Not everyone can be a good sports fan like Jeremy Schilling. However, after reading this list, hopefully you can become an informed fan of Quinnipiac sports and help turn the TD Banknorth Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. (left), into a feared place to play like Assembly Hall in Champaign, Ill. (right).
1. Look at the schedule. It’s hard to fill up the building if fans don’t know when the games are. The official athletics Web site has every team’s schedule.
2. Tell your friends. Not everyone can know as much as you do (if you’re reading this site, you’re already one step ahead of them!). Ask your friends if they would want to go to a game. Keep your eyes peeled for giveaways also. Everyone wants a bobblehead or thundersticks!
2. Wear yellow. Everyone in the student section wears yellow T-shirts and sweatshirts, but if the other fans wear yellow (like the Fighting Illini fans wearing orange), it can create a fierce home court advantage.
3. Don’t worry about the shuttles. Many complain that the shuttle system is inconvenient. I am probably one of the people complaining when I’m standing out in the cold and the snow waiting for buses that seemingly take forever. However, with the construction going on, there is no better way to get up there (besides walking). So just set aside time for the buses and arrive early. These shuttles are certainly better than the ones transporting students to Westwood, Whitney Village and Whitney Lot.
4. Make noise. Nothing is more boring than a quiet sporting event. Players usually feed off the crowd, and if the crowd is quiet, then the players could play lethargically.
5. Don’t arrive late and don’t leave early. Everyone wants to beat the traffic and get the shuttles first (see: No. 3). However, once you have a reputation for leaving early, it’s hard to change that. Look at Los Angeles Dodgers fans, for example. They are notorious for arriving late and leaving early. On a much smaller scale, Quinnipiac hockey and basketball fans are the same way. Instead of leaving at 6:55 for a 7:00 game, leave at 6:30 (don’t bring bottles, though!). As for leaving, leave at the final horn. It’s not a big deal if you get back to campus 15 minutes later. Your alcohol didn’t grow legs and run away. Nothing is worse than leaving a game that you think is over and then finding out you missed something exciting.
6. Keep things family-friendly. When the TD Banknorth Sports Center opened, many in the surrounding communities were appalled by the students’ actions during the games. The students only make up a small percentage of the attendance and to fill the building, many families need to attend the games. Thus, the students need to make it a family-friendly atmosphere to hopefully drive up attendance.
7. Keep chants clean. An “everybody knows, Yale blows” chant is fine every now and then. But don’t start saying the girls who go to the opponent’s school have STDs. It’s fun to call the goalie a “sieve” and scream, “It’s all your fault” after a goal. However, don’t yell “suck” any chance you get, and definitely don’t chant “bullsh*t” after a questionable call/non-call.
8. Be informed. Know the teams Quinnipiac is playing. Make fun of their mascot or the goalie’s name. If it helps, print out the game notes from the official athletics Web site.
9. Wait to get food during intermission or half-time. You don’t want to miss any of the action, and, as I said in No. 4, the players need you out there making noise.
10. Have fun! You go to games to have fun. Most of the games are on the weekend, so that’s one reason to be happy. The school built this arena partly with your money. You might as well make the most out of it.
Filed under: 2008-09 Season | Tagged: How to
