Photo taken by Ray Terrill
The Portland Thorns have consistently brought in impressive attendance numbers since the start of the NWSL. The atmosphere in Providence Park is electric and the support that fans have shown the Thorns is outstanding. A large of that atmosphere can be attributed to the Rose City Riveters; prominently featured behind the goal, singing and waving flags for the entire 90 minutes (and more!).
When did the group start and why?
Officially established in 2013; plans were made to have an SG in 2012. If Portland was to field a professional women’s soccer team, that team should have supporters. And the supporters should have a scarf, and a voice, and a name. hence, the Rose City Riveters were born.
What are some things that your group does on game day or before game day?
Our Match Day Drives are held for all home matches to benefit various nonprofit organizations, and we invest a lot of time in match day prep (painting, planning, etc.) Outside of the match day experience, tree planting with Friends of Trees, etc.
Where can people find you before/during the game?
Pre-match: Fanladen, our meeting place/107IST HQ at 1633 SW Alder. During the match: the North End (Sections 107/108, and we fan out from there)
What can people expect if they join you for a game?
They should expect views in the supporters section to be obscured with waving flags, and ears to be filled with chants which may get salty. We also stand all game long. If you’re in the supporters section, you’re expected to participate! It is up to us to make all that joyous noise to propel our team to victory. If someone urges you to sing, don’t get mad, get LOUD!
What is your favorite part of being in a supporters group?
Coming together to support our club is an incredibly special experience, filled with shared joys and frustrations, camaraderie, and devotion.
You can find the Rose City Riveters on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PDXRivetersSG and https://twitter.com/pdxrivetgear (for merchandise), Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseCityRiveters, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosecityriveters/ and on their website: http://rosecityriveters.org/
Be sure to check out their social media for more information on what they are doing for the club and community through their game day activities and beyond and if you are ever in Portland for a match, check them out in person!
