I attended a Build the Brickyard event at Loughmiller's dowtown last night, and the turnout
was great! So great, in fact, that I had to share a space with some Reuben-loving strangers who were kind enough to offer me a seat at their table near the front, as it was pretty much the
last seat left. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your
long-term perspective), Juergen Sommer was doing some things out of
state for the USSF, so I wasn't able to corner him into an impromptu
interview. Luckily, Peter Wilt was available, and was gracious
enough to grant me a half hour or so of his time. I don't fear any
hyperbole in saying that I was both proud and honored to have been
able to speak with the man one-on-one.
After stepping out onto the patio and
sitting down, Peter stared off at the skyline as I hurriedly fumbled
for my tape recorder and laptop. As I was doing so, he said, as if to no one
but himself, “What a beautiful city we live in.” A few months ago
I may not have agreed. But just like anyone else who's spent even a
few minutes with the man, I'm starting to see things from his
perspective. Below is our interview.
[DISCLAIMER: As some of you already
know, this is my first foray into the blogosphere. I openly admit
that I have no idea what I'm doing, and I'm just making this thing up
as I go. I haven't settled into my style yet, and this interview is
no different. I've never done any of this before, so if my questions
seem convoluted, overly-complicated, or just plain stupid, please
forgive me. Like Dan Savage would say, “It will get better.”]
ELEVEN HEAVEN: Juergen stated at the
last Build the Brickyard event that Indy Eleven doesn't plan to
create an academy, but that you'd partner with local youth leagues.
Can you elaborate more on your plans for that and give us an idea of
what you aim to accomplish?
PETER WILT: It's really early on. Right
now, we're trying to focus on Indy Eleven's first team. I think
reaching down and starting a U-23 team is a big, big step. If we're
able to pull that off with an NPSL team, I think that's a very good
start in the development program, and that's all we can commit to
right now. Other than that, we'll do what we can to make all of the
youth players in the area better, and be a resource to all of the
clubs and all of the coaches. You know, when we put the team together
and we end up with our roster – 25 guys or whatever – [that will
be] 25 more people that know a little bit about soccer that can maybe
help grow the sport in town, and maybe help coach some teams and be
involved in the development of the game here. Each of the guys will
have a role in giving back to the community and teaching the game to
younger players. Down the road we'll look at other opportunities to
grow the sport, and if there's something that makes sense, we'll
embrace it. If not, we won't.
EH: You have a reputation as being very
fan-friendly, especially with supporters groups. You've even written
numerous articles on building a sense of tribalism and loyalty within
a fan base. And we've seen the kind of effect that supporters groups
can play in terms of international recognition with teams like
Portland and Seattle. With that in mind, can you give us an idea of
what role you expect supporters groups to play in not only the
expansion of the fan base, but also the club's identity?
PW: The supporters groups are the
lifeblood of the team. It's in their vibrancy and their connection to
the team. On and off the field, they are what makes the team
successful – if it's a strong supporters group. If it's not, it's
really hard to have a successful team without them. At the home
games, on the field, when the players see the supporters group, it
can inspire them. Both the size, and the noise they make, and the
passion. It can inspire them to work harder, play harder, and be more
successful. Off the field, we've been so fortunate to have all of
these voices of support who are influencing their group. It's not
just the 1800+ Brickyard Battalion members, but it's all the people
they affect when they talk about Indy Eleven. It's their network of
influence. For some people, maybe it's a couple dozen people. For
others, it's a couple hundred and others, a couple thousand. And it
adds up. And supporters, when they talk about Indy Eleven, have a
sincerity and a credibility that a paid staff member or a player can
never have. Because the staff are coming from a biased viewpoint. (long pause) You
know, sometimes I feel like we haven't misstepped yet. I know we
have, but...
(I interrupt his train of thought here with my
skeptical facial expression, and add “Yeah, I don't think so.” He
laughed and nodded, as if to acknowledge that perhaps, no, maybe they
haven't misstepped yet.)
At some point we'll make a
misstep. And if we do mess up, I want our fans to be angry. I
don't want our fans to be apathetic. That's the worst thing.
If the fans are pissed, that means you've got a little bit of their
heart and soul, and you're doing something right. If you piss them
off too many times, you'll lose it, but worse than antipathy is
apathy. And that's really what we're trying to avoid. The fact that
there's this much passion already about a team that, in many ways,
doesn't exist – we have no players yet – is a credit to the
community that wanted this so much. That they're willing to support,
what at this point, is a logo and a name. I can only imagine what
it's going to be like in eight months when there are players filling
those jerseys.
