There was a sea of Claret and Blue outside the MetLife Stadium ahead of West Ham United’s Premier League Summer Series opener against Manchester United, as fans flocked to an incredible tailgate hosted by the NYC Hammers.
Following the New York fan party at the iconic Smithfield Hall pub in Manhattan on Friday evening, the Claret and Blue faithful were back out in force a day later, with representatives of several Official Supporters’ Clubs in attendance.
As well as singing Bubbles, meeting new faces and sharing stories, the supporters enjoyed games, food and drinks before heading into the ground to get behind their Irons heroes.
Colombian Hammer Gio said: “I love the colours, I love the fans when they make noise and plus Edson Álvarez, Guido Rodríguez and Lucas Paquetá are playing there and I like the South American players in West Ham! I’ve been following the games and wake up early and watch the games and I’m a big fan of the Premier League, whatever time it is!”
Nio Escobinas and his father Richie had travelled just a few miles from Clifton, New Jersey. Richie said: “This is bucket list material! We couldn’t dream of seeing West Ham play live! We went to the American Dream Mall and met Areola, Füllkrug and Souček, who we normally only see on TV, so that was just surreal. Now we’re going to join the New Jersey Hammers!”
Evy Kazansky from the Bronx, who also enjoyed pie and mash in New York City on Friday, said: “I’ve been following the Hammers for about five or six years now. I’ve been to London Stadium and I just love the stadium and the fans and really want to root for them! I love soccer, I play soccer and seeing my team live and be around fans who enjoy the same thing is a special feeling. I just enjoy soccer and the atmosphere it brings and supporting a team!”
Tim Lynch from Jersey City explained: “My great-uncle grew up in East London and I was over there 15 years ago looking for a team to support. We were in the Championship and I jumped on board and it’s been a ride ever since! This is cool to have West Ham down the street from where I live. It’s exciting to see so many people out to see us here.”
Dan Feeney from Rochester, New York, said: “I am a fan because of the Iron Maiden connection and Steve Harris. I follow Iron Maiden all over the world and when I was looking for a club to support it had to be West Ham! I try to come over to London Stadium once a season for a game and obviously it’s a six or seven-hour flight, so it’s great to be able to drive to a game for a change!”
Boston Hammers member Ryan Walsh, from Massachusetts, enthused: “I was born in Boston and moved to London, then moved back, but when I was there Dad’s best friend was a Season Ticket Holder, so it went from there! It’s nice to be here in the West Ham community and among our own. I collect soccer shirts and I’ve got about three to four hundred replicas and about three hundred match-worn or match-issued West Ham and England shirts, too!”
To find your local Official Supporters' Club, click HERE.
Following their clash against Manchester United in New Jersey, that kicks off at 7pm EDT on Saturday, West Ham are set to take on Everton at Soldier Field in Chicago on Wednesday and AFC Bournemouth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta a week on Sunday.
Tickets for both Summer Series games remain on General Sale HERE, with supporters now able to save 20% on select seats by using the code PLSS20.
