Cultural Impact

Since The 3252's inception, they have provided an authentic look into the rich culture of Los Angeles through its chants and the supporters themselves. But within this collective union lie several stories of cultural pride, ones that have united both communities and families alike through a newfound sense of communal support.

Daniel Chung, co-founder of the Koreatown-based Tigers Supporters Group, was inspired to create the group after being approached by his friend, Ben Chi. He spoke of a vision to create the first-ever Korean American supporter group in professional sports, something that had never been achieved in North American fandom. While initially hesitant, Chung saw this as an opportunity to help build a platform for cultural pride in the city where he was born and raised.

“How often do you get a chance to be a part of a club, a team in LA, from the ground up and build a culture and really direct where your group goes?” said Chung.

The group's formation was entirely organic, with several members resonating with its element of cultural pride. The Tigers started their first season off small with only 15 registered members compared to the 50 needed to be considered as an official supporter group. But unlike others, the established groups of The 3252 saw the potential within this small group of fans and welcomed them into the council. Since that first season, the Koreatown-based group has grown to over 160 members, cementing itself amongst the surrounding groups. For members like Chung, the union has helped build a platform for something much bigger than the game by creating a family where fans both old and new can come together and share their heritage, a bond that was deeply strengthened as the team further developed. 

“And I think it just really speaks to kind of how we are really about the culture, how we look out for each other, how we all support each other.” Chung shared. 

Located within the middle of The North End alongside the Tigers, the chest-rattling sound of drums can be heard echoing throughout the stadium as the heartbeat of Los Angeles, The 3252’s drumline, stands shoulder to shoulder alongside the other supporter groups. With several bass and snare drums filling the row, one in particular carries a deep sense of significance due to its roots in Mexican tradition. 

Drumline member Crystal Calvillo is one of roughly ten to carry the huehuetl, a tall drum used throughout Aztec ceremonies, that was first introduced to the union by her late father, Jaime Calvillo. Jaime was an original member from Guadalajara, who wanted to honor the city’s Mexican ancestry in a way never seen before.

From the beginning, Jaime and his son Cristian were the first to bring the indigenous element to the pitch. During BMO Stadium’s construction, Jaime was one of few fans to visit to ensure that the sounds of the drums could be heard loud and proud across the entire pitch. Since Jaime’s passing in 2020, the sound of the huehuelts has taken on a much deeper meaning for Crystal and The North End as it continues the legacy of one of the group’s most beloved members. 

“It creates this extra connection and line not just to the stadium, the team, but each other because when you play the huehuetl, the sound that it makes is a heartbeat, and it just so happens we’re called the heartbeat of Los Angeles,” Crystal said. 

For fans like Crystal, each game is not just about the team, but continuing a tradition established by her father, and after a short prayer before each matchday, she continues her father’s contribution to the everlasting pulse that is the heartbeat of Los Angeles.   

“[I]n order to connect on a spiritual level to people who have passed, you look inside your heart so for me … it is a way for me to connect to someone that I've lost,” she said. “It's become something that's so important to me and so precious because we are one part of a bigger whole but I get to continue on his legacy and honor him in that way and do what he loved to do every Saturday.” 

While many fans come to games for the star players and energetic atmosphere, what keeps members of The 3252 returning are the traditions, relationships, and stories shared each time they return to BMO Stadium. For fans like Crystal, each game is not just about the team, but continuing a tradition established by her father, and after a short prayer before each matchday, she continues his contribution to the everlasting pulse that is the heartbeat of Los Angeles.