Less than 100 days until the 2014 football season begins.

Time to update the rules of etiquette at University of Louisville football games. The list has evolved over the years with suggestions from Card Game frequenters.

Everyone is familiar with fans who wind up at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium oblivious to what’s happening on the field. Some of the rules are for them, other for people who grate on the nerves of fellow fans.

Most of these would apply to other sports, but they are often violated with impunity at PJCS so we’ll keep hammering at them until hell freezes over:

  • Leave earlier to the get to the games. Every game will probably be a sellout this season. Send the tailgaters on their way, be in your seat at kickoff.
  • Don’t cross in front of other fans to get to your seat in the middle of a play.  You are blocking the view of fans who actually care about the game.  Wait till the play is over. Repeat: Wait till the play is over.
  • Know when to stand or not to stand. Nothing worse than someone standing up when nothing is happening, sometime affecting several rows of fans. (Hint: If you’re the only one standing in the section, there’s a problem).
  • Don’t be a negative Nancy. There’s always some guy who thinks every play is terrible, every tackle is sloppy, any gain by the opposing team is poor defensive play, and thinks he’s the expert on play calling.
  • Limit social, non-football dialogue if possible. Your long time friends may actually be more interested in football.
  • Limit alcohol intake, and don’t spill beer or empty your intestines on  fellow fans.
  • Watch your language. Difficult sometimes depending on the level of officiating but the profanity impresses no one.
  • Don’t make a big show of leaving before the game is over.  Players do notice.
  • Don’t ever sell or give your Louisville vs. UK tickets to Kentucky fans. There are plenty of UofL fans who will need them for Senior Day, the final game of the 2014 season.

 

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

8 thoughts on “Etiquette update for UofL football fans”
  1. Time to build tradition. Be loud and on your feet. Want to be respected, act like a big time programs fan base. I know I am preaching to the choir, but be loud, on your feet,, wear red and come early and stay til the team is off the field!

  2. I think all of these are good, but I particularly agree with the suggestions to spare us the running analysis & not be a negative nancy. Some of the people who sit near me annoy the heck out of me with these tactics.

  3. — Leave the beachballs at home.

    — Don’t kill yourself trying to get a free t-shirt.

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