Fans honk in approval at drive-in game
SAN JOSE >> Gary Quan and his wife, Emily, drove to Earthquakes Stadium on Saturday, as they normally do for Quakes home games.
But this time, they never got out of the car, even after arriving.
Their blue Prius was one of about 50 vehicles stationed just outside the playing field while the Earthquakes played the first professional sporting event in Santa Clara County since March.
With the ban on crowds in force, the Quakes developed a drive-in viewing party that allowed season-ticket holders to watch the game on the stadium’s giant video board.
Quan and the others paid $50 to be part of the unique cheering section, expressing themselves
by honking their horns and beaming their headlights at various points in the game.
Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the players.
“It’s different, but it was awesome to hear the horns honking, especially before the game, to be able to provide any sort of atmosphere,” said Quakes captain Chris Wondolowski.
Wondolowski accounted for the Quakes’ goal in a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids, scoring on a penalty kick in the 59th minute. It was his third goal of the season and the league-record 162nd of his career.
But the Rapids equalized in the 81st minute when Kei Kamara headed in a corner kick. It was his 129th goal, which ranks fifth on the MLS all-time list.
The Earthquakes (2-23) were originally set to resume their home schedule Aug. 26, but that contest
was one of five MLS games postponed that night when the players walked off to protest racial injustice.
“Obviously, it’s a weird feeling when you play in an empty stadium,” centerback Florian Jungwirth said.
“Nevertheless, it was really good to come home tonight. I think last Wednesday we were ready to go, but today was a special feeling for everyone. It’s a really strange and tough time, so you’re really happy for the little
things in life. That was definitely something that gave me a lot of joy.”
The joy extended beyond the field, beyond the players. One fan, Santa Clara resident Robert Mitchell, called the game a “Field
of Dreams situation” since he essentially drove to the middle of a field to watch professional athletes.
“I’m amazed at how much I enjoy this bizarre drive-in movie experience,” Mitchell said.
“It’s been strange to see the empty stands but still feel the sense of community with everyone around in their vehicles, even if we’re separated by plastic and rubber and a few foot of grass — or Astroturf, I guess.”
Mitchell and his wife,
Niccole, brought layers of clothes and extra water bottles and face masks.
He said that next time he would also bring hearing protection.
“It feels like everyone is driving in gas-powered vuvuzelas,” Mitchell said. “It makes me wonder if everyone on Coleman Avenue (next to the stadium) is swerving to avoid traffic that’s not there.”
It’s bound to be louder next time. The Quakes play at 8 p.m. Sunday against the Los Angeles Galaxy.