Earlier this year, the National Women’s Soccer League announced that Portland would host the 2018 Championship Final. The potential for record-breaking crowds— and how the atmosphere of Portland soccer games looks and sounds on television— was undoubtedly a major part of the decision. After the previous two Finals (held in Houston and Orlando) posted attendance figures around 8,000, the league knew they needed to stage a blockbuster event in order to cement the growth of their organization.
Championship Final Weekend was a surreal experience. As Portland fans put on a show of support for their club, they fostered an environment that in some way shape or form that many want to emulate for their own clubs— lively, large, and loud.