The Houston Dynamo announced Friday an expanded seating configuration for the club’s three supporter groups – Brickwall Firm, El Batallon, and Texian Army – that has been moved from the southeast corner of BBVA Compass Stadium to a new “Zona Naranja” in the north end.
The move allows for the growth of the groups, according to a team release, and was the result of a collaboration among players Will Bruin and Tyler Deric, Dynamo legends Wade Barrett, Brian Ching and Eddie Robinson, representatives from the supporters’ groups and the Dynamo front office.
“The new location and size of the upcoming supporters’ section enables us to grow by addressing a couple of major issues: size of the area and ability to be more inclusive to those that wish to participate in vocal support that previously required a season ticket or special wristband,” El Batallon member Manolo Gutierrez told HoustonDynamo.com. “Being able to fit more enthusiastic fans that want to be vocal and unified will help us to be louder, stronger and push the team forward when it needs a push—as well as a more intimidating to opposing teams and throw them off their game."
The supporters’ groups had maxed out their previous space, according to HoustonDynamo.com. The original supporters’ sections dictated that only full season tickets could be sold in those areas. With the move, the Dynamo will be able to sell partial season tickets and special individual game-day tickets in addition to full season seats.
“The supporters are a huge part of any game,” Bruin said. “They can change a game in an instant. The more energy from the supports motivates the team beyond belief and helps raise the play for sure.”
The new space also allows for a dedicated area for instruments and more room to create tifo displays.
“We plan on taking full advantage of the new location and size by being more inclusive to those fans which want to partake in vocal support,” Gutierrez said. “We also want to take advantage of our new space by bringing in more vibrant and large visual forms of support, such as banners, tifo, verticals, etc.”
