Football fans are a curious bunch. We are creatures of habit. We complain about concession prices, but shovel out eight dollars for a beer and six bucks for a dog the minute the second quarter ends. We are like sheep on an open range.
Our adherence to tradition and rituals, however, is something that makes us unique.
Most of our traditions, such as Army and Navy standing together, side-by-side after the game, are sacred. But this isn't about traditions—it's about fads, and while some of them need to be permanent traditions, others need to be dumped forever.
A look at some of the fads in football that have made "The good, the bad, and the ugly" list:
The Good
1. Hot Girls in Hot Attire
Imagine if you will, a guy sitting on the couch with a bunch of fraternity brothers watching a football game on a "snow day." All of a sudden, the television cameras get a "honey shot" of a girl in an FSU cowboy hat, (scroll halfway down that site's page to see the picture, guys, it's worth it) wearing a low cut (and tight) tee shirt and a pair of midriff-baring Daisy Dukes. This is what gets college football fans through harsh winters or Minnesota Golden Gophers football.
This year, expect half the coeds attending football games to be "waiting to be discovered" like Jenn Sterger was on national television—and not one guy will complain.
2. The Wave
There are two teams which have claimed to be the originators of "the wave." Originated in 1981, give credit to both the Oakland Athletics and Washington Huskies.
The fact that it isn't used much anymore is too bad, because if you are at a bad football game, "the wave" can occupy your time while waiting for the clock to expire. Even more fun was booing the section that didn't participate in the wave. It also had an added benefit for parents—your child was entertained for free instead of you spending five bucks on some cotton candy.
3. "You, You, You"
This yell was infamous in the '80s and is rarely used anymore, but the intent was beautiful—to shame a player who got called for a penalty. Entire bleacher sections would stand up, point their fingers at the player, and chant loudly, "You, you, you."
The offending player always noticed the display of smack from the fans, which is why this was, and will always be, one of the best fads—besides streaking—in football history.
4. "Zombie Nation"
This one is a bit newer, but has taken off in the Big Ten—especially at Camp Randall and Happy Valley. The new rallying cry for college football fans is fairly simple—the song "Zombie Nation" comes on, and the students jump up and down in unison mumbling the same indecipherable words over and over again.
From a television viewer's angle, it's pretty cool. It also burns off some alcohol—an added bonus, of course.
- B/R Ticket Guide
5. "Gator bait" or "Tiger bait"
There's nothing like intimidating an opponent, and if you happen to visit Death Valley (LSU or Clemson) as a fan of the visiting team, be prepared for some warm, country lovin' from the home team. Not.
Chants of "Tiger bait" will be reverberating in your ears for the next three hours. The Swamp is even worse. It's hot, sticky, noisy, and really only hospitable to Gators. Bring earplugs if you go to any of those venues—one game in Baton Rouge was so loud the decibels registered on a local Richter scale.
6. "When the team scores, the fans score"
It's very simple. When a Texas A&M touchdown or field goal occurs, it's time to kiss your date. Unfortunately for a lot of guys, the Aggies didn't do very well last season (7-6).
Legend has it that during some tough years, it was changed to "when the Aggies make a first down, the Aggies' fans score." That's one way to make lemonade out of lemons!
The Bad
1. Scary tats
As much as I appreciate good art, the face and neck tattoos are a bit scary. While college football fans usually get cute little temporary tats on their cheeks, the pro football fans take it to the next level.
The Raider Nation is a perfect example, and I am a Raider fan, so please, no screaming at me. It scares kids, and to be honest, if one of these dudes committed a crime, how would he ever be identified?
2. "D-Fence" sign
Just who was the guy who thought of this? You see it every game, and frankly, it's boring. Can someone come up with a more original sign? Oh wait—why bother? The TV crews always show the two guys with the signs and reward them with their fifteen seconds of fame.
Now I get it. I'll be making my "Sports Center is next" sign shortly.
