team? |
A decent amount of Admirals' fans had made
the trip as well.. |
 |
 |
 |
If you haven't seen this guy at a match, you must have never been to a
game with the Admirals in it. He is always there. One of our own rare legends. It helped that his wife was responsible for the cheerleader's make-up for years, but make no mistake, this is one dedicated fan! |
Ah, some true idiots... eh... fans. I did promise topless pictures, didn't
I? In week 1 during my Scottish tour, it only stopped raining to make room
for the hail. I caught a very nasty cold over there, but still there were
some fans who stuck to their plan of creating their own living banner.
If only some cheerleaders would follow their example...
|
 |
 |
A new generation of Monarch fans!
|
It's ChembrO, my fellow banner maker.
|
Some more Dutchies.
|
Even more orange fans!
|
Gosh, have we finally developed a solid core of
travelling fans?
|
Not as solid as the blue core fans of course.
|
Obviously, the predominant groups were Fire and Galaxy fans. Fire were
there for obvious reasons and Galaxy were there because it was a Frankfurt
WB and of course they could support a team playing against the Fire. Even
if they didn't wear purple. A small, but encouraging amount of Dutch fans
had made the trip, as well as the ever present Monarchs contingent. The
Bowlhunters were there to represent Berlin and John and Montse had come
all the way from Barcelona. But of course the most fanatic (in a good sense!)
were the approximately two hundred Scottish lunatics. Fans! I meant fans.
|
Can't go to any Scottish matches without tripping over Bill (the one with
the hat).
|
Obviously a good vintage, this German beer.
|
Scared yet, kids?
|
For a suitably generous amount of money I could
be persuaded to remove this picture :)
|
Just so there are no hard feelings, here is me looking
like an idiot as well :)
|
And again...
|
With a jersey like that, you won't ever need a flash.
|
Either the most dedicated, or just the most stubborn
group of fans. But the London fans certainly have earned some respect!
|
In memoriam.
|
*sigh*
|
Since I am putting together this story, I can put as many pictures of myself
on here as I want. Just in case you weren't certain if I was enjoying myself...
|
Was I having a good time?
|
You bet!
|
Wheeeeee!
|
If you think that's a wide smile, you should have seen her after the final
whistle... |
I always get a bit sad when the WB party finally draws to a close. Perhaps
because it's never my team that gets on the field at game time (apart from
once, long ago). So it always gives me the feeling that the WB is over.
Still, there was plenty of action once we found our seats and some of it
even happened on the field!
|
It only started raining after we had taken our nicely
covered seats. Great timing, Scotland should take note! |
Not a 100% full stadium, but close enough.
|
Bet our cheerleaders were wishing they were back in
their nice and dry ArenA! |
Yup, still enjoying myself!
|
More than our favorite Knoten owner was, at this point...
|
Some more worried Fire faces here.
|
I did promise topless pictures... |
I just never said they were cheerleader pictures... |
Ross and Garbage are obviously having a good time.
The clowns :) |
Booo! Put those shirts back on! |
Unfortunately, this was the point Ross' camera ran out of power. That's
his theory at least. Me, I think it just couldn't take any more topless
Velberters.
Well, that's it for WB and season 2000. Personally, I thought it was a
blast and I sincerely doubt that we can top it in Amsterdam at World Bowl
2001, but it won't be for lack of effort on the Trench Crew's part! Now
go and do something productive. I bet you were reading all this on company
time, weren't you?
-TonV
Oh yeah, almost forgot: the Fire won the game in deserved and deciding
fashion.
Back to the fanparty story.
If you have comments or praise or perhaps some pictures we might enjoy seeing, send us an email.
|
