Homecoming week is almost over for Spartans. We do things a little differently than other schools. For one, our “pep rally” is more like a big student showcase for cultural organizations with free food. Oh, and fire dancers. Fire on the Fountain is the highlight of every football season at SJSU. So far for homecoming week, we’ve indulged in free churros, watched golf carts parade around campus decked out in blue and gold, lined up for free t-shirts and walked to our classes carrying foam fingers.
Even though all of the events on campus are coming to an end, we still have our homecoming game! Whether you’ll be in the stands at CEFCU Stadium or tailgating with your friends, here’s your run down on how to survive and show off your school spirit.
- Avoid wearing green. We’re facing off against Hawai’i whose colors are green and white. Thankfully far away from our own blue and gold.
- Take advantage of discounts downtown. Downtown San Jose loves to show it’s Spartan pride on game days. Grande Ristorante on San Carlos and 4th Street has blue and gold pom poms lining their outdoor seating areas. Some of these restaurants are even offering discounts: 4th Street Pizza – 20% off for Students, Alumni, Faculty & Staff Flames Eatery – 10% off with your tower card, 15% off if you’re wearing your Spartan Gear Spread Deli – 10% off with your tower card
- Get creative with your free t-shirts. A lot of students wear their Welcome Week shirts to games but style them uniquely. Spend a few minutes with some scissors and a YouTube tutorial and you’re all set to take the perfect homecoming selfie.
- Bring your refillable water bottle and actually use it. We all know that tailgates are an excuse to drink, but make sure to stay hydrated! Our California sunshine mixed with alcohol is a one-way ticket to dehydration, migraines, and a hangover.
- Apply sunscreen. As Californians, we know how to get a good tan, but don’t forget to apply the SPF. The student section at CEFCU Stadium sits right in the sun and with a 4 pm kickoff you’ll definitely soak up the rays.
- Learn our Fight Song. You’ll hear our marching band play this song all night, so you might as well sing along and #SpartanUp!
- Do stay for halftime. The halftime show is when our school really shines. Watch as our marching band performs along with our color guard and dance team- the Spartan Spectrum.
- Cross your fingers and hope for a win. We’re not a big football school and we haven’t had a good track record lately, but we can still stay optimistic. When it’s all said and done, we’re still a great university that’s walking distance to La Vic’s. Burritos make everything better.