skip navigation

Lights FC Fans Finding Their Voice

By CHRIS HOCKMAN - chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 05/25/18, 2:16PM EDT

Share

The Electric Company enjoying their support of expansion team


Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Lights FC has been an exciting addition to USL in 2018, and by playing in downtown Vegas the team has added a unique element around itself with an original jersey design, a mascot in Cash that screams the Entertainment Capital of the World, and, of course, Llamas. But one of the most notable elements at the games is their vocal supporters group, the aptly named Electric Company that has quickly established a supporter culture in the city.

“We are honestly still developing that and it is being molded as we go along.  Maybe by the end of this season, we will be part of the way there. It’s the journey, not the destination,” said Electric Company member, Jon Fish.

Starting a supporter’s group in a city that hasn’t had a professional team before and asking getting people to join up and support an expansion professional team is not easy tasks, but both started the same way these things often do, friends coming together to support the sport, and the city they love, often around some adult beverages.

“We started by just throwing out ideas of what we wanted the group to ideally be, which at the time is completely different than reality because we didn’t understand all of the hurdles that we would have to go over along the way,” said Fish. “Basically it was just friends and people with an interest in the sport getting together and spitballing ideas. The initial meeting was a rough outline, but really more of an open discussion.  We met up at Atomic Liquors and from there we just got to it.

“It would have been better in hindsight to just chat and meet new people, but live and learn.”


Llamas aren't only to be found in Lights FC's official team photos, with the club's fans embracing the unofficial mascots of the club in the stands. | Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

Starting anything new has its challenges, and that has been no different for the Electric Company, which had little to draw on in terms of establishing itself and creating a culture around the group. Those challenges are the same as can be found elsewhere, where time, work and energy aren't always in plentiful supply.

“Finding the time is usually the most difficult.  We had wanted to do a massive tifo before game one, but it didn’t come together in time,” said Fish. “The other part is just getting everyone on the same page with chants. We are now running two megaphones and capos in the section to make sure that people in all parts can hear what is happening and be in sync.”

Being in sync is always a problem in stadiums where sound can get lost amongst the big crowds, and for Lights FC that is no different. There is an added issue in that Vegas is blessed with two supporters groups, with the Electric Company joined by Luz Y Fuerza. Add in an in-game DJ that blasts music over the PA as well, and that can make communication amongst and between the two groups tricky.

“We are one of two groups for Las Vegas Lights.  We work with the other group, Luz Y Fuerza, to ensure that at any time during play one of us has something going,” said Fish. “It’s a work in progress, but we have made some significant headway from the chaos that was the first few games to where we are now.  Communication is key.”


In addition to The Electric Company, Luz Y Fuerza have helped produce one of the more vibrant atmospheres in the USL throughout Lights FC's inaugural season. | Photo courtesy L.E. Baskow / Las Vegas Lights FC

With any supporters group finding what makes that group special is a key thing to discover in the first year, for the Electric Company there was a clear plan, using Vegas as a backdrop. And as much fun the group has tried to open up for fans visiting Vegas from other cities across the USL, the way others have welcomed the Electric Company when they've followed the team on the road has been refreshing for Fish and his cohorts.

“Honestly, I originally thought our uniqueness would be how accommodating to away supporters we were planning to be,” said Fish. “But all members that have traveled have had nothing but nice things to say about other cities.  Our unique vibe may just be our pleasant oddness.”

The Electric Company has established itself as a fun thing to be part of at Cashman Field, and it’s not a closed club, with Fish eager to have even more people join in and continue the group's overall growth, and add to what's becoming one of the more impressive atmospheres in the league as a whole.

“Just show up on game days. Tailgate starts at 5:30 at the latest in the southeast corner of the stadium.  Say hi to someone and they will introduce you around,” said Fish.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos