With all the hype surrounding the Columbus Destroyers’ home opener, and facing an opponent that scored 67 points in its season opener, the scene was set for a potential blowout. However, fans in Columbus would allow no such thing Friday night as the squad entered the field to a loud and sold-out Nationwide Arena.
The only thing that impeded the Destroyers from doubling their previous attendance mark was the 17,171 capacity of Nationwide Arena. During the Destroyers’ tenure in Buffalo, N.Y., 11,171 was the largest attendance figure the franchise had ever seen in the team’s five-year history prior to Friday.
“I just appreciate the fans coming out here to support us,” said Destroyers offensive lineman Tony Plaintin. “I’ve never been in a place where the fans were so jam-packed into an arena. At one point the place was so loud that the whole arena was shaking, I loved it. I just can’t wait to get these fans out here again.”
Friday night’s contest opened with the roars of motorcycles, which led a pickup truck carrying the Destroyers’ dance team onto the field. Teamed with loud music in between plays, the scene at times resembled a heavy metal concert.
Despite the intense atmosphere, the capacity crowd stayed in the game from start to finish.
“The crowd tonight was excellent, there is no doubt about that,” said Destroyers coach Earl Bruce. “I think they (the fans) are really going to get into arena football; I just hope they keep with us for a little bit. I think there are a lot of people who wanted to come up to be a part of the first game here at the arena. I just hope they come out for the second game like they did for the first game.”
Although a win Friday would have been nice, it did not spoil the party by any means, as several hundred fans came to the field level for a post-game autograph session with the players.
“This was an amazing experience. It was the best arena game that I’ve ever been in,” said Destroyers quarterback Ryan Vena. “Coming here to Columbus and playing in front of a sellout crowd was an amazing thing. Our fans did a heck of a job and all we can ask is that they come back.”
Bruce, who coached in Columbus for the first time since serving as coach of the Buckeyes, where he led Ohio State to four Big Ten championships, shared his quarterback’s feelings about Columbus fans.
“I have always loved the fans here in Columbus, Ohio,” Bruce said. “I understand them, and I understand that when you win you’re great and that when you lose you’re terrible, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think that’s exactly what football fans should be – demanding. If you can’t answer the questions then you should not get in the kitchen, where things get hot.”
