Is it possible to replicate football fan atmosphere from league or European matches to England national team games? Will Wembley ever enjoy the same consistent, vibrant, exciting environment around and at matches as Liverpool do at Anfield? Or United at Old Trafford? Or Newcastle at St. James' Park?
The thought occurred following BSM's most recent leg of the world tour, which saw the (brief) return to England, and matches at both Wembley and Anfield in the span of one week. Having seen England comfortably beat Belarus in front of a loud, eagerly participative crowd, followed by a disappointing Liverpool getting booed off the pitch following an added-time loss to Lyon, the question of fan atmosphere seems an important one to restoring Wembley's mystique and importance in the England football fan's heart.
Despite Liverpool's loss, and generally lackluster performance, the difference between the two venues is undeniable: while Wembley is a massive, open, imposing stadium which awes fans and players alike for its imposing size and dominance on the North London skyline, the atmosphere inside the stadium pales in comparison to the country's smaller, more intimate, more established league stadia. So what can be done to translate what many see as a defining characteristic of English football, the singing, cheering, deeply passionate fans, to the national stage?
Would converting the home end into the equivalent of a season ticket holders end for the most involved England fans, ala Liverpool's Kop stand, or United's Stretford End, make for a greater aura at England games? Is there some way to balance the lottery system used for England match tickets with building a more consistent, regular fanbase?
Could more be done to stimulate fan interest and excitement through the sign boarding and multi-media features within the stadium? Would a greater drive on behalf of the in-stadium entertainment crews make any difference in coaxing greater response?
Could sponsors do more to activate their partnerships with the FA and focus on making Wembley a more exciting, imposing venue? Could Nationwide take a page out of the old Winnipeg Jet's playbook and give away white England-branded t-shirts to every fan in the stadium to create a white-wash effect in the stadium?
What impact do the cheerleaders have on fan atmosphere at NFL matches? The NFL's annual appearance at Wembley rarely seems lacking for excitement and atmosphere, would England fans respond to such tactics?
The answers to most of these are almost certainly "no", or at the very least, "not without some serious negotiations/compromises/changes"... but the question remains the same, and we're certainly not the only ones asking it: what can The FA do to create a better fan experience at Wembley?
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