ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Ahead of the Rochester Amerks season open Friday, fans started cheering the team on ahead of the game. They lined up outside the Blue Cross Arena, making it the place to be tonight. You don't have to have a lot of sports knowledge, but you don't have to, to know the fans of the Rochester Americans are legit. And to some, it was about more than just a game. 20:26:41 As doors to the Blue Cross Arena were opening, the adjacent East Broad Street was turned into a place for superfans. Food, a photo booth and a bounce house only added to the excitement instilled in fans. Long-time fan Taylor Ball's mom is a season ticket holder, but she came with grandpa. They both said the team and the sport hold a special place in their hearts. "Taylor played hockey when she was younger, and her sister did too, so we sort of grew up watching them in hockey bars, and it's still going!," George Winter. "I've watched this team grow and become more than just a hockey team, it's kind of family and community for the City of Rochester," Ball said. "So, we really enjoy watching them play and enjoy our season opener so special." And they aren't alone, everywhere you turned Friday outside Blue Cross Arena, you saw a jersey and face paint. Long-time fan Matthew Koerner represented the team in his hoodie. He told News 8 based on previous years' stats, the team went into Friday's game in good shape. "Well, the last two years, our playoff run has been so substantial. I mean, Jobst has been doing phenomenal. Brett Murray. I went to the Winter Classic last year," Koerner said. And the main message: "This is one of the best teams in the AHL. We've been around for a long time. And the logo's red, white and blue. Let's go Americans… Let's go!," Koerner said. And even though the Amerks did not win Friday's game, that did not dull the spirits of the fans. The Rochester Amerks will be back at Blue Cross Arena in exactly one week to face the Toronto Marlies.