What can I expect?
The Nordecke is where over 3,000 of your fellow fans gather to support our club, in full voice and color. It's loud, it’s proud, and it’s a party. Expect songs to be song, dances to be had, and flags to be flown amongst other things. All in the name of good fun.
Where are the actual seats?
You may have noticed that there isn't any traditional seating. That’s because the Nordecke is a “Safe Standing Section”. Here you can stand, chant and dance with an uninhibited view, without fear of impeding anyone else's experience.
If you do need to sit and take a breather, there are options at the top of sections 124 and 125 of the Nordecke.
How does one join The Nordecke Supporters Collective?
Did you know that in the Nordecke, there is an organized governing body also called The Nordecke? They are an organized 501c(7) non-profit organization that oversees supporter groups, organizes pregame festivities, coordinates the match day experience from the section, and is very involved in the Columbus Community. Learn more here!
What is a supporter group?
Supporters' groups are usually centered around a core group (who tend to have executive control over the whole group), with smaller subgroups organized by location, friendship, or political stance. Supporters' groups tend to use various styles and sizes of banners and flags with the name and symbols of the group. Some supporters' groups sell their own merchandise such as scarves, hats, and jackets. The resulting culture is a mix of several supporting styles such as scarf-waving and chanting. A supporters' group can number from a handful of fans to hundreds, and often claim entire sections of a stadium for themselves.
What are the traditions of the Nordecke?
The party gets started with the Match Ignitor, the individual that signals that it’s about time to kick off.
Oh, and by the way...the group loves to sing. They bring the noise with songs and chants starting with the opening number of “Wisemen” to the Terminator drum beats on dead balls, to serenading the team again with Wisemen post a win/draw. The tunes are brought to like by the Nordecke Drum Corp, Nordecke Brass and the Capos.
The Jackhammer squad brings the hype and leads a unique celebration on goals. All of these elements plus more create one of the most unique home field atmospheres in the league.
What's up with the smoke?
You might have heard we like to pop smoke? You heard right.
During moments of celebration--Match Ignitor, goals, and wins--we deploy smoke safely in by supporters who are trained to handle capsules. The smoke is deployed in 30-second bursts.
If you do not wish to be a part of the smoke, feel free to step out of the section into the Tipico Sportsbook Biergarten for a quick beverage and bite while everything is going on.
What is Tifo?
During special occasions, The Nordecke Creative Department (TIFOSWEAT) will create giant banners of art display before the match. Some of them can span the width of the section and be as tall as a two-story building. Truly, it’s a sight to behold.
What is a capo?
You might notice individuals at the bottom of the sections with bullhorns. Those are your capos. They set the vibes for the match, lead the chants and orchestrate a ton supporter activities.
How do I get involved?
Want to become a capo, drummer, a member of TIFOSWEAT and more? Reach out to supporterrelations@columbuscrew.com or the Nordecke at communications@nordecke.com.
Stadium FAQs
Click here for the Lower.com Field Matchday A-Z Guide, complete with stadium policies and helpful tips to make your experience the best possible.