Our 5 Favorite College Football Traditions
Traditions - some make sense, and others don’t. Regardless, we can thank generations of fans for them.
Photo: Instagram/cubuffsralphie
When it comes to college football, it's not just about the game; it's about the traditions that make each school's experience unique. From pregame boatgating to postgame celebrations, here are the top five college football traditions that showcase the heart and soul of sports fandom.
1. Boatgating at Washington Huskies Games
Washington Huskies fans have been arriving at football games via boats for nearly a century, setting the stage for an unforgettable pregame tradition. Known as "boatgating," fans take to the water to relive their spring break memories, complete with ping pong tables, grills, TVs, and plenty to drink. It's a unique way to kick off the football festivities in style.
2. Script Ohio and the Dotting of the 'i' at Ohio State
The Ohio State Marching Band has been dazzling audiences since 1936 with its performance of Script Ohio. This iconic tradition involves band members spelling out the letters of "Ohio" through intricate formations. The highlight? "Dotting the i," where a senior sousaphone player is honored to be the dot atop the 'i.' Even celebrities like Bob Hope and Jack Nicklaus have graced this tradition.
3. In-Game Traditions: The Iowa Wave at Iowa Hawkeyes Games
The Iowa Wave is a heartwarming tradition that shows the power of sports to bring people together. At the end of the first quarter, fans at Iowa Hawkeyes games turn their attention to the nearby Stead Family Children's Hospital, waving to the young patients who watch from its windows. It's a poignant reminder of football's impact beyond the field.
4. In-Game Traditions: Ralphie the Buffalo at the University of Colorado
While many schools have student mascots, the University of Colorado stands out with Ralphie, a live bison. Handled by talented caretakers (who are quite athletic to keep up with Ralphie), Ralphie runs around Folsom Field before each half of Buffalo home games. It's a spectacle that adds extra excitement to the game-day experience.
5. Music During the Game: Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech fans know how to create seismic energy. As the Hokies take the field, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blares through the stadium, registering as seismic activity. It's a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone for an electrifying game.
Bonus Tradition: "Jump Around" at the University of Wisconsin
When the third quarter ends at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium, fans get a workout. The entire stadium jumps in unison to the beat of "Jump Around" by House of Pain. It's a display of Badgers pride that's hard to match.
From boatgating to bison runs and heartfelt waves, these college football traditions define the essence of sports fandom. They showcase the passion, unity, and excitement that make college football games more than just contests; they're experiences filled with rich traditions and cherished memories.
The Top 5 Most Ridiculous and Hilarious Traditions in College Football
These traditions are way better than the annual pilgrimage to see the Nutcracker.
Skip the customary annual ‘political debate over dinner’ holiday tradition in favor of these fun-filled favorites.
A much safer option,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. Remember when toilet papering a house was something you did to your worse enemy? Not at Auburn University. After a win, fans toilet paper the oaks on Toomer's Corner on campus. This tradition, that started in 1972, was stopped for three years after an Alabama fan poisoned the trees, but now it’s back. Do you think desperate college students clean it up afterward to stock their bathrooms? TWO-PLY PARTY
2. A tradition at Murray State since the late 70s, a horse nicknamed Racer One runs a lap around the field at home games after a touchdown. This tradition also comes to you from the school where after couples DTR, they hang their shoes on the Shoe Tree for luck. SOLE MATES
3. After their rival Georgia Tech discontinued their annual game, Clemson Tigers fans hit back with their wallets. They spent $2 bills stamped with the team’s signature orange tiger paw logo all over Atlanta. This 40-year tradition still remains, with Clemson fans paying with said $2 bills when traveling to away games. WAIT, SOMEONE CARRIES CASH?
4. Florida State University began a “sod cemetery” back in 1962. The team would bring back grass from their opponent’s field after a win. But now there are new rules in place. The Seminoles must be underdogs or the victory must be in a championship or bowl game to warrant a sod funeral. REST IN PEACE
5. A tradition nearly 100 years in the making is arriving via boat for a Washington Huskies football game. Then fans relive their spring break by boatgating. They party on boats and like any other tailgate there are ping pong tables, grills, TVs and of course plenty to drink. BUT WILL THERE BE SKINNY DIPPING?
5 Of College Football’s Most Ridiculous and Hilarious Traditions
The holidays are just around the corner and that means visiting grandma’s house, hot chocolate by the fire and other traditions that have been celebrated for generations. If you’re looking for a new family tradition, here are some tried and true, off-the-wall rituals that you might want to give a shot.
The holidays are just around the corner and that means visiting grandma’s house, hot chocolate by the fire and other traditions that have been celebrated for generations. If you’re looking for a new family tradition, here are some tried and true, off-the-wall rituals that you might want to give a shot.
Crazy family fun,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Five Of College Football’s Most Ridiculous and Hilarious Traditions
1. Remember when toilet papering a house was something you did to your worse enemy? Not at Auburn University. After a win, fans toilet paper the oaks on Toomer's Corner on campus. This tradition, that started in 1972, was stopped for three years after an Alabama fan poisoned the trees, but now it’s back. No word if poor college students clean it up afterward to stock their bathrooms.
2. A tradition nearly 100 years in the making is arriving via boat for a Washington Huskies football game. Then fans relive their spring break by boatgating. They party on boats and like any other tailgate there are ping pong tables, grills, TVs and of course plenty to drink.
3. At the University of Wisconsin – Madison (aka Wisconsin), Badgers fans work off their tailgate treats at the end of the third quarter. When the song “Jump Around” by House of Pain is played, the entire stadium literally jumps. That’s one way to bring down the house.
4. After their rival Georgia Tech discontinued their annual game, Clemson Tigers fans hit back with their wallets. They spent $2 bills stamped with the team’s signature orange tiger paw logo all over Atlanta. This 40-year tradition still remains, with Clemson fans paying with said $2 bills when traveling to away games.
5. Florida State University began a “sod cemetery” back in 1962. The team would bring back grass from their opponent’s field after a win. Now there are new rules in place. The Seminoles must be underdogs or the victory must be in a championship or bowl game to warrant a sod funeral.
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