Seeing Through the Eyes of a First Timer

For many of us by now, visiting Snapdragon Stadium to cheer on our team has become a ritual, a routine, a religion if I may. We understand the emotional joy of what many sports fans feel when they attend the live games of the teams they support. The environment of collective passion runs through the air and is shared by thousands in attendance. For many of us (including myself at times), it’s become a routine that feels as natural as having a nice cup of coffee in the morning. I still enjoy my coffee, however some of that “thrill of the moment” feeling has been muted. It’s not that I lose that energy when the game starts. I’m still shouting, singing along, screaming at my team for bad passes or tackles. I’m still jumping up and down with joy at goals and the fireworks that come with a win. But there are elements that aren’t triggered anymore. But thank the Azul y Chrome heavens that it was rekindled during the August 10, 2026 Leagues Cup game between San Diego FC and Club Tijuana Xolos.

My wife and I have a niece named Soraya. She grew up in Tijuana in her early life before moving to the United States. She grew up knowing that Club Tijuana was her team and when the game is on, she goes full on fanatic screaming at the television, cursing at the refs, and shouting to the top of her lungs “VAMOS XOLOS!!!” Such passion is very relatable I’m sure by many of you reading this. She did however kind of fell off watching the Xolos for a bit because hey, life changes and what not. But when the 2026 FIFA World Cup came around, she got sucked back in watching Mexico make that amazing run during the group stages. The sheer glory of the great Estadio Azteca revived an inner passion of pride and belonging. A sports team that represents her and makes her feel proud of her heritage. 

In one of our family gatherings, my wife and I discovered that she has never been to a live Xolos match or any live football game in general. With the kindness of my wife’s heart, she decided to offer our niece her ticket and for me to bring her to the Leagues Cup game to watch her team. Her eyes lit up with excitement. My wife is the kind of person who, when an opportunity arises, will try to make a family member happy. Besides, she’s been baby sitting our dog Sadie when we go to Snapdragon Stadium. She had no idea what she was about to experience. 

So matchday came and I told Soraya to arrive at our home by 2:30 PM so we can arrive at the stadium right when the parking lot opens. This way, we had all the time in the world for the Frontera SD tailgate party at the Purple Lot, the Fan Fest event held outside the eastern area of the stadium, checking out the team shop by the northeastern gate, and walking around inside Snapdragon. Lots of walking!! 

She arrives wearing her Xolos jersey with matching socks and hair ribbons. I knew from this moment, she was ready and that she was going to have a great time! As the kind uncle I am, I brought with me a cooling towel which was sitting in my tiny six pack cooler with ice and beer (Don’t worry she’s above 21 years of age), and that electric fan that goes around your neck. My parental instructions were to keep this on her so to make sure the heat doesn’t prevent her from missing a single moment. Mission Valley can get pretty warm especially in the summer of course. 

First stop, the Purple Lot. I introduced her to many of the friends I have made through my personal experiences including people who appeared on my podcast. Although she wore the opposing team’s jersey, she was greeted with the kindness and inclusion only one would feel in a family gathering. Many offered their time to talk and get to know her and supported her passion for the beautiful game. She was also surprised to see other Club Tijuana fans walking around in “enemy territory”. But she had her fill of freshly grilled Hot Dogs courtesy of Riptides, a shot of Mezcal from 18th Battalion, listened and sang along with songs from a band performing at the Barra 18 tent, and witnessed the pre-game chant ceremony of Chavos Ultra. The wonder in her eyes was captivating. She had no choice but to capture as many moments as she could with her iPhone. I could tell she really connected with the Members of Chavos Ultra. Although I am nowhere near fluent in speaking Spanish, I could tell in the joy in her conversations with them that she connected with their spirit. The smiles and welcoming manner of the members of Chavos who gave her that sense of belonging was nothing short of love. I could say it was exactly the same kind of welcoming feelings the Koreans and the England fans experienced in Mexico City during the World Cup. Nothing but love and common joy. 

We then headed towards Fan Fest. Many pictures were taken here. The banners of both Azul y Chrome and Club Tijuana by the stage was one where she had to make sure the moment was immortalized in her photo collection. We had our picture taken at the AT&T photo booth, Hung out in the season ticket beer garden, watch the kids play in the bouncy house soccer pitch, and took pictures with a man wearing a full on Xolos costume complete with a Xoloitzcuintle mask, and a poncho-looking top with frills and Aztec prints. Of course, the costume was all red. 

We proceeded into the team store where we looked around at all the jerseys, nick nacks, and other team inspired attire. We found a nice scarf with the date of the game, a print of the words “Leagues Cup” and with the crest of both teams. I decided to continue this amazing day for her, and grabbed the scarf and bought it for her as a souvenir. She was thrilled and had the gratitude of a child who just opened a Christmas gift.

Entering Snapdragon Stadium was a welcoming event. The last time she was on these grounds was when Qualcomm Stadium still stood tall and she watched a Chargers game. She gazed upon the lost artifacts that were parts of the old stadium. The old scoreboard, the flood lamps, the bronze plaque of the first base, the original blueprints of Jack Murphy Stadium, and the old bleacher seats which were scattered around that reminded us fans of what was. The first time she gazed her eyes upon Bashor Field, she dropped her Jaw, her eyes lit up, and was in a state of amazement. It was at that moment, something old awakened me. I saw and witnessed through her eyes and was reminded of my first time to witness all she had gone through. I was overwhelmed with excitement as if I was experiencing her joy for the first time as well. 

Finally we made it to our seats. She met the friends that my wife and I have made throughout our time coming to the games. I introduced her one by one and they all were truly excited for her to finally get to watch her first live soccer game. Then, the moment started. The Flow ball ceremony, the fireworks, the national anthems of Mexico and the United States, the walk out of both teams, the thunder claps to heighten the importance of the first kick, and Frontera SD’s unrelenting energy generated by their chants got her pumped up.

For 90+ minutes she screamed and cheered for Club Tijuana in a packed stadium of about 31 thousand attendees. She celebrated seeing Xolos’ wonder kid star Gilbero Mora. The gasps, the frustration, the joy, and unfortunately for her, the 1-0 end result with San Diego FC winning by a first half goal from our wonder kid, Brian Zamble was overwhelming. Finally the fireworks, and the Aerosmith song “Dream On” began, and the moment had come to a spectacular close. Walking back to the car, Blink-182 started playing and she sang along all the way to where we parked. When we got home, she shared her exciting story with my wife, gave us the biggest hug, and went home with her new scarf and a grin on her face that made us proud to be her Uncle and Aunt. 

Reflecting on this, I felt and was reminded of why I love this team. Why I enjoy going to Snapdragon Stadium. Win, lose or draw, the experience is what brings me back. I hope to never take a single moment for granted ever again. The passion, the amazement, the energy, all the emotions, and the incredible connections with other fans who morphed into becoming friends. All of this was worth every penny for our season tickets. As I laid my head down on my pillow, I too was smiling like I witnessed the beautiful light of God himself. I closed my eyes and heard the song buzzing in my head. “WE ARE SAN DIEGO FOOTBALL CLUB! OLE OLE, AZUL Y CHROME”.