It’s 85 degrees, the smell of carne asada fills the air as the sounds of DJ Junior begin to play inside the make shift alleyway in Carson, CA. You have just entered Thunder Alley. As much as it’s said that the Chargers allegedly have no fans, you would never believe that if you stepped inside the charged up community center that is Thunder Alley(Also worth noting that many of the critics of the Chargers simply won’t write about or even go to Thunder Alley as it doesn’t fit their narrative, but I’m not here to expose the liars today). Whether it be the happiness you get from enjoying a homemade michelada from Mama Bear or one of the many pop tents that provide free food to all that pass by, you would be hard pressed to find a tailgate that is as hospitable as Thunder Alley.

The idea was first sparked(ZIIIING) from a BBQ in Elysian Park before the first season in LA between Thunder Alley leaders Brian Bolts, Johnny Boltpride, and Manny from Boltrachoes. The thought process was to bring the flavor of San Diego tailgating to one main area at the new temporary arena in Carson. Brian Bolts, who’s tailgating experience from H3 at Qualcomm Stadium was a major factor in the creation of Thunder Alley, says that it was important as a fan base to “continue the tradition” of being one of the best tailgates in America. When asked what the experience of seeing an idea he was a part of was like, Brian enthusiastically replied “It’s extravagant, being at Thunder Alley is so much fun that it gets addicting.”

Entering it’s second year in Carson, the tailgate has its perks outside of the great community that resides inside of it. For one thing, come winter, the loyalists to the Bolt brand don’t have to bundle up for the cold. When November(or Philvember as I’ve been lovingly calling it for the past couple of years) comes around, you’ll still find a majority of the community grilling in shorts and Charger jersey tank tops. Until you’ve experienced a full winter, you’ll have no idea how underrated it is to have an endless summer at a football tailgate(sorry Bills Mafia).

And then there’s the variety of characters that fill Thunder Alley. From Guillermo “Chargers Warrior” to Brian Bolts, there is no shortage of super fans that have lined up to fill the spot of the legendary Boltman. One of those super fans is Rudy “El Cargador”. Rudy, who is from Chicago, only gives high praise to the tight knit community in lot 11. “My trips to Thunder Alley are always an unbelievable experience” says El Cargador, “Even though my wife and I are from Chicago, we’re treated like California family. The energy at Thunder Alley is incredible and the fans make the experience an unforgettable one. I highly recommend that anyone who is attending a Chargers game stop by Thunder Alley and say hello to everyone.”

In closing, a lot has been said in the past 48-72 hours about the state of the Chargers fan base and a lot of it has been said by people who simply weren’t at the main hub of the Chargers community. I challenge all from Scott Kaplan to Marty Caswell to come to Thunder Alley for a game, talk to the fans, see past your bias. Shout out to Die Hard Bolt Club, Boltrachoes, 5 North Bolt, and all the Chargers fan groups that make Thunder Alley great. Long live the Bolt Family.

#BoltUp

– Chris

Twitter: @ducksNbolts