5 Things You Need To Know To Survive "The Wall" At Orlando City Stadium

Orlando City Stadium is home to the 3,811 capacity free-standing section called "The Wall." It's where you can find Orlando City's two supporter groups--the Ruckus and the Iron Lion Firm--singing, jumping and cheering for the Lions for 90+ minutes. It can be an intimidating atmosphere, and that's no accident. People who call "The Wall" the regular home are fiercely prideful and protective of it. It is truly a game changer, as many opposing players will tell you about their hatred and respect of having to play in front of it. If you find yourself with a ticket to a spot on the wall, you need to know a few CRUCIAL rules to make sure that you have a good time and earn the respect of your fellow supporters.

1. Don't. Stop. Cheering.

This is personally the most important rule to me. "The Wall"'s purpose is to fill the pitch with as much noise and momentum for our team as possible. I can say with full confidence that many games have been won/not lost on the backs of the supporters who refuse to quiet down. A person silently watching the game, not making any noise takes away from the overall atmosphere, and makes the others in the section have to work harder to maintain it. Don't be that person! If you don't know the chants or the songs talk to the Capo's located in the front of the section in the metal stands. They will be more than happy to help you and should be able to provide a chant card so you can read along. If that doesn't work, just try your best to learn as much as you can, and clap along with the beat. It's all about providing the motivation the boys need to get the job done.

2. No selfies.

We get it, you want all of your followers to know how much fun you are having at the game. But in the middle of the match is not the time to whip out your phone for a photo shoot. If you're taking pictures that means you aren't doing rule #1 and that means you are worthless to "The Wall"'s purpose. Take all the pictures you want before or after the game, but when the ball is in play, your phone shouldn't be.

3. Yeah...you may miss the game.

Sometimes, being in the supporter's section means that you don't get to see the game. Flags, fans jumping, and general mayhem will a lot of the time impede your view of what's going on on the pitch. You may even think it would be a good idea to tell the person with the gigantic flag to put it down because you can't see. You would be wrong to think that. You're coming into "The Wall" where flags and two poles reign supreme. If you are wanting to watch the game, check out the seats located in literally any other part of the stadium, we won't take it personally, promise.

4. Rep the colors at all times.

You'd think this one would be a given, but you'd be surprised. The occupants of "The Wall" all need to be wearing the team's colors, or at the very least not any opposing teams colors. And MUCH MORE importantly, no opposing teams kits, or the kit of any other soccer team period. "The Wall" is again a unified force of purple, and the locals will take offense to someone coming into it and repping another team. It's actually an official stadium rule as well.

5. Caution: Splash Zone.

If you are going to be in "The Wall," especially the 5-10 rows, you need to be prepared to get wet, sticky and just all around covered in a mass assortment of gunk. Water and beer often take to the air, especially during goals and extra special chants. Cups, napkins, hats, popcorn, you name it, it can and will be thrown and you may get dowsed. I was once hit in the head with a hot dog. It was awesome. Just be prepared.

Now I know that this all seems like a lot and you may be thinking "Why would anyone want to be there for the game?!?!" And to tell you the truth, that's totally ok to think that, and the other, safer, less rowdy sections of the stadium would probably be a better option for you. It takes a special kind of person to man the terraces and give their all for a whole game, at the expense of their body, voice and overall lifespan. But for those few who can, there is nothing like it.