Hustle Town Spotlight: El Batallon (EB)
(image via Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
Earlier this year, pre-Bayou City Soccer, we had the opportunity to chat with Mannie Gutierrez. Mannie is one of the council leaders of Hustle Town supporters’ group, El Batallon. We were able to get to know him and understand where the love of soccer began in his life and the passion to greatly represent the city of Houston, not just at Shell Energy Stadium on gamedays. We hope to be able to chat more with Mannie and other leaders of El Batallon mid-season to see how everything is going in 2023. You will be able to find that conversation in our Bayou City Soccer podcast feed. However, we wanted to give out the groups information so that if you would like to meet up, drink some Modelos, and hangout with the crew, you’ll find how to connect with them here.
El Batallon is one of the original supporter groups for the Houston Dynamo. They have been chanting and cheering on the boys in orange since 2006. El Batallon currently stand in the upper deck of the supporter’s section. You will hear the beating of the drums tremble through the corridors before the match as the group marches to their location. El Batallon is composed of multiple smaller groups or clicks, to better keep tabs of its group members. The group that you will quickly recognize is Los De Siempres (LDS). They are the heart and soul of the group as they are the musicians of El Batallon, playing the brass, hitting the drums, getting everyone hyped the entire game. Below are some of the things that you can expect by joining the group. La banda mas loca de Estados Unidos!
Home Gamedays
The group shows up early to pregame before every home match at Shell Energy Stadium. You will find EB warming up the lungs and vocal cords 2 hours before kick-off at their home base, Texas Tailgate, a short distance from the stadium. The group then walks to meet the rest of the Hustle Town supporters as they make their way into the stands. Be ready to give everything you have and more, supporting the hometown team for 90 plus minutes.
Away Watch Parties
El Batallon is working on getting back in the grove of things post Covid. However, they have big plans for 2023. They’re getting it started with a grand party on Saturday, March 4 at their home base for the away match against New England. The party starts at 2 PM, where they will have live music, drinks, food, raffles, and games. Track their social media for information on that event and any future events during the season.
Away Day Trips
Trust me when I say that whether the result is a win, loss, or a draw, there is nothing more rewarding than supporting the club that you love away from home. El Batallon plans out away trips throughout the year, Austin and Dallas are always on the board. The group will have a few members going to the season opener against Cincinnati and are planning other away trips for 2023. Check with them for more details.
If the group appeals to you, and you think you can be rowdy for the entire match, waving flags, chanting at the top of your lungs, or playing an instrument, then join them! Check out their social media accounts, reach out and get more information on how to meet up and get to know El Batallon and for the group to get to know you.
@BatallonEb on Twitter
@el_batallon_ on Instagram
@EBLaBandaDelDynamo on Facebook
