PEORIA, Ill. - Bradley soccer fans young and old, past and present are invited to be a part of Bradley soccer history by joining the fan club Shea Brigade at its inaugural game Friday when the Braves host Western Illinois in their final spring exhibition game of the year. The group provides an opportunity for Bradley soccer fans to assemble in the dedicated “Headquarters” section of Shea Stadium to participate in “'Brigade” chants and cheers during home soccer matches.
The Shea Brigade is the culmination of project work completed by Bradley students in the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication. The group works within the existing Bradley athletics support group the Red Sea, but operates autonomously to include both Bradley students and Central Illinois soccer fans. Shea Brigade activity will include fan chants created for the Braves soccer fan base.
There is no charge to join the group. “If you're here (at Shea Stadium), stand with us and you're part of the Shea Brigade,” said sports communication mjor Anthony Sperando, a junior from Elburn, Ill.
Bradley Soccer Head Coach Jim DeRose voiced the anticipation surrounding the group: “We are incredibly excited about the student-led formation of the 'Shea Brigade' as Bradley Soccer's supporters group and the 'Headquarters' as their designated tailgating area prior to matches," said DeRose. "Soccer is synonymous with supporters groups at the professional and international levels, and to have such a group founded by our students is a great honor. The excitement that this group will bring to our games should create a tremendous home field advantage.”
The Friday matchup against Western will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a pre-game tailgate featuring free pizza provided by Bradley Athletics beginning at 6:00 o'clock. Tailgate fans are encouraged to provide their own beverages. A free shuttle will transport Bradley students from the Michel Student Center to Shea Stadium beginning at 5 o'clock Friday evening.
Shea Brigade shirts will be available to purchase for $5 at Friday's game. Admission and parking for Friday'se game is free. Shea Stadium is located at 1523 W. Nebraska Ave., in Peoria.
