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?
More Fun Than A Barrel Of Monkeys
While the Olympics may be dominating your newsfeed, this weekend in sports brings us a whole lot more besides downhill and spandex.
While the Olympics may be dominating your newsfeed, this weekend in sports brings us a whole lot more than downhill and spandex.
It’ll still be fun, we promise,
The Last Night’s Game Team
NBA (National Basketball Association)
There’s a first time for everything. This Sunday is the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles and for the first time the teams are not divided up by conference, but chosen by two captains (Steph Curry and LeBron James). The best in the league were narrowed down by a vote and then drafted old school P.E. class-style by the captains. On the line? $300,000 and $150,000 for the teams’ selected charities.
If you believe you can fly. Saturday night features a variety of all-star weekend skills challenges, including the slam dunk competition as well as the three-point shooting contest and the skills competition, which shows off the player’s versatility. Be prepared to be impressed.
College Football
A little feel good for your Friday. During the college football season, the Iowa Hawkeyes started a tradition where their fans wave to the kids at the neighboring children's hospital, which looks into the stadium, at the end of the first quarter. The team has taken it a step further during the off-season, drawing a giant hand in the snow on the field to "wave" to the kids at the hospital.
Overtime
No one is having more fun in PyeongChang than the Swiss freestyle ski team. If their team announcement video didn’t convince you that the Swiss really do have more fun, then watch the video of skier Fabian Bösch taking an unconventional ride on escalator. More proof that Olympians are not human.
Sideline stat
NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) kicks off its season on Sunday with the Daytona 500. Some familiar faces will take the track including former NFL (National Football League) quarterback Peyton Manning, who will drive the pace car. The one to watch? Danica Patrick, who will drive in this race and one other this season before retiring. And yes, her boyfriend, Green Bay Packers quarterback (NFL) Aaron Rodgers will be there cheering her on.
Coaches’ corner
Ever wonder what the difference is between the slalom, giant slalom and downhill ski events? We did too. We break it down for you in less than one minute. WATCH