Photo illustration by Anthony Mendolia
Ultras Montreal
Habitat: Sections 131 and 132 of Saputo Stadium, behind the west goal
Visual Identification: Their blue-and-black accoutrements include Ultras-branded clothing, with a sharp-looking dragon logo worthy of a Khaleesi.
Defining Characteristics: The Ultras have been around since 2002, dating back to the Impact’s NASL days, and they’ve emerged as one of the league’s most energetic groups.
Songs and Calls: They boast of 30 different songs and chants they can cycle through during the entirety of a match’s 90 minutes, including “C’est ici que je vis” (“This Is Where I Live”), adopted from a poem about Montreal (with lyrics that have also been displayed via tifo during matches).
127 Montreal
Habitat: As the name indicates, they’re in Section 127 (or “Le Coin”/”The Corner”), after inhabiting 217 in their inaugural year back in 2011.
Visual Identification: A 127 Montreal scarf is de rigueur for this group.
Defining Characteristics: 127 describes itself as a more relaxed, but no less dedicated group, of supporters than the Ultras, and their support extends to pre-game tailgates, away watch parties, and even a camping trip each summer.
Songs and Calls: They don’t have specific ones unto themselves. They note, “We have to follow the Ultras, because they have more than us, sing louder, and sing all the time.”
1642 MTL
Habitat: They’re directly behind the east goal in Section 114.
Visual Identification: To spot them, look for blue-and-black scarf-wearing fans (some celebrating specific Impact players) surrounding the iconic North Star Bell — which they contend is helping them represent soccer in what they term “a hockey-crazed city.
Defining Characteristics: Now that the “Drogba Legend” banner has been returned to Stamford Bridge, it’s all about the bell. Also, if you see a banner in the east end en francais, they’re likely responsible.
Songs and Calls: The North Star Bell is jubilantly rung following each Impact goal and after every Impact victory.