EH: As a member of a BYB affiliate, I
think I speak for everyone when I say that we're all incredibly
excited about what we're building together. The supporters have come
out in droves, and the level of involvement and passion has been
truly inspiring. We're creating something literally from scratch, and
that's something you have a wealth of experience with. What advice
would you give to BYB members and their affiliates as we continue to
shape our culture?
PW: Well, the part I left out from your
last question is that we're trying to create emotional connections.
It's a tribalism you mentioned, where the fans feel that the athletes
on the field are representing them. And if that's the case, then this
will be a team of the community, by the community, and for the community.
And it will be successful – whether it wins or loses a particular
game or a particular season – it will become a representation of
Indiana on the field. The supporter's role, in my mind, is literally
that. It's to do, say, and feel things that will make this team more
successful. Support the team. Help them achieve its goals. And
its goals are to win championships, and make Indiana a better place
to live, work and play. So if the supporters think of that as their
role in every action they take, it will make their actions and
decisions easier. You know, a couple simple examples: Should I learn
the chants and sing loud?
EH: Yes!
PW: Will that help? The thought process
shouldn't be “it will make me cool, thus I will do it.” It should
be “it will help the team win, I will do it.” Now, should I take
my shirt off and run out to the middle of the field during a game?
EH: No!
PW: “Will it help the team be
successful?” should be the thought process. And in that case, no,
it doesn't. All I ask of supporters is to do what their name is. And
that's to support the team. And supporting the team doesn't always
mean agreeing with management or the coach or players. Sometimes
supporting the team is voicing displeasure. Hopefully in a respectful
way, but respect is a two-way street and it has to be earned. If
management, coaches and players don't respect fans, then in my mind,
they've lost the right to be respected back. But if we're respectful
and treat the fans right, and we fail - in any way - the fans should
absolutely let us know. And not be happy about it. And change has to
happen at that point, one way or the other.
EH: That sort of leads to my next
question. I know that many supporters, myself included, are hoping to
create the unique and kind of rowdy atmosphere that all great
supporters groups are known for. There's a veritable cauldron of
ideas being posted online, and it's growing pretty clear that Indy
wants Carroll Stadium to be crazy on match day. Are you aware
of any NASL rules that prohibit certain forms of...shall we say, fan
participation?
PW: (laughs) There are no NASL rules
that prohibit specific actions. Obviously, local police and fire
departments have their own rules that dictate what you can and can't
do.
EH: I mean more along the lines of
drums, smoke bombs, and singing not-so-family-friendly songs. You
know, your typical “rowdy atmosphere” stuff.
PW: Certainly any instruments, like
drums, will be accepted in some parts of the stadium and not in
others. Traditionally in supporters sections, they're allowed, and
they'll be allowed in supporters sections at Carroll Stadium. And in
certain areas throughout the rest of the stadium, they won't be. And
that's just common sense for the fans. What's enjoyed and accepted in
the supporters section – not only in Indianapolis, but everywhere –
sometimes isn't in other sections. That segregation of rights and
policy will be in place throughout the stadium.
EH: You mentioned
today that you've secured a deal for the sponsor on the front of the
jersey, can you tell us who it is or give us any more information on
that?
PW: No, we'll have a big press
conference hopefully in September to announce it, but we've already
made agreements with several. It's amazing. You know, I've never had
a situation before where sponsors are, on a regular basis, calling
us. They want to sponsor us, and it's wonderful to see.
EH: You said at the last Build the
Brickyard event that you want to have Indy Eleven games broadcast
locally. I thought your perspective on that was both logical and
refreshing. You said that you don't believe that broadcasting the
games live keep people from going to the stadium. I know that
probably every sports executive in Indy thinks you're mad, but you
argued that visibility actually builds the brand, and could perhaps
draw people into the stadium to experience all of the fun and
excitement they're missing at home. I loved that response. But we
know it's not as easy as just saying you want to broadcast the games,
you have to have a deal with a local network. Has there been any
progress on this front, and if so, can you reveal any details?
PW: A little bit. We've discussed it
with four major broadcast outlets locally, and they all have an
interest in it to varying degrees. We're seriously considering two of
them. And hopefully we'll make a decision, again, in the next month or so.
EH: So a lot of news coming in
September, it seems.
PW: Yeah.
