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My Initiation Weekend and First Time to a HSV Game (Shana Kennedy, New York City) As the President of HSV Fan Club-New York City’s girlfriend, you can imagine how much I have heard about HSV over the last year and a half (Although, due to the German pronunciation of H-S-V, I admit, I did not initially link it to all of the fan paraphernalia in his apartment). Before I knew it, I was staying home on Saturday and Sunday mornings to listen to the games and of course watch his excitement. Naturally, when Daniel asked me to go to a HSV game in March, I was delighted to finally see the real deal. One of the perks of going to Hamburg in March was the cheap flight we got. For just $202.00 plus taxes, we flew to Hamburg and back. Soon after we arrived at JFK Airport in New York City, we were told that Economy was over booked; therefore, we would be flying Lufthansa Business Class. I should have known something great was in store. At the time of our visit, HSV was 6th in the Bundesliga. During Saturday’s match, they were playing 4th rated Schalke 04. In knew it was going to be a good match for HSV and although Schalke 04 had a better rating, HSV always plays an excellent game on their home turf. Before going to the stadium, we all had to get ready. This involved finding and wearing as much HSV and HSV Fan Club-New York City gear as possible. On the ride to the stadium, I realized that this was not just my boyfriend being strange but something all real Fussball fans do. There were scarves hanging out of several car windows, flags across the rear windows, and people even more decorated than my boyfriend and his whole family combined. Upon reaching the AOL Arena, everyone wanted to get something to eat before the game because once the game starts, you do not leave your seat for any reason. I went straight to my seat where I heard the announcer welcome HSV Fan Club-New York City and saw a welcome message on the big screen also. I was so excited that I stood up by myself and started cheering. I got some great looks. The start of the game was an amazing time. With flags waving, people shouting, and the introduction of the players, I knew why Daniel was constantly talking about HSV and what he missed about going to the games. At sporting events in the US, we don’t do flags; in fact, they are banned in many stadiums. I especially liked looking at the other side of the stadium where the “hardcore” fans sat (except, we did have two cute “Westkurve” members sitting in front of us). I also enjoyed the singing of the HSV song, which I knew from the CD Daniel has. During the game, I witnessed HSV score three goals to win against Schalke 04 with one goal to move to 4th place in the Bundesleague. At the game I could participate in the announcer and fan conversation where he says the goal scorer’s first name and the crowd responds with his last name three times. I could also chant along with the score of the game when no matter what he score is, the other team has null. I was able to say “Bitte” after the announcer said “Danke”. I knew to do these things because Daniel does them at home. Needless to say, I was thrilled to have all of this happening before my own eyes and ears. The craziness there was a fever I have never experienced at a sporting event in my life. Following the game, we went to Modello, a restaurant in Hamburg for a HSV Fan Club-New York City meeting. This is where everyone retells the game over a few drinks and discusses club matters. One of the club matters was a new member (me). After Daniel asked me a few HSV standard questions and I told them why I wanted to be a member in Denglish, I was told to go outside while they made their decision. After about ten minutes, I was led back inside where I was told I was accepted. When I went home on the flight to New York City, I was different. I was a HSV Fan Club-New York City member, I had seen a HSV game, and I was wearing a HSV Fan Club-New York City hat.