How long have you supported the Rapids?
I have been a fan since 1996. My family got season tickets and went to games when I was kid. I joined the supporters group around 2009-10 as an adult.
Since joining the fan base, what has been your favorite memory involving the team?
I have had a few memorable experiences over the years. Obviously one of the big ones was the team winning the cup in 2010. When I was kid I got to meet Ross Paule outside the locker room. He signed and gave my sister and I his cleats. Though at the end of the day, I think my favorite was getting to interview Tim Howard at the tailgate. A player known outside the Rapids fanbase, MLS, even the USA. The world knows that name and being able to bring him out to a tailgate and have a conversation brought the fans closer to the team than ever. That's an experience I still hear about from other fans and I got to be a big part of it.
Who is your favorite player, current or former, to watch and what made you a fan of them?
This is a hard one. I think all-time would be Balboa. He was just such a talented player on the field and as a kid he was, in my eyes, our All-Star player. He played with such passion. I'll never forget that bicycle kick goal he had. Still on highlight reels to this day. On top of that he's stuck around and continued to be involved with the Rapids and helped soccer grow in Colorado.
What is the most memorable game you’ve attended?
There have been many. Snow Clásico against the Red Bulls where Jermaine Jones made his debut comes to mind first. He netted a goal and an assist. Those bad weather games where you truly have to want to be there to support the team, those are the ones that have the most energy and create the best memories. You're freezing, jumping around just to stay warm and you dare not sit down. Players are playing in the worst conditions possible relying on sheer willpower and passion. Those are the games you get to tell stories about forever.
What makes C38 unique from other fans in the stadium and how would you go about recruiting a casual fan to C38?
C38 is the heartbeat of the fanbase in DSGP. We bring an energy that no other part of the fanbase in Colorado does. Supporter culture is something you have experience. There is nothing like it. Recruiting fans becomes easy once they come out and hang at our tailgate. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better experience in MLS or any other sport. We have great beer with tailgate food that is levels above what you'd find elsewhere. We bring out live bands and even have player appearances. It is an experience second to none as far as tailgates go and every year we continue to try and up our game.
If you could pick one moment in Rapids history to witness yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had been in Toronto for the championship. The experience at the bar was great but being in person would have been amazing.
What is your hope for the future of C38 and the possibilities of expanding the fanbase this season and beyond?
I want to see us continue to grow and to work with the Rapids to push what we do inside the stadium. Our tailgate is amazing because we've spent years growing and improving it. Our in-stadium experience needs to catch up. I want our in-stadium things to be pushing the levels that nationally and worldwide we get more recognition. Our tifo team does great work and with even more support from within C38 and from the Rapids we could do some amazing stuff. I want to see the C38 and the Rapids begin to create an experience that pushes new and old casual fans to want to get more involved.
What is your favorite piece from the new merch line?
It's got to be the black shirt with the crossed oars on the back. It just really spoke to me as a supporter.
