Drinking with Supporters: Red River Rising

 

This is part of a series of brief interviews with members of Canadian Premier League supporters’ groups across the country. Each supporters group was asked the same basic questions, in an attempt to get a proper feeling for the similarities and differences that we’ll see from supporters across the country when the league officially kicks off in 2019. In addition, supporters groups were asked to provide a local beer, or a beer that best represents their group. As a result, these articles will have two parts: The Interview and The Beer.

The Interview

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and the group.

A. We are Red River Rising, the supporters group for the Winnipeg Canadian Premier League team. Our group was established in 2017, and believes in growing the game of soccer within Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Q. What brought you to Red River Rising and soccer, in general?

A. I think what all brought us all together to Red River Rising was our passion for soccer, and our hope as a supporters group to share that enthusiasm for soccer amongst our friends, and Winnipeg citizens as we grow a soccer culture within Winnipeg.

Q. Are there any values and supporter vision attached to the group?

A. Our vision is to be unmistakable in our identity at the stadium and in the community. We will leave a positive and lasting impression before, during, and after games. We will be a driving force behind the team.

 Our mission is to grow the game of soccer in Winnipeg.

• We will be the loudest voice for the Winnipeg team
• We will be the lasting image of Winnipeg supporters
• We will be the leaders in supporting our community and our team

Q. Tell us about some of the initiatives the group is involved in?

A. Some of the things we as a group have done includes monthly pub nights to increase further support. We have also been building our social media presence including a relaunch of our website in April as the announcement of team names and colours comes closer. Meanwhile, as a supporters group, we have been working with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers ahead of launch to help them become aware of the importance of how supporter groups can create a wonderful game day experience.

Q. With no Canadian Premier League teams playing in 2018, is there another team that your group has been supporting?

A. A year ahead of of the launch, we have gone out to support local soccer. Last November, we as a group went out to support the U of Manitoba Bisons women’s team as they were in the U Sports Women’s soccer championship here. This summer our plan includes going to a few WSA games and helping support the local game.

Q. What does your supporters group do (or hope to do) on game day to make it a more exciting match?

A. We are looking to help game days very exciting. We are planning to have marches to the game with drums, flags and smoke. We plan to be the loudest fans of the game with songs and passion. We want to ensure every fan in the stadium becomes a participant and help create the best atmosphere in the Canadian Premier League.

Q. Without a current CanPL team, how do you explain your passion to other people who may not understand the time and resources you dedicate to Red River Rising?

A. While we are currently awaiting with fainted breath for the Canadian Premier Launch, for us, building this supporters group is like building an extended family. We believe in a group that loves the game so much and want to see our passion spread onto others heading into the 2019 launch.

Q. One of the big question marks is where will they play. If CanPL launches a team in Winnipeg, in your opinion where would be an ideal venue, (or venue location if you think something new needs to be built)?

A. Currently, the Winnipeg team will be playing in the the same venue as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, IGF Field.

Q. When I contacted you, I asked that you send a local beer, or a beer that best represents the supporters of Winnipeg. You chose to send me a couple different beers. Why were these your picks and where could our readers go to try some?

A. As I don’t drink I had to rely on the group to provide some suggestions. We as a group picked a random selection of Winnipeg’s top crafted beers which reflect our local culture. This includes the critically acclaimed Fort Garry Brewing Company which has had a very proud tradition here. These craft beers are well known outside of the 204 area code and are a hallmark of the city based on expert analysis.

Q. Let’s face it, bars and pubs are definitely big for local and visiting supporters. Tell us a little about the pub or bar that Red River Rising prefer, and a place where you might recommend a visiting supporter to try out.

A. Currently we have our pub nights at Garbonzos near the University of Winnipeg in the downtown area It’s a nice pub which offers unique combined sports/university atmosphere which is well worth the visit. We also recommend Niccolinos, near the University of Manitoba an IGF Field. We as a supporters group had our first meeting back in January, 2017, and will likely be the pre-game meetup for our group for all home games.

Q. Besides the home supporters section during a match, is there a place that visiting supporters may be tempted to visit, but should actually avoid.

A. While Winnipeg is steeped in rich tradition, and some of the best heritage buildings in the city, there are some parts which are a little on the rough end, including parts of the North End. However, just like any other city, if you are careful you should be ok in the rougher areas of the city.

Q. Finally, how can people join your group?

A. We are on the web at redriverrising.ca, or our Twitter page at @RedRiverRising2 our our Facebook page.