3. Wearing offensive shirts or no shirts
Can we all agree that fans who wear shirts like "#$%& da Eagles" are probably hammered out of their minds? What's even worse, the TV cameramen aren't paying attention when they scan the crowds with their cameras.
Then there are the guys who wear no shirts at all in freezing weather. Hey, if you had killer bods, I wouldn't mind. But when your beer bellies are hanging over your shorts, I have to assume you are staying warm due to your body fat or alcohol consumption—not machismo—and in either case, it's not that impressive. Trust me.
4. The bad fan
An alarming trend is the fan who pays major bucks to attend a game and then proceeds to bad-mouth "his team" for three consecutive hours. It causes a lot of fans to want to stuff his mouth with batteries and throw him in a lake. He has a right to cheer for his team, but bad-mouth them? Yeah, he has that right, and he's a real problem, especially for season-ticket holders.
Just why would someone pay all that money to rip their own team? (Maybe he's really for the other team but doesn't want to get harassed for that?)
5. No umbrellas in stadium
How would you like to be a fan in a rainy state and not be allowed to bring umbrellas? I have sat in the stands with umbrellas in front of me and it doesn't block my vision. Yes, they could be viewed as a potential weapon, but for Pete's sake, we should be able to sit in a dry seat.
The Ugly
1. Jets' Gate D
This goes to the top of the list as a real ugly fad. Halftime at a Jets game has taken on a whole new meaning if you are a female fan. The guys gather and heckle, cajole, and even assault women at gate D—all to see if she will "flash them her ta-tas." Unsuspecting women have been shocked at this behavior, and many have had beer flung at them if they don't flash.
Of course, the reason why this whole thing started was because somewhere, somehow, a female fan probably did comply with the heckling. Many still do. But the fact that security does nothing about this behavior is disturbing. It must really suck to be a Jets fan when Gate D is more entertaining than your team.
2. Elimination of card stunts
A fad that probably got thrown to the wayside due to fans possibly getting hurt when the cards are thrown in the air after halftime. Can't they use flimsy plastic? It was a great way to entertain the opposing team's fans with some serious smack and, at the same time, keep some students away from the beer stands who have probably had too much to drink anyway.
3. Eye black
What was once something used to diminish the glare of the sun has now become a fashion statement. Area codes, flags, and other subliminal messages are now adorning the players' faces—and it's really ridiculous. Expressing individuality on a team is not what college football is all about. Save it for if you get to play on Sundays, or better yet, use visors or shades.
4. Bench seat crashers
Can we be honest here? Our nation is getting fatter and fatter, and the bench seats have now become a real problem. How many times have you sat next to a rather large person who has spilled into your "seat"? Even worse, how many times has a parent brought a small child (free admission if he sits on the parent's lap) to the game who is taking up space on the bench?
The freeloaders (friends who stop by to say hi) are also squeezing in on the action, while season ticket holders are feeling the pinch. Football fans paid for their seats and ought to be able to sit in them.
Special mention... It's not a football fad, but nevertheless needs to be mentioned. At Coors Field, home of the Rockies, they serve Rocky Mountain Oysters. They are calf testicles split in half and then pan-fried. Yuck.
Find me a guy who eats these and I'll show you a guy who will not "get lucky" with his date.
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5 months ago
Fantastic point about the Jets' Gate D thing. As much as it must suck to be a Jets fan, it must REALLY suck to be a female Jets fan...
from 5 months ago
Sean...not a lot of football fans know it, but it is really disgusting. I feel sorry for some of these female fans' dates! How are they supposed to defend their woman when there are 500 guys making obscene gestures? Yikes!
