Best Ways to Support Your College Basketball Team
For many of us, we live to see the days of tailgates and games. Although this usually means for the sport of football, there are many other college sports that need our support, one of them being basketball.
You may be turned off by the idea due to the games being indoors, but there are many reasons to support your team, and here’s how.
Attend the games
This is painstakingly obvious, and yet students everywhere tend to leave basketball out of the mix. With this sport comes more games, which means that you have more opportunity to attend said games and cheer your team on. There is no excuse, people.
They are the perfect de-stressor when it comes to finals week blues and if you happen to have one free hour to breathe a little. Plus, they almost always offer sweet deals like $1 hotdog Tuesday, or free t-shirt Monday. You cannot beat that, honestly.
With basketball comes fewer people, so forget about busy crowds, intoxicated students, and being completely separated from your closest friends for the day. The court is slightly smaller than the stadium and offers air conditioning. Did I mention there is air conditioning?
Learn the players
If you happen to detest sports and only want to go to get out of the house, then that is okay. But a way to make watching basketball more fun if you are not usually the sports person is to learn about the game. I am not saying every single fact of the sport, but anything is better than nothing. Or you can always sit there lost if you prefer.
You can easily pique your interest by learning about the players, rules, and opposing teams in your conference. Sometimes being aware of your rivals makes it that much better. And you never know, that super tall kid that happens to sit in front of you in Econ could be the starting point guard. It all makes sense now.
Sports include yelling at bad calls, reprimanding the players as if you are the coach, and cheering them on even when they have a deficit of 22 points. There is no better way to fit in than by chanting the right player’s name and yelling flagrant 2 when it actually applies. Trust me, they can hear your support.
Spread the word
Now, I am not saying to become a spokesperson for your school’s sports department, but it may lead to a paid position and that is always great. Plus, it is easy and we can all appreciate when life gives us easy.
Spreading the word can mean a variety of things obviously, but it is easy to do with a social media presence, a simple group chat, or even in person. Communication is key, right? And this way, you are still showing your support without bending over backward.
You can gather with some people from your club or class and post flyers around campus stating the time of the game and whatnot. Really get into your school spirit by showing your support for basketball through word of mouth. Like I said before, they appreciate you.
Invite your friends
What is better than having a fun and cheap night out with your friends? Well, nothing really. Support shows in numbers, at times. Do not be afraid to show up with a crowd of 40 to cheer on your team. Well, 40 may be slightly excessive but there is nothing wrong with that.
You can plan a night together with your besties by starting off at a bar and working your way to the arena. Then you could always end up back at the bar. And depending on whether your team won or lost, alcohol may be the answer of the night. Temporary fix guys, though, remember that.
Friends are supportive so it makes sense to support your b-ball team. You can even go all out like for football and paint your faces, body, and anything else for that matter. Keep in mind, however, it is not always so easy to remove as it is to apply. The more you know.
You do not have to be the most competitive fan or student in order to support your basketball team. There are multiple easy and free ways to cheer your team on. And as we all know, we all love when the word free is involved.
Simple ways that you can start is by actually attending the basketball games by inviting your friends and learning about the sport. And if worse comes to worst, you do not have to do it again and you may enjoy another sport more. But keep in mind, it is just a game and you should support your school every chance you get.