By: Connor Mahoney, Indy Eleven Communications
With the 2023 Indy Eleven season coming to an end in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the fans remained at the heart of the club with their support for the team.
“They’re a main reason this club is alive; without the fans, there would be no club,” Indy Eleven forward Sebastian Guenzatti said. “And I’m one of the biggest fans of my own team. So, I try to represent them the best way that I can. Every time we walk on the field, and we see them, on a rainy night, late night, and they’re there cheering us on, it gives us that extra push and motivation to step on the field and do the right thing.”
Season ticket holder and Indy Eleven supporter Travis Phelps has been going to matches since the club opened its first season in 2014. He is now a member of the Indy Eleven Century Club, which recognizes fans who have achieved over 100 appearances at home or away games. Phelps is one of the more than 150 members of the club that rewards fans of Indy Eleven’s USL Championship and W League teams. Back in September, Indy Eleven held a fan appreciation night, but Phelps feels the team’s gratitude throughout the whole season.
“I don’t feel we need a night for that; win or lose the players already do that,” Phelps said. “I’m on a personal level with many of the players. Frequently after games, they have told me thank you or shown appreciation. Fan appreciation night is cool and something that puts some focus on it [the fans]. But overall, most players seem to do that all year long regardless.”
Phelps said his favorite moments as a fan include Indy Eleven’s inaugural match, which fell on his birthday, along with Miracle at The Mike. Having previously supported a team in the MLS Phelps transitioned to supporting Indy’s hometown team.
“I’ve enjoyed how the team basically feels like a family,” Phelps said “The players are approachable… It’s more fan friendly. Players get to know you and you them. And that’s just something I enjoy a lot.”
Brickyard Battalion (BYB) member Amanda Wallace echoes the family atmosphere when speaking of the BYB. The organization helped lay the foundation for what the supporters are today, dating back to 2011 before the birth of the club. Supporting the club and the community, the BYB aims to create a strong atmosphere at games while coordinating community and volunteer events.
“We do what we can to grow the BYB and to grow the love of soccer in Indiana and gain more Indy Eleven supporters,” Wallace said. “We try and provide a good atmosphere; we try and support as much as we can. And then hopefully, the team can go out there and take on three points.”
In two seasons with the club, Head Coach Mark Lowry has seen how the mutual relationship has grown with the club and its fans.
“They support their team, in good times and bad times, so it’s always nice to know that they’re there for us,” Lowry said. “The communication between the players, the staff, and the fans has grown. The relationship just gets better and better. And I think it’s important to acknowledge that relationship with them because they are fantastic for us. And we want to make sure the relationship stays strong between the players, the technical staff, and the fans. It would have been great to get them more victories, but I know that no matter what, they’ll be with us through thick and thin, and I have a lot of respect for that.”
In between the posts, goalkeeper Tim Trilk has the unique position of having the fans, especially the Brickyard Battalion, right behind him, which he calls special.
“I don’t think there’s anyone better than the BYB, and I’ve even had comments from former teammates and other guys that come to play at The Mike, and they all recognize Indy as some of the best fan bases in the league…” Trilk said. “I look forward to [having the BYB behind me,] whether it’s the first half or second half, they’ve personalized [things for me] which is kind of a dream come true. And I’d be lying if I said that I’m not quoting them in my head, even just walking around my apartment every day. They can make all the difference in the game, so when we know they feel excited…they live those 90 minutes with us. So, we appreciate all their support, and we look forward to it every week.”
Guenzatti enjoys seeing the fans happy with the performances and when the team produces a big moment.
“When we score and see their faces… It’s really an honor;” Guenzatti said. “It gives you a feeling that you’re doing your job. Even when we lose, they are cheering us on after the games.”
Despite an early playoff exit this season, one thing remains true.
“We love you, and everywhere we’ll follow; that’s the most important thing,” Wallace said. “It’s on our away banner, and we really mean it. Indy Eleven is an integral part of our lives. And I think the message that’s on our away banner calculates that where you go, we will follow.”
