FRISCO -- It might have been a windy and cold Friday evening, but that didn’t stop FC Dallas fans from simply tightening their scarves and getting their first look at the club in 2013 at Friends and Family Night.
Fans were able to participate in a variety of different events and booths including: pictures, food and a speed kick challenge. While the younger fans gravitated towards the games and pictures, the more seasoned fans were all business.
“No, we just came to watch the practice,” said Kate Schaefer, who was with her husband Robert.
This season will be the Schaefer’s seventh year as season ticket holders. Robert was optimistic about the direction the team was taking in 2013, particularly with the newer players.
“[I’m] interested to see how they do in MLS and would love it if they were killers on the pitch,” Robert said.
Father and son, William and Ryan Walton are also season ticket holders and wanted to scout the new team.
The team trained for an hour and a half on the FC Dallas Stadium pitch in front of the fans.
“We came out here to see the new signings,” said Ryan. “I like the Fernandez signing. Keel is gonna be a good one. I think the team got a lot younger so I like that.”
While 2013 will be the first year as a season ticket holder for Grayson Hall, his friend Chris Moreland has had seats for three years.
“I wanted to see Brek Shea and Loyd,” said Moreland. “And just to watch the whole squad.”
While some fans were unsure what to expect from the new mix of players, others voiced their loyalty to the club.
“I support my club so I’m okay with where we are at,” said season ticket holder Clay Warren. He also took a green screen photo in the River Club of himself with the team.
After the practice session, fans were given an opportunity to meet with players to get autographs.
The River Club by WinStar World Casino quickly filled with people happy to meet the players they just saw out on the pitch.
"This is a special event," said head coach Schellas Hyndman. “ No professional organization can exist without our fans. We know how important our fans are to the success of the club."
