The Red Bulls supporters Viking Army SC are set to take flight at this year’s National Red Bull Flugtag in the nation’s capital on September 21. This year, National Red Bull Flugtag is one event happening in five cities across the US on the same day starting with the DC metro area, Miami, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Long Beach, California.
Pronounced FLOOG-TOG and meaning “Flying Day” in German, Red Bull Flugtag has been injecting fun into a mode of transportation that we often take for granted and making every day people pilots with their own ability to get airborne for 22 years. Groups of five submit an idea for a craft they believe can fly over water, build it out over months, think of a funny dance or skit and try their best attempt of getting some serious air in front of thousands of onlookers. Many will attempt, few will “rise” to the occasion. The current US record stands at 207 ft accomplished in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2010.
The famed supporters are battening down the hatches and getting ready to set sail in a Viking ship, no doubt a fitting theme for the South Ward supporters. This year marks the second time in which the Viking Army SC will take part in this festive, fun and quirky event; and they feel the bar is ready to be raised.
Last year in Philadelphia, the Viking Army SC craft soared a total of six feet off of the 30 ft platform that jutted out over the Delaware River. Admittedly they knew that their Flintstone-themed craft, baring New York Red Bulls pride, would not go the distance. As for staring down the Potomac River in 2013, these experienced Red Bull Flugtag flyers will look to seriously improve their piloting skills.
The hardest challenge the team will face will be building a craft that is light enough to catch some actual air but made of cost-effective materials.
“Our favorite part about Red Bull Flugtag is the design aspect that lets us explore our creative side,” said Viking Army supporter Kevin Webster. “Also, the day of the actual event we can get crazy and just have fun.”
If you’ve ever seen the South Ward on game days, then you know it shouldn’t be hard for this group to go crazy and have fun.
The building of the aircraft is a team effort, in which 13 of the loudest supporters are combining their skills, utilizing their resources and making teamwork a priority to take the Viking ship from start to finish. Driving this year’s effort even further is the fact that fellow MLS team and Red Bulls rivals D.C. United will be piloting a team on their home turf. Show your pride for the Viking Army as the rise to the occasion by supporting them on the New York Red Bulls supporters page here.
Follow the Viking Army SC’s build progress on Twitter to see their progress, offer advice or just cheer them on @VikingArmy_SC.
To learn more about National Red Bull Flugtag DC and how to purchase tickets to the event at National Harbor on September 21, please visit www.redbullflugtagusa.com.
