There is a tradition in soccer, which started with warcries in 1887 in Scotland, of singing at soccer games. Most stadiums have a section either officially or unofficially reserved for die-hard supporters. It is rare, very rare, for any club to have a singing section that sings for a full 90 minutes (plus injury time). And yet, in Halifax at the Wanderers Grounds, there is one section that reliably belts out chants for a full match: Section 108 AKA The Kitchen. (The Kitchen is technically section 108 to 111, but for the most immersive experience 108 is where it’s at.)
One of Halifax’s most hidden experiences if you want a taste of what it’s like to be a true blue football supporter is also one of the best things to do on a summer afternoon. For those of us who have a pro team we’ve been supporting—like Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bristol City—long before the HFX Wanderers came around in 2019 to inflame local passions, we likely only get to watch them through the emotionally sterilized TV environment. Most of us can only long to be a part of our club’s supporter sections.
🎵🎵(To the tune of Hey Baby) “He-e-e-y Sammy Salter, I wanna know-oh-oh-oh, if you can give us a goal.”🎵🎵
The Kitchen is general admission, meaning there are no assigned seats, and the closer you are to Section 108 the more likely you’ll spend the game on your feet. For supporters of other clubs, especially if they’re in Europe, the Wanderers Grounds is a perfect place to indulge your super fandom of soccer during your favourite club’s normal off-season.
If you want to understand why your partner, friend or co-worker won’t shut up about soccer, the best way to understand where their passion comes from is to buy a ticket for The Kitchen, leave your inhibitions at home and sing your face off for the boys in blue.
HFX Wanderers home games for the rest of the 2022 regular season
Where: Naturally the Wanderers play all their Halifax games at the Wanderers Grounds field at 5819 Sackville Street in downtown Halifax, between the Public Gardens and the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, July 23 vs Edmonton
Time: 2:30pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $26
When: Monday, August 1 vs York United
Time: 3pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $27.85
When: Saturday, August 13 vs Valour FC
Time: 3pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $27.85
When: Saturday, August 23 vs Pacific FC
Time: 2:30pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $27.85
When: Monday, September 5 vs Cavalry
Time: 3pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $27.85
When: Saturday, September 10 vs Valour FC
Time: 3pm
Tickets: Available now, starting at $27.85
When: Saturday, September 24 vs Pacific FC
Time: 3:30pm
Tickets: Check here for availability
When: Saturday, October 1 vs Atlético Ottawa
Time: 3:00pm
Tickets: Check here for availability