For the second time in as many matches, the Nordecke supporters' section of Crew Stadium is sold out.
For Saturday's match against Toronto FC, more impressivesly, supporter tickets for the match sold out early Tuesday afternoon when the Nordecke doesn't typically sell out until match day.
The growing supporters' culture surrounding the Crew has been charging ahead a full steam since the uniting of different groups such as Crew Supporters' Union, Hudson Street Hooligans, Buckeye Brigade, La Turbina Amarilla, Yellow Nation Army and Murderers' Row to show the world that Columbus was the undisputed home of the U.S. Men's National Team during the States' 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Mexico at Crew Stadium.
A driving force in the burgeoning collaboration has been the #TifoSweat movement. Over 150 Crew supporters spent countless hours preparing the "HOME: History, Heart, Heroes" display before the match featuring Crew and USMNT icons Brad Friedel, Brian McBride, Frankie Hejduk and National Team Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann that was unveiled just before kickoff of the qualifier.
The enthusiasm and drive has carried over to the Crew's 2014 season as both ends of Crew Stadium took part in #TifoSweat's "RISE" tifo before the Black & Gold's home opener against the Philadelphia Union on March 22. More projects are in the works as the 2014 season charges on.
Not only is the Nordecke selling out and turning heads with tifo displays, but the groups are growing steadily as well. Membership in both Crew Union and Hudson Street Hooligans is pacing significantly ahead of previous years, and the Ohio State student-based Buckeye Brigade has seen strong growth since its inception in 2013. With club legend and Brand Ambassador Frankie Hejduk serving as a the figurehead of sorts for supporter culture, the Nordecke recently began a march to the match to ensure the Crew Stadium atmosphere is rocking well before kickoff.
The growth hasn't been limited to just Crew Stadium. Over 100 supporters traveled to the Crew's 2014 season-opening match at D.C. United to show their love for the Black & Gold behind enemy lines. More trips are expected this season to Chicago, Toronto and Kansas City.
The Nordecke will surely play an advantage in Saturday's match and every home tilt this season. It's not too late to join the movement. Check out TheCrew.com/supporters and #TifoSweat for more information.
