Congratulations to our August Season Ticket Member of the Month, Michael Thelen! Michael has been a Rams fan since he was 11 years old and attended his first game with his dad who had season tickets since the early 1960s. Michael's favorite Rams memory is watching the team beat the Chiefs 54-51 in the game moved last minute from Mexico City. To Michael, being a Rams fan is all about connecting with his family and he hopes to one day pass his tickets down to his son. Learn more about Michael below!
When did you become a Rams Season Ticket Member?
My dad had season tickets from the early 1960s. From 1980, he gave me his seats until the Rams left Anaheim. When the Rams returned to Los Angeles, I became a ticket holder when they returned and have attended both at Sofi and the Coliseum ever since.
Share your story on how you became a Rams Fan.
I saw my first game with dad in 1970 when I was 11. In 1979 I walked to games from my dorm at USC. I was lucky enough to go to Super Bowl XIII with my Mom and my brother. I took my son to Arizona to see the Rams when they were in St Louis. Now he's a fan!
What is your favorite Rams memory?
So hard! Finally beating the Cowboys in the '79 playoffs? Kurt Warner coming out of nowhere to become MVP in 1999? My personal favorite has to be seeing in person the Rams beat the Chiefs 54-51 in a game moved at the last minute from Mexico City!
What does being a Rams fan mean to you?
Being a Rams fan is about connecting to my family. Those games are some of my best memories of my dad and my childhood. Courting my wife at games in '93 and '94. Taking my son to Arizona when he was 5 and 6 years old. Hoping to pass my tickets on to him!
Who is your favorite Rams player past or present? Why?
As much as I loved Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk as players, my favorite is Jack Youngblood. Watching him almost will the Rams to Superbowl XIII on a broken leg was not only excellent football but personal courage that was a powerful example to me.
Do you have any gameday rituals? If so, what are they?
We get to the stadium early and watch other NFL games in the Club section. We also invariably take a pic with SOFI and the lake in the background. We also like to climb to one of the highest sections to eat lunch looking out over SOFI and people watch.
How do you show your Rams pride outside of gameday?
I can usually be seen around town in one of my many Rams hats. My Superbowl Champion license plate frame and we fly a Rams flag from our porch for big games. Those who enter our home will see the Aaron Donald football and McVay bobblehead on our mantle.
