The motto of the ‘Pid Army and the Class VI, two of the biggest Colorado Rapids’ supporters groups, is "No Fan Alone." They’ll be living up to that by hosting five separate viewing parties across the state for the big game Wednesday against Real Salt Lake (9 pm ET, Direct Kick, MatchDay Live).
Typically, the groups host one viewing party for each Rapids away game, usually at a bar in downtown Denver. That can make it difficult for people who live in other cities across Colorado to get to the parties. With a game as big as the one against the Rapids’ Rocky Mountain rivals, organizers wanted to make the viewing party experience more accessible. As a result, there will be viewing parties in Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Pueblo and Littleton in the southern suburbs of Denver.
“The viewing parties in Denver have always been great with very nice turnouts but, for people who live far away from Denver, it can be a trek and people often vote to stay home rather than drive there,” Josh Vaisman, Class VI secretary, told MLSsoccer.com. “So, for the big match against RSL, we decided that, rather than make everyone drive to the party, why not bring the party to the people?”
Wednesday’s viewing parties extravaganza will be the third major event the supporters groups have held this season. A week before the home opener March 19, they staged two preseason parties in Denver and Fort Collins, raising money for the Red Cross and Japanese earthquake relief. The guest of honor that day at the Denver party was Rapids’ defender Kosuke Kimura. A few days later, the groups also hosted visiting Portland fans in town for the Rapids-Timbers game.
The Real Salt Lake road trip is usually the one that attracts the biggest number of Rapids fans to actually make it to Utah and watch the game at Rio Tinto stadium. But with the game falling on a Wednesday this year, a lot fewer Rapids fans will be making the trek. The viewing parties offer a more accessible option to take in the game.
Full details of all the viewing parties can be found on the supporters groups’ website at nofanalone.com.
