by For the most part, College Football will return to normalcy for the 2021 season. So it is officially time for a quick reminder on how to carry ourselves on game days.
Because we have gone one full year without a normal game day experience, It is officially time for a quick reminder on how to carry ourselves on game days. Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong way to be a college football fan.
Wake Up Call: Minimum Four Hours Until Kickoff (All times are EST(because west coast time sucks))
Non-negotiable, you have to be fully awake and fully buzzed before you head to the stadium or to your local bar of choice. If your team has a primetime game (3:30 or 7:30,) you are allowed to sleep in for another hour or two.
However, don’t be the hometown hero. Watch the full slate. You have to warm up the palate before your game. Raw-dogging a primetime game is like not stretching before athletic activities, you will be confused and hurt yourself.
Picking Out The Fit: Don’t overdo it
After your shower beers, it’s time to pick out the game day fit. It is incredibly important that you don’t go overboard. DO NOT be the guy showing up in full uniform, it’s unacceptable and all your friends will hate you.
Now, obviously, this is weather dependent, but there is one uniform rule (get it?), and that is just dress like a normal person. A jersey and a hat are the most you can go, do not toe this line.
Pregame: The Perfect Balance
If you are still in college, you must, and I cannot stress this enough, find your sweet spot. If you have graduated, there is no balance, you are officially washed up. You are either drunk or you are not.
Many people confuse welcome-week as a time to explore campus or find new clubs or activities to join. It is actually the time to test your tolerance for Saturdays. Find the perfect time-to-drink ratio that allows you to still be coherent, but you definitely shouldn’t be driving a car.
Should We Go To The Bars?
This is what “that one guy” will ask as everyone is having a good time around at the meeting spot.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
1.) Let’s Go To The Bars!
WRONG! Now you have no money for the night and the vibes have been thrown off. You didn’t stick to the schedule and now you have to act on the fly.
2.) Let’s just Keep This Party Going
Everyone continues to have a good time and we are on schedule. You are making good choices so far.
Time To Head Out?
Do you want to see the band? Do you want to establish dominance in your section? Is it at least an hour and a half from kickoff?
Last call gang, time to head out.
Arrival
You have successfully made it through miles of tailgates and house parties. Your ticket is scanned, and your ass is in a seat.
Kickoff
The buzz is still going and it’s time for some football. Don’t be the guy who doesn’t have fun. Do the chants, be loud, and have a great time.
Halftime Scenario One: Should We Leave?
You are either distributing or being distributed an ass-kicking. The fake football fan of the group has seen enough and makes the “let’s beat the traffic” joke. This may be the “pregame bars” guy, but these two personalities are not mutually exclusive. Just ignore them and check the scores of the other games on your phone.
Halftime Scenario Two: Why Is This Game Close?
“What the hell is going on here?” you ask as you are beating up a group of five team by only five touchdowns. You nervously watch the band as you go through the scenario in your head on how we will cover this 50-point spread.
Halftime Scenario Three: We Are Going To Lose
Because you are a big fan, you stay in hopes of a great comeback. However, reality has already sunk in, and all your friends are starting to actually leave.
Final:
We Won!
If it is a rivalry game, time to rush the field and sing the alma mater. If it is just a random game, time to have a pleasant walk back home to plan the rest of the night
We Lost?
Obviously, there is an explanation for what just happened. Decide to yourself and your 500 Twitter followers what happened and prepare to have a game plan for how you will handle the rest of the night.
The Rest Of The Night: Wildcard
It is all dependent on the outcome of the game. Dictate the mood of the group, and work on a plan. But first, it’s time for a nap.
Do not forget to have fun. Gamedays are just an absolute blast. We had those taken away from us last year. Take advantage of these moments.
Even the times in which you are not having fun, it is such a fun time.
This brings back so many memories college hopping during football season in my early-mid 20s.. great article and soo true!