5 months ago
I agree with you about the wave. After all these years it is still fun to do, especially at a filled stadium like Neyland or the big house where there aren't any gaps. My only gripe has been when people try to get it going near the end of the third quarter and you're only up by 7. Fans still have to pay attention! No wave till you are up or down 20 points minimum!
from 5 months ago
Michael...amen! There are rules to be followed, otherwise it loses its significance. twenty points down is pretty depressing....how would you like to be a Temple fan? Only 6000 fans in attendance, not enough to do even a ripple! :(
from 5 months ago
UofM has the best wave I have ever seen at the Big House. Despite their wave prowess they are the quietest 110,000 I have ever heard.
from 5 months ago
One of the best waves I have ever seen has been at the College World Series in between innings. Or in the case of some of them, the entire inning, not just the side.
5 months ago
There is still an ongoing debate at Oregon's Autzen Stadium about whether or not we are allowed to perform the wave because Washington gets credit for inventing it. Personally I like it, so I just tell people they stole it from the Oakland A's. I have no idea how close that is to the truth (probably pretty far from it) but it allows Ducks fans to perform a fun ritual with a clean conscience.
from 5 months ago
I have been to Autzen...loudest stadium in the country. Why aren't you allowed to perform it? This sounds like an interesting answer coming up.
from 5 months ago
Ducks hate Huskies (teams, not people), so no activity should take place that pays homage to the muts up north. I've seen and been a part of many a wave at Autzen, so I think that "debate" is a little blown out of proportion. Who doesn't like to get an entire stadium involved with a fun activity?
5 months ago
you're so right about the good, especially number 1! i remember when Jenn Sterger first popped up on the TV screen during the FSU-Miami game, and then i remember seeing her all over the internet within weeks. even us gator fans can't say no to that.
as for the other "goods"... i can't speak for everywhere, but number 2 still happens all the time in the Swamp. numbers 3 and 4 happen at every basketball game i go to, but rarely football games.
"Gator Bait" and any other good ol' southern yell is always a pleasure to hear. that goes for "tiger bait," "roll tide," "war eagle," and "dawg food" (all spoken in thick southern drawl, of course). my personal favorite, though, is when Georgia fans simply bark at opposing fans.
you're totally right-on with the bad and the ugly, too. i can't tell you how much it makes my blood boil to hear a "fan" in the student section for Gator games naysaying the team (e.g. 2006's booing of Chris Leak). if you're not cheering, you're not a fan, so GET OUT.
p.s. i was relieved when i saw that the article wasn't about the "fashion" of team jerseys, as that always turns into simple oregon-bashing.
from 5 months ago
James...a Gator fan wanting a Seminole? For shame!!!!!!!!! (just kidding) Georgia fans barking at fans....Love it. Now that's some good smacking at the other team. 2.2 months left for college football! I'm dying here.
PS...not gonna bash Phil Knight's fashion statements. The Ducks' helmets rock! That greenish-black color is very kewl. :)
5 months ago
Lisa, I was going to ask you if you had ever been to Baton Rouge for an LSU game but this answered my question:
"I have been to Autzen...loudest stadium in the country."
anyway, good read. i was entertained.
i love the hot chick fad.
I HATE HATE HATE the wave. Can't we relegate this to soccer games??? whenever they try to get the wave going in death valley i refuse to participate (although like you said it's usually when a game gets boring, but still)
there are no umbrellas allowed in tiger stadium but that's ok because it never rains in tiger stadium according to local folklore. but buy a poncho just in case.
also, glad to see "Tiger Bait" in the good section. we promise it's done playfully and not antagonistically. (well for most)
from 5 months ago
Have been to Baton Rouge, but here's the thing....Autzen is much smaller, and for some reason, the sound is louder. Maybe it's the acoustics of the stadium. (I was on the opposing team's side, and I swear, you would think you were sitting in their fans' section.)
Of course you liked the hot chick fad...I think it's one here to stay! The "Tiger Bait" is intimidating, but in a good way.....I thought it was awesome! :)
from 5 months ago
i'm interested to know what game you attended in BR, i hope it was one representative to the experience and not a rent a win.
5 months ago
Not a fan of "Tiger Bait," nor am I into the habit of eating calf testicles.
