In light of recent activity surrounding what will surely be forever known as “Plaquegate”, I’d like to quell any lingering frustrations over the matter.

First and foremost, I want to thank the combined ownerships of LCFC and the Louisville Bats for making this dream a reality. We get to watch soccer in a beautiful stadium for the foreseeable future. That said, upon hearing the news about the completion of the ‘Founding Members’ plaque, all LCFC fans, not just Coopers, rejoiced. This is something with a deep meaning for those who bravely purchased tickets for something that was only an abstract before our inaugural year. It was not our intention to ignite the flint that started the fire.

Moreover, we the fans were saddened to hear the owners could not find an amicable solution. In truth, LCFC has felt our presence before, over their initial logo and initial replica jersey prices. We took them to equal task and will remain the middle ground for all LCFC fans in the future. To call this a smear campaign is to dismiss the very individuals who are outraged and who are ultimately paying to enjoy the facility and experience the atmosphere.

It is my opinion, that our point of dialogue is from that of a consumer. We were promised something -something that meant unity, cooperation and something that felt very familial. New friendships have been forged by people who attended any LCFC game. In response, the city has written great press and has given LCFC much activity across radio stations and television outlets. To be fair, both ownership groups have gained tremendously from our attendance at these games.

What has transpired in the last 48 hours has become a fight over whether or not to paint one room a different color or where the end table should go. Ultimately, we the fans don’t have a say in these matters and to be honest, if the plaque does or does not get mounted, we will continue showing up to LCFC games.

It is of my singular opinion that muckraking is good for the public. We are by no means an Upton Sinclair or Jacob Riis. Further, there are no social injustices at hand; we’re talking about a plaque. My concern is that this argument is even being had.

Everybody is winning in this arrangement. The fans are simply asking for what was promised to them. We will not be halted by this story or whatever comes from it. This Saturday, we will still be out cheering on LCFC as they take on the Charleston Battery and their embezzling bookkeeper for control of second place.

To conclude, an an act of reconciliation we want to offer an olive branch to the Bats ownership if they felt we had taken our campaign out of context. Therefore, we would like to invite Mr. Ulmer to join us in the general admission section to play our bourbon barrel drums and accept a Coopers scarf at any of the upcoming matches. Our LCFC dream is due in part to the cooperation of the Bats and the city for allowing to take over Slugger Field.

– Timothy Clark
President, The Coopers