Gameday in Clemson is by far one of the best events someone can ever experience. The atmosphere and energy is beyond exhilarating. There are so many people that show up, even ones without a ticket, just to be on the best campus and to see and hear the best fans cheer on the best team in college football. After attending a few games and being around all of these people, I’ve seen things and heard comments that prompted this topic. So, ladies, here are a few tips to go from Pop Warner to the Pros of gameday, no matter what team you’re cheering for!
Tip 1: OUTFIT! OUTFIT! OUTFIT!
You know what they say, “if it wasn’t on snapchat did it even happen?” Living in the day and age of social media, it’s practically impossible for you not to post or get caught in a photobomb of someone else’s post. So, no matter the situation, your outfit should always slay. While the weather remains warm, a football jersey, shorts and chucks is the classic gameday look. However, you can always switch it up with the 70’s staple that is making a comeback: the jean skirt. Changing the shorts for the skirt gives an added touch of femininity while still maintaining the aesthetic of the outfit. As the colors change and the temperature falls, layering is key. A thick flannel layered atop a thin, loose, long sleeved shirt is best combined with a nice pair of holey jeans and a comfortable pair of booties. However, no matter what you decide to wear or whether you go for comfort or full-on glam, the confidence behind the clothes is what makes the outfit. If you like what you’re wearing, flaunt it with pride no matter what anyone else says!
Tip 2: KNOW YOUR STUFF
After you flaunt your stuff, prove everyone that says “girls don’t know anything about sports” wrong and show them that you actually know what’s happening. This tip is more for the girls that don’t know the difference between a punt and a field goal, a touchdown and a safety, and an interception and a fumble. Yes, going to the game is about the moment and relishing in it with your friends and the people around you, but I promise, speaking from experience, you’ll enjoy the game more if you know what’s going on. Learning or brushing up on the basic rules and terminology of football, will not only shut the haters up, but will allow you to enjoy your experience that much more.
Tip 3: POSTGAME
The best part of the game is celebrating the hard fought win and rushing the field to congratulate the team. In the midst of the crowd and chaos, it can be kind of hard to find your friends and the people that you came to the game with. Prepare for this by choosing a meeting spot before the game and don’t leave until everyone has made it there! One of my personal pet peeves is walking around aimlessly and looking lost, so this helps the people, like me, from walking around lost trying to reconnect with their group. Plus, it allows for everyone to spend as much time as they desire taking pictures or meeting up with other people without feeling like they’re being rushed. Once you’ve met up with your friends, enjoy yourself by grabbing a bite to eat, going to some post game parties or just hangout. However, whatever you do, do so responsibly. There is nothing worse than getting bad news at the end of a good day. So remember, Uber is your friend and walking is always great exercise!
Some other helpful tips are: bring sunscreen, pack a portable charger, stay hydrated, make sure someone always stays to save the seats and remember to have fun. Gameday, and showing school spirit, is part of the college experience. Make it memorable!