To the bad, I'd also like to add the guy who thinks he know the rules of football but has no idea what he's talking about. And the guy who legitimately thinks he should be the team's offensive coordinator.
from 5 months ago
oh Tim!
The blowhard OC....they have been sighted all over the country.
True story: I was at a football game and this blowhard was sitting in front of me yelling on every down on what the offense should call. He was annoying everyone within two rows. Half of his calls were calls that a middle school team would use (ie- single wing.)
Anyway, it was 2nd and 1, and I noticed that the LBs were cheating and crowding the line in expectation of a blast play up the middle. So I screamed, "throw the bomb." He turned around at me and started chewing me out for being a complete moron and that I should sit down and shut up. (This was the first time I had said anything the entire game, by the way.)
The offense lines up and it looks like a power I...the team is going to run the ball up the middle. Ok,well, at least we would get the first down, I thought. The blowhard turns around and says to me, "See, that's how a football team plays."
All of a sudden, the QB calls an audible, and the Z sprints upfield. You guessed it. A forty-yard fly for a TD. The fans all turned around at smiled at me, at the blowhard shut up for the next quarter. It was beautiful. Not because I got lucky and they threw the bomb, but because the blowhard was silenced.
5 months ago
*fly route
5 months ago
Alright, you re-exposed the Gate D fiasco. I have Jets season tickets so here's your warning not to group the good apples with the bad seeds. Jet fans are pretty faithful, although thats something that has to come with the territory. It was ugly to get grouped into that but I'm pretty sure you can't call that a "tradition".
As for the wave, I'm a big Yankee fan and if you try doing the wave in the right field bleachers get ready for a chant in your direction- "Take that sh%# to Shea!". I'm not a big fan of the wave in general and I had a comment about it occuring in the Bronx. "Doing the wave at Yankee Stadium is like blowing an air horn in church."
nice article
5 months ago
Pat-
I would never lump one part of a football group into a whole. I'm a Raider fan, so I feel your angst. People think I'm like some of the nuttier RaiderNation select few, and if you look at my picture, you can tell I am not. No tats, no garish make-up. I just like My Raiders.
As far as the wave at Yankee Stadium...that's some funny stuff there. Seriously....I laughed out loud. Gawd, I love New York fans. (my daddy is a die-hard Yankee fan)
5 months ago
I'm assuming this is about NFL teams since it's in the NFL section...
Good piece, I'd add a couple or three things for the "Good" section.
The Washington Redskins have a history of the best complete celebration and fans in the NFL (Packer fans relax, you guys are obviously the most devoted, if not nuts...)
In the heyday at RFK stadium (and all but two of these continue today) you had the "Hogettes" in the front row, the fans bouncing the bleachers, the band playing "Hail To The Redskins", and the Fun Bunch in the end zone.
Things aren't the same today at FedEx Field, since the bunch was outlawed and the bleachers don't bounce, but that was some really great stuff.
Also, I rather get a kick out of N.Y. Jets fans, and the "J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets!" cheer.
Finally there's the aforementioned Packer fans, who are there even in a deep freeze, and the Lambeau Leap is pretty neat.
5 months ago
Adam...I'm a Redskins fan, and actually have spoken to one of my heroes, Dave Butz. My husband and Dave work in the same industry and I almost fainted when he called me up to chat. Nice guy, and I still get flutters over that call. He was such a stud!
from 5 months ago
Kickass! Living in Dallas it's difficult, but oh-so-glorious when the Skins beat the Cows.
I'd like to meet Art Monk and/or Daryl Green. I will actually watch this years' Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to see them go in.
5 months ago
I have to say that I dont believe the idea that people in the offensive shirts are always hammered. I think Kansas fans wear the Muck Fizzou shirts completely sober. Ive also seen plenty of sober people come into T-town with Buck Fama shirts as well. Actually saw one Auburn fan wearing it in the mall. I think these fans have a good grasp on the fact they are wearing them.
