Sparks Stadium isn’t a place I frequent often during the winter months. In my first visit back to the stadium to cover a game since early November, I encountered a parking lot full to the brim.

Typically, the only time I encounter a full Sparks Stadium parking lot is during the football season. I arrived about 15 minutes before the Puyallup Vikings and Rogers Rams were set to open their boys soccer season and had to circle the premises twice to find a spot.

Of all the sports I cover, soccer games typically draw the sparsest crowds. But that wasn’t the case as a large contingent of fans attended, including a boisterous Vikings student section and a slew of community members.

The rivalry for city bragging rights lived up to its a billing as the Vikings and Rams played an evenly matched game that resulted in a scoreless tie.

Rogers head coach JR Farias said games like this are something players don’t take lightly when they step on the field.

“Both teams played well and played really hard,” Farias said. “It’s always tough having to play such a rival in your first game, but I thought there was some quality play from both teams. There was a lot of really good set pieces and good plays.”

Spring is arguably the busiest time of year for high school athletics. Baseball, softball, soccer, water polo, tennis, track and field and golf are offered at the majority of the schools in east Pierce County and statewide.

That plays a role in the smaller crowds at spring events. Everyone, including the fans, are spread thin. That makes the surge of attendance at the Puyallup-Rogers boys soccer all the more impressive. Not even a steady downpour of rain could keep the fans away.

This is just a shining example of how great of a sports town Puyallup truly is.

Sports Editor Shaun Scott can be reached at 253-552-7002 or by email at shaun.scott@puyallupherald.com. Follow him on Twitter, @herald_shaun.