Most people think that just showing up to the biggest game of the year and cheering on their team from the stands is enough, but I am here to tell you to not be one of those people! Just don't. Please. I’m begging you.
You must be wondering, Why isn't that enough? I'm showing up and dedicating my oh-so-precious time. Well here we go; you’re making me say it. You obviously have not experienced real fun! I mean, sure, you probably have been to some great concerts, had some crazy adventures with your friends, or even traveled the world. But that’s different. I guess I should clarify. You haven’t had real fun – in college.
The tailgating, the face paint, the school pride clothes (often including overalls or full bodysuits), the rowdy walk into the stadium, the insulting rivalry chants, and the game day spirit that fully evokes the “go hard or go home” mentality all make for one of the, if not the best, yearly experiences you can have throughout your college career.
But why, some ask. To sum it up, it’s the environment. You come together with students of all ages and spend the day getting so hyped that you feel just about ready to fight a bear by the time you walk into the stadium. Than you enter a roaring stadium where everyone is cheering for the same team and aggressively making chants to the rival. And trust me, the chants may sound dumb, but they are the best part, especially when you start one. Something about the way the chant echoes until the whole student body is united in cheering on your team and attacking the other, leaves one of the most satisfying feelings you will ever get to experience.
At my school, Colorado State University, our biggest game is the Rocky Mountain Showdown against our rival University of Colorado. It’s the Rams vs. the Buffs and has become a long standing tradition at the University. The game takes place at the Broncos Stadium in Denver, Colorado, conveniently right in between the two schools, in order to prevent rowdy vandalism and broadcast on ESPN. Luckily, for both parties involved the location only allows for the festivities to be bigger and better before the game, and trust me we go hard.
Now, many of you reading this maybe thinking either, “wow she’s got a point, I need to do more, but I don’t know how”, or “wow she’s literally ranting about a football game, can she stop, like now?”. Well, if you’re the second one, please for my sake and yours go find something better to do with your time than reading an article you don’t enjoy because that’s honestly just one of the most idiotic past times I have ever heard of, and you know Y.O.L.O. But, for the lucky other reader who would like to know the hacks of having a great football game, I have them here for you!
This is the certifiable list of how to have a great time at your rivalry football game.
1. Deck Out
You need to go hard or go home with your clothes! Socks, Shirt, school color everything, hats, glasses, overalls, and so much more are needed to get the proper level of initial hype.
2. Beads Are A Must
You know the classic school colored beads that they hand out at all school events. Get them! You need at minimum two, to properly show off your pride.
3. Face Paint and Stickers
You need to have face paint or face stickers if you want to be a real hard core fan.
4. Get Your Crew
You have to get your main squeeze group together to go with you to the game. Even if this means bullying your friends who like staying in. (been there done that, successfully)
5. Carpool With Sick Jams
Of course on your way to the game you need to be bumping some intense pump up jams.
6. Tailgate
Get your crew and hunker down before the game in the lot. This means grilling, corn hole, music, people, drinks, games, and of course the occasional chant.
7. Go Hard but Stay Safe
It’s a well known fact the students drink before the games, and it can be a ton of fun, just make sure you’re being safe, and not becoming one of the girls that spends their entire game in the bathroom throwing up
8. Walk in with the Crowd
When everyone starts going in, join the peer pressure and go as well. It only leads to more fun since the rowdiness will escalate as you reach the gates.
9. Take a Cliché Picture with your Mascot
These pictures always turn out either cute or hilarious and allow you to properly remember the great experience.
10. Start a Chant in the Student Section
Nothing beats it. Just nothing.
11. Every Touchdown is a Party
Pretty self explanatory
12. At Half Time Refuel and Get Ready For a Second Round of Roudiness
13. If You're Winning, Brag
Cause your team is kicking butt
14. Overtime is a Thing--Be Ready!
15. Try Not to Fight Anyone at the End No Matter How Much Hype And Adrenaline You Have
16. Have a Kickass Time
Overall, this list will allow you to have a great time, and really be able to fully experience one of the most exciting events that your college throws! So got get em!
And go kill it my Rammies!!
CSU!