I would have to add stadium wide sing-a-longs to the good list. One of the best parts about Bama football games are Sweet Home, Alabama and Dixieland Delight. Nothing like the entire stadium singing along to the song and then adding in the lyrics.
Good Article.
from 5 months ago
i'll definitely agree with the stadium-wide sing-alongs. in the swamp, gators fans all sway in unison and sing "We are the Boys" between the third and fourth quarters. after wins, the team gathers in the student section and the whole stadium sings the alma mater together.
i can only imagine that Sweet Home Alabama and Dixieland Delight give the same feeling for Alabama fans; Take Me Home, Country Roads has to be the same deal at WVU games.
from 5 months ago
Nic-
A little Leonard Skynnard (sp?) is always good. When I was in 'Dega for a NASCAR race, I loved hearing that song.
I also took the time to stop on the side of the interstate on the way to Atlanta, get out of my rental, and lay on my back, with one foot in the Chattahootchie (sp?) River and just gaze up into the sky. Must have spent 30 mins there. I will never forget it. The peace, tranquility, and beautiful countryside are things I will never forget. Tried my first grits there, ate deep-fried pickles, drank sweet tea, and embraced that Southern hospitality. It was a great time there.
5 months ago
I would agree with most of this, except the wave. The wave is the most annoying thing on earth, sit down and watch the game.
from 5 months ago
Lucas-
I know, I know....you're one of the guys we boo! It's all good.
5 months ago
I also hate the wave... and think the D# sign is the coolest sign that there is... especially when the two guys hold it are piss ass drunk with no shirts on with the teams logos painted on their heads and letter on their stomachs....... that is a true football fan right there.
from 5 months ago
I must be prejudiced against the D sign. I saw one that had an off-on light switch and it was turned "off" and the other sign as a fence. Pretty creative stuff.
5 months ago
Lucas and Adam....you guys have never been on a losing team, I imagine. I have...the wave comes in handy. Nothing like looking to your left waiting to see when the next wave comes to keep you occupied while your team is getting blown out. Been there, it's not pretty.
5 months ago
During a Texas A&M game against Texas Tech, the Aggies were losing in the final minutes and on ESPN, of all places, the cameraman caught the Corps of Cadets all "squeezing for the team" The Corps somehow thinks that by (no joke) grabbing their genitals and squeezing them while screaming at the top of their lungs it will help the team score. This is further proof to me and my fellow Texas citizens all Aggies are insane. My question is, is this the bad or the ugly?
Heres the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMmhnqUXseE
As a former Baylor student, and football fan. This makes me laugh...
5 months ago
Ken...you left me speechless. I would say that's ugly. Double-bagger ugly. Holy cow.
5 months ago
Solid list. Nice call on the sing-a-longs btw Nic. In Gainesville we sing to "Hey baby I wanna know if you'd be my girl". Any respect for the new sign "B-Lock" (Thanks Man Laws). Also I'd like to throw "hand motions" under the good. Gator Chomp, Seminole Chop, USC V for Victory, Hook 'em. Like everyone else I think the wave sucks.
from 5 months ago
Jason...right, I agree with the hand motions. They are all good. I tried to stay away from traditions and stick to fads though. The traditions...well....the Army-Navy players standing together after the game just is a gut-wrencher. Thanks for stopping by!
5 months ago
Excellent article!
from 5 months ago
Elbow-
Thanks for the pick!
5 months ago
Interesting take on the Tattoo issue, it's understandable. Some guys come out with more colors than a class of kids in first grade art. While some is wild, and you gotta give credit to the artists who perform this scale, but ya, seeng a severed head of John Elway on someone's back, with 10 years of age mixed in, is pretty nasty.
That, and if you give the police a report, of a Raider fan, with a tattoo of a knife, a snake, or a Raiders logo.....the officer will probably roll his eyes in frustration, and mutter, "good grief".
