The One with the Never-ending Line
Emma Sears chats with fans during the STH meet and greet at Noble Funk on March 10th, 2026.
Now that I’m covering both Lou City and Racing FC, I love to compare things about the teams from their playing style to their fits to their fans.
As the season kicks off, both teams have hosted Player Meet & Greet sessions for their fans. Nobel Funk did a fantastic job hosting each one, and though the events looked the same on paper, the energy was different. Racing definitely had some butterfly energy (thanks to the new mascot, Float, making an appearance), but that wasn’t it. I wish I had numbers so that I could quote the number of attendees or the number of STH (invitees) but my take on the events is purely based on vibes.
The Lou City vibe was Grandma’s house at Thanksgiving. Everyone was happy to be there, lots of love, but folks came in, ate, and hit the road except for the cousins who were left unattended, goofed off, and almost broke one of Grandma’s vases. (The Lou City players were the cousins.)
Racing was more of a Black Friday vibe, where people were beyond excited to get to in and didn’t mind to wait. And once inside, they SHOPPED. They were prepared with their cards, scarves, jerseys, and hats to have signed. They were excited to catch up with each player. I assume people are still standing in line.
Below are pictures taken at about the same time during each event for comparison.
Thirty minutes left in the event - Racing fans are still lined out the door.
Twenty minutes left in the event - Lou City players are relaxing until Coach dismisses them. There may have been some antics but I am not a rat.
I did manage to squeeze between fans for a few pictures and I’m happy to share those below. Remember these are free and easy to download. Enjoy!
Players had name cards to help fans recognize the new players and Katie O’Kane who is back to a beautiful brunette shade for her hair. I think my favorite look of hers so far is the silver last season but I’m hoping she tries out a lavender shade soon. She really can’t go wrong whatever her choice.
The players were photo and autograph ready!
Float was happy to pose for pictures with fans before flying off for another engagement.
Coach Bev pumped up the crowd before the players came out. She got halfway through a Mitch Hedberg monologue before the fans nearly trampled her to get to the players.
The original Lounatic connects with the last remaining player from the original ‘21 Racing team, Lo Milliet. He’s either sharing his awesome fan art or his latest PokemonGo catch, Pikachu in a baseball cap.
You just know this girl puts tobasco sauce on her eggs.
I’m not saying there was a bottleneck in the line but if there was…I’m looking at you, Lo! She is best conversationist and I’m insanely jealous.
Mood.
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