On Mental Health Awareness Night, rising Phoenix fans salute the ability to connect with others

CHANDLER – Phoenix Rising FC’s 5-1 win over Las Vegas on Mental Health Awareness Night got fans on their feet and was a welcoming environment for many who felt isolated over the past year.

73-year-old season ticket holder Linda Robinson attended the match with her husband PJ on Saturday night and said she feels connected when she shouts and cheers with other fans.

“It’s such a point of sale where we can come and express how we are feeling,” she said. “The energy really allows you to open up because we are all like family.”

In 2020, COVID-19 forced many sports fans to cheer from their living rooms, leaving some watching alone or with just a family member.

In 2021, Arizona Mental Health America occupied 21 out of 50 states due to its 19.2% prevalence of mental illness in adults.

“The only salvation for me was that I had seven dogs,” said Robinson of her experience of staying at home. “I played ball with them twice a day. That kept me active and kept everyone out of anger.”

56-year-old Luigi Napoli drove over an hour to the Wild Horse Pass Stadium, which was 50% busy (around 5,000 fans), to watch football, a sport popular in his native Italy.

“It’s a whole different experience to see it in the stadium,” he said.

Napoli called the experience a “personal” one that creates a deeper connection with the team and spectators thanks to the sounds in the stadium, conversations with other spectators and the ability to speak to players.

Football benefits the well-being of everyone, regardless of their age, Napoli said.

“One of the best ways to continue to have a healthy body is to play sports, especially a team sport like soccer,” said Napoli.

For one spectator, his eyes were fixed on two soccer games as he sat in the stadium catching a glimpse of the promotion and a LIGA MX semi-final game on his cell phone.

“Being here and watching my team on the phone is exactly what I do,” said Luis Munoz.

Munoz, 33, said he saw two games because his team, Cruz Azul, made it to the final in Liga MX, the highest professional league in Mexico.

He saw the impact sport had on his child’s life. Without exercise and the opportunity to take part in events, his son lost motivation.

However, since the first home game this season, Munoz has had many positive moments – especially after a goal celebration – that have made many smile.

“It’s really healthy to experience that emotion when the team scores,” said Munoz.

Exuberance also came from playing the drums and screaming chants from the Los Bandidos support group

Rafael Sanchez, part of Los Bandidos since 2017, said that compared to last season – when members parked in front of the fence to watch the game – many are feeling a sense of belonging again after returning to the area behind the goal .

“Our passion knows no bounds,” said Sanchez.

The group’s ability to find creative ways to stay connected, including “cheering the team on on TV, buying a jersey, and participating in the group chats,” helped fight the loneliness many felt over the past year said Sanchez.

“For some of us this is like a second family,” he said. “Even if we can’t be there all the time, it’s important to have one day a week to feel like someone is looking after you.”

Governor Doug Ducey lifted COVID-19 restrictions on March 25, saying events that were attended by more than 50 people would no longer require government approval.

That means even more Phoenix Rising fans can play against San Diego Loyal FC on June 5th. The stadium will be fully occupied.

Additional articles from Cronkite News can be found at cronkitenews.azpbs.org.