Late to the Game Observations

shaft · September 15, 2013

I was late making it to the game, which is normal for me. I made to the stadium just after the opening Ball St. touchdown and noticed a few things I had seen before in the past two seasons.

1. Lots of students leaving. As I was crossing the pedestrian bridge at least 200 students were leaving. About 1 in 10 had tailgating gear (coolers chairs) so I believe some might be going to their cars and returning, but i was clear the vast majority were headed home. Most the exiting students were female, and 9 out of 10 were greek (wearing their letters). Very decked out students, tons of green, lots of sun dresses, dress shirts, and boots.

2. Tailgating was in full effect. The hill was full, music blaring, hundreds of students milling about, normal tailgating stuff you see and hour before the game. I was surprised by the number of PA systems playing different music.

3. The students like modern music. I sat in different seats so I'd be in the shade and there were lots of students in the section. During the first quarter the students would dance and sing along with the different top 40 clips that were playing. The alumni seems to scratch their heads and wonder what was going on.

4. Lots of people headed for the doors at the end of the First. I can't say I blame them, we don't have a proven recorded, but those you stuck around got a really good game.

My take away.

The school as done a lot to improve the game day atmosphere but is was to find a way to keep the Game the central attraction.

Yeah, I think having beer in the stadium would help. But maybe they should also ban the outside PA system after kickoff. School pride needs to evolve beyond just taking a selfie at the tailgate and going home.