Jackie Ming initially became a Houston Dynamo FC season ticket member for her son, who was an avid soccer fan in high school. However, even after he moved away to college, Ming decided to continue renewing the tickets, and some might argue her own fandom surpassed that of her child.
Now a decade-long member, the oil and gas software consultant splits the tickets with a former colleague who is a long-time friend.
“It’s cool because we are in different places and travel for work, so we don’t always see each other,” Ming said. “It’s fun to also bring old work friends to games, so we get to keep in touch. It’s also really fun to bring people to games who haven’t been and introduce them to soccer and how much fun the games are.”
Up until last season, Ming had the same seats in section 204, but wanting to be more in amongst the fanfare, she said they chose to move to section 104.
“We decided we wanted to be in the middle of the energetic crowd and be closer to the field,” Ming said. “We love the new seats. When you are close to the action, there is much more energy.”
When it comes to an all-time favorite Dynamo player, Ming said her mind went straight to DaMarcus Beasley for two main reasons.
“I just remember the consistent hustle and the sportsmanship,” Ming said of the former U.S. Men’s National Team standout.
As Ming continues to learn many of the new players that arrived in Houston over the past year, she noted that one aspect of gameday that can always be counted on is the fun and enjoyable atmosphere. From the entrance gate giveaways and the supporter group bands marching into the stands to running into old friends and acquaintances, Ming said matchday vibes at Shell Energy Stadium are hard to top.
“It’s exciting to show up early when there is this buzz and energy in the air and everyone is excited,” Ming said. “When we come a little early, there are so many people already lined up to go in the stadium an hour before the gates open.”
The Houston native admitted to having one main matchday superstition – parking in the same “super secret parking spot.” Although not for every match, Ming also said her matchday crew will sometimes arrive early to EaDo and grab a pregame drink and bite to eat from Huynh, a local Vietnamese restaurant. Ming also wanted to give credit to the upgraded food options inside Shell Energy Stadium.
“The concessions are fantastic this year.” Ming, who now calls The Woodlands home, said. “I like the changes they’ve been making. Instead of just the same standard pizza and hot dogs, you’ve got the tacos, the baked potatoes, the bar-b-que and everything else.”
Ming also noted other impressive updates to the fan experience at Shell Energy Stadium.
“The seats are fantastic,” Ming said. “We are really excited with our new seats. Providing the mesh seating versus the hard plastic, they are so much more comfortable. All of the upgrades have been great. I’ve actually started looking into the club seating.”
Jackie Ming will be honored as SeatGeek’s Member of the Match at Saturday’s matchup versus Austin FC as Houston Dynamo FC celebrate AAPI Heritage Night.
