It could have ended perfect for Inter Miami in week 1 of the 2021 season, but a two-goal effort by Chicharito Hernández put a dash on a splendid afternoon which brought out over 8,000 fans to DRV PNK Stadium to witness a 5-goal thriller between Inter Miami and LA Galaxy. Despite the result there is a lot of optimism about the club moving forward and one thing Inter Miami will have going for them is support.
Home to three supporters’ groups, The Siege, Vice City 1896, and the Southern Legion, DRV PNK Stadium had a huge South American atmosphere for Phil Neville’s side. From drums to South American style soccer chants the whole stadium got behind the team on a hot day in Fort Lauderdale.
The MLS season is young, and Inter Miami have a few adjustments to make, one thing is certain, fans saw a glimpse of what this team can do, and Inter Miami fans will be a central part of creating the best atmosphere at DRV PNK Stadium to push the home side to victory.
The Supporters culture of Inter Miami
An Inter Miami FC fan prepares for their game against the Los Angeles Galaxy (Getty)
The South American “hinchada” (supporters) songs came down from the North End and really gave DRV PNK Stadium a unique atmosphere during the game. Fans were twirling their jerseys, holding on to flags, and lighting smoke bombs during the course of the match. The weather while hot was perfect for a party outdoors and the Inter Miami supporters really put on a show for everyone who came out to see the match.
So much so that fans who were in the other stands got caught up in the action and joined along in the songs and jumping up and down in the stands causing a noise factor that could be very unique for an MLS side. The side has a heavy Latin support as roughly 75% of the fans in attendance were Latino, from Colombia, Argentina, and other Latin American countries.
Something for everyone
DRV PNK Stadium has something for everyone, from the South American style supporters’ culture to an all American, go get a beer during the game, bar. Located near the North End is a Heineken Star Bar where fans can grab a cold one during the course of the game.
The stadium is at reduced capacity due to COVID-19 protocols and of the available tickets for matches at the moment, many of them are being given to season ticket holders who could not see the team last year, still there are single game tickets available for purchase although they are very limited and are going quickly.
Safety first
Inter Miami fans watching the game between Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy (Bolavip)
While still following strict COVID-19 protocols, items such as bookbags, large bags, and purses are not allowed at the stadium, parking to get into the stadium was delayed as temperatures were taken, nonetheless fans were excited about seeing their team play in front of their supporters.
Inter Miami has a lot of energy behind the club, despite the early growing pains of an expansion team one thing is for certain, Inter Miami has a lot of support and has yet to reach its true potential, playing in front of a sold-out stadium. The demand for tickets is through the roof and the club looks to play at full allowed capacity for their next three home games.
