I am a lover of sports, but basketball was never a top choice for me when it came to picking a game to watch. Maybe it was the fact that I simply never understood the game, or it was out of spite because I’m just about the worst basketball player you’ve ever seen. Recently, though, missing an FSU game hurts my heart, and here’s why!
The vibe of the games AND THE BAND
Before I get into the little things I love about the games, I want to point out the laid-back yet nail-biting atmosphere that takes over the Civic Center during a game. Basketball games are filled with students who love FSU! It’s a great vibe that everyone should experience at least once.
Seminole Sound is always the heart of the crowd, playing traditional FSU cheers and even throwing in their own rehearsed chants. They really make it that much better. After each game, the players and band join to do a final send-off by singing and playing the FSU Fight Song!
Air conditioning
While I live for football games, one thing that the Civic Center has that Doak Stadium doesn’t is air conditioning. You can enjoy a rowdy game without worrying about sweat stains and the sun blinding you. In fact, it’s usually pretty chilly, so bring a jacket!
No battling for seats, concessions, or a bathroom
Bathrooms are easily accessible, so you don’t have to go three hours without using the bathroom for fear of losing the seat you had to battle for. Tickets are free and plentiful, and people are respectful of your space! No need to show up two hours early to secure a spot! Plus, these seats are much more comfortable than bleachers.
The concessions are also right outside each of the exits, so you can stay refreshed without the worry of losing a seat or being unable to get back in.
Oh, the people you’ll meet!
Going with my friends to basketball games has become one of our favorite activities. What made it better was meeting the one and only Coach Mike Norvell! That’s right, we’ve seen him at not one, but two games and even managed to take a picture with him! Show some support for your Seminole players and you might get a bonus of spotting our beloved football coach.
Lastly, Cimarron! Let’s make it clear, this friendly horse is not Renegade. Cimarron is the mascot for the FSU Kid’s Club, and he makes appearances at many Florida State events. He won’t hesitate to take a picture with you or mess up your hair, and he makes the games even better.
FSU: “Free Stuff University”
In typical Florida State fashion, there are tons of opportunities to get some free merch. By getting a free ticket, you’re eligible to get a free poster of the team, and sometimes a T-shirt at the entrance table. Also, at every game, the cheerleaders throw out shirts to the crowd. Sit close enough, get their attention, and maybe you’ll get one!
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the women’s teams of FSU all came out to support each other and threw shirts to the crowd that said “Support Women’s Sports” (I even managed to get one!).
Celebrities (to me)!
Going to games and watching these talented players makes me feel like I’m watching actual celebrities, and I am! These players have worked tirelessly to get to the place they are, and watching it pay off on the court is amazing to watch. They are so talented, and I love watching their personalities shine.
Also, the players on the women’s team are gorgeous! Every player is beautiful, and I’m simply in awe of them during every game I watch. Even their coach, Brooke Wyckoff, is stunning. Her outfits are on point every time while she coaches the girls from the sidelines in impressive stilettos. You go girls!
Lastly, tickets to the games are free! For women’s games just show up at the Tucker Civic Center and show your FSU ID. For men’s games, go online where you typically buy football tickets and click to “purchase” a ticket (don’t worry, it’s still free).
My love for FSU Basketball has even inspired me to join my sorority’s intramural team. Maybe you’re next!
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