It's well documented I have a serious problem with going to games. It's well documented I went to all 3 DC Defenders games as well as most of the Redskins games, Nationals, Capitals, etc.
DC Defenders games were always a big thrill to attend. The family atmosphere outside the stadium was great, you were able to make your own shields and bring them into the stadium. The tailgating scene wasn't as good as FedEx but still you had your spots. I'll never forget the first DC Defenders game. Walk into Walter's, just want something to eat. Place was packed as hell. 3 hours prior to the game. Riding the metro, see all these football fans. Different jerseys for each person, from a different team. Patriots. Ravens. Eagles, Cowboys.
These people, a disparate mish mash of NFL fans, all united, on that day. For DC. For this city. And it was a great sight. Damn it, he's wearing an Elliot jersey. But he is a Defenders fan. So he is a-okay. For today.
The atmosphere in the park, from the people's section, was always a blast. Shit went on which would never go on in a NFL stadium. You saw the crowd of people wearing meme masks, one guy with the bud light seltzer helmet, another guy starting a beer snake with the "Beer snake starts here" sign...you paid 15 dollars and you stood right next to the field. You would never see thatin any professional NFL stadium. Those seats cost hundreds of dollars. Here, they cost 15.
The XFL was affordable, innovative, and took DC by storm from Feburary to March. It is a damn shame it was not allowed to last longer than it should have. Because let's not mince any words here, DC loved the Defenders and the Defenders loved DC and the atmosphere at Audi Field today.
This is truly a sad day.