Good read though.
from 5 months ago
Raider-
I do think tats are skin art. But some of them can polarize a fan. I'm a Raider fan, so it takes a lot to be scared. I actually met the Violator, and did you know he's an orthodontist? That's why perceptions by people can be ill-conceived. I try not to be judgmental.... and as far as Elway's head...well...as a raider fan, it's not that bad. (j/k)
5 months ago
Nothing.... and I mean nothing beats the spelling of OHIO going around the horseshoe and all the other Big 10 stadiums where buckeye fans outnumber the home team crowd. OH-IO!
5 months ago
great article lisa! hilarious!
5 months ago
Here's one to go along with the bad fan motif: The use of the word "hater" to describe someone who disagrees with your team or opinion regardless of how good natured said disagreement was. There are people who do nothing but spew invective about a particular team or player and when referring to them, the word "hater" is apt.
But to use the word to complain about someone's honest and good natured opinion simply denotes ignorance, and it has been happening too much on message boards and web sites, and sometimes even at games despite the fact that it is somewhat rare. By the looks of this piece, you were looking exclusively at what happens at games so what I said may not have been pertinent, but it was eating at me a little so I had to say it. Good read by the way.
from 5 months ago
Max-
I missed that one. Excellent call, and definitely a fad that needs to stop. It was totally pertinent.
5 months ago
My sentiments exactly.....the girl with the "fuck da eagles" shirt at the 07 playoff game in the dome. her name is Heather Rothstein and she parlayed a Maxim shoot and many hours of youtube excitement for idiots everywhere who had never seen a curse word in person before.
5 months ago
Some traditions created in the recent past need to be rewarded with continued TV shots such as the Raider Nation in full attire, the Blue Devil surfing on a board over fans, the running of the MLB sausages, and the endless theme to "Jaws" played by the band at Florida football games when the Gators are on defense. I understand the history and need to play "Rocky Top" for the Volunteers and to show the Trojan on horseback at Sou Cal, the Seminole thrusting the spear into the ground in Tallahassee, along with the variety of animals that schools present on the weekends. But, must we be subjected to the Stanford Tree wobbling about? In professional sports the old Dog Pound in Cleveland was an example of blue language and hostility but they drew the line at being offensive on camera. A fan arriving for an Atlanta Braves game can still get a seat and perform "the chop" but you won't find "Chief Knockahoma" sitting around any longer. And who's to say that's not a good thing?
5 months ago
About the umbrellas, you obviously never had somebody sit in front of you where you have a waterfall coming into your lap from their umbrella.
5 months ago
I can't believe no one has mentioned Auburn students tradition of throwing goat feces at the UGA's band. I believe it started in the mid 1980s and has been a common occurence at every meeting of the two at Auburn.
from 5 months ago
What the hell are you talking about? I could be wrong, but I went to Auburn, as did my wife, my brother, his wife, my sister and her husband and I've never heard of this. Not to mention that everyone I knew at Auburn (except for the obligatory few idiots, and when Alabama is in town) would be a hell of a lot more likely to toss you a beer than throw goat shit at you.
5 months ago
The Wave is one of the WORST things in sports. Its beyond terrible, just below Cotton Eye Joey at Yankee Stadium. You're not a real fan if you think the Wave is a good thing.
5 months ago
Don't knock the mountain oysters until you've tried them. They are surprisingly good especially if you steam them with beer after they are fried. I cut them thinner though. When Colorado comes to Lincoln we eat Buffalo nuts!
HuskerKev
5 months ago
I wish you included the idiots who call people on their cell phones and wave at the camera when they are sitting behind home plate. A-holes. Stop it already.
5 months ago
the richter scale measures seismic waves not sound waves. the lsu-auburn game is myth. i'm sure it was loud and but the stadium didn't move. out of curiosity lisa horne, would you like to see the ga-fla game moved to home and home or is jacksonville fine with you? and i don't eat them oysters. you shouldn't either. good piece.
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