EH:
Okay, last question. The fact that you're speaking with me right now
really illustrates how accessible and open you are. Most people see
this as a really good thing, but it certainly has the potential to
backfire. Given the outspoken nature of fans in Indy, and the
knee-jerk reactions of American fans in general, do you see yourself
always remaining this accessible, or do you feel there's a line that
you'll eventually have to draw?
PW: When I was a kid, in school, I was
a White Sox fan. I'm still a White Sox fan. And the owner at the time
was a guy named Bill Veeck. He's in the Hall of Fame as a baseball
owner and baseball promoter. And I was really upset once about a
managerial choice he'd made, and I wrote him a letter complaining
about it. I thought it was just cathartic to get it of my chest, and
I was shocked when, two weeks later, I got a response in the mail
from him. It was personalized, and he explained why he chose that
manager. He even addressed the points I'd made, and it made an
impression on me. Not that he'd made the right choice. In fact, I
wrote him back and said I still disagreed with him, and lo and
behold, he wrote me back and further cemented his viewpoint that he'd
made the right choice. But it impressed upon me the impact an
executive could have with a fan by simply responding, and I felt that
if I was ever in a similar position, I would make myself that
accessible. And through my 25 years in sports, I've always maintained
that viewpoint. I see no reason to change now, or in the future.
EH: Thank you so much for your time,
Mr. Wilt. I hope we can do this again some time in the future.
PW: Of course!
And that was that, really. There were
two gentleman hovering over us throughout the entire duration
of our interview – just waiting to have a chat with him. And it was
clear from the outset that this is a man in demand. In demand of the
people. And, by all accounts (especially my own), he truly is
worthy of such demand. And not just Peter Wilt, but Ersal Ozdemir
(with whom I had a brief, but inspiring chat with at the bar), Juergen
Sommer, and every member of Indy Eleven's staff. This is a group of
people that this city should be proud to say represents our state,
our community, and our club. You may not know it yet, but you
couldn't ask – or even dream – of any better.
I am hoping, and feeling optimistic
about, getting an interview with our head coach, Juergen Sommer very
soon. And perhaps I'll be interviewing players and even other
supporters in the future! In the spirit and philosophies of this
wonderful club of ours, I welcome any and all suggestions, criticisms
and critiques. Just like the header of this blog states: This is your
city. This is your team. And as such, this is also your
blog. And as I (hopefully) grow as a writer, interviewer, and
“ultra,” so too will our strong and passionate fan base. I really
can't wait to share in this wonderful and community-changing experience
with you all. I know Peter Wilt can't either.
Great interview, but I will challenge on oen thing: smoke bombs/flares. I'm excited to bring my daughter to matches as she gets a little older (currently 2, might be up for a match or two next year). But she has asthma and smoke can be a big trigger for asthma sufferers. That's one thing I'd like to NOT see at matches for that reason alone.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least I hope a that is taken into consideration at some point. It'd be a shame to make match day uncomfortable at best or not even able to go at worst for some fans with breathing issues.
I'm against flares, as they can be dangerous, but smoke bombs will most definitely be present. If you don't sit in/near the supporters section, there shouldn't be any problems at all. But, really, if you're bringing your two year old to the game, I wouldn't recommend sitting anywhere near the supporters section anyway. Unless you're one of those progressive parents.
DeleteWell then I hope none of the supporters int eh section have asthma. Or that the wind never changes direction and blankets other parts of the seating in smoke even if you're not near the supporters section. (Wind, how does that work?)
DeleteIt's a serious issue. I have 2 season ticket deposits, but if I go to games next year and find that it's unlikely I can bring my kid to matches for risk of her breathing, I may have to reconsider in the future.
Yeah, jdb, it appears you're probably going to have to reconsider. It's really a shame, especially since you're already a fan, but I don't think it's fair to ask an entire stadium to accommodate, at most, a small handful of people. This is what the atmosphere is going to be like, and we understand it won't be for everyone. Hopefully you'll decide to come anyway, but we understand if you don't.
DeleteIts a big enough stadium, I'd almost be certain sitting with the BYB would be an asthmatics worst nightmare, sitting elsewhere will be completely harmless! After all, city smog is probably bad enough, if she survives that, the stadium atmosphere will be fine!
ReplyDeleteAlso, FANTASTIC write up. I'm loving Peter Wilt more and more every day!
he's the real deal. we're incredibly lucky to have him in our city, much less leading our team!
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