Today is the day that football is officially back! Preseason starts today and I'm so excited, I'm about to lose my mind!!!!

I have so many friends that love football. I mean, LOVE it! But some of them never had the opportunity to go to a stadium and see a game live. So I figured, why not help the virgin fan have a great game day experience? Why not start... now?!

I've been to many a game in my lifetime. Some at my home stadium (which happens to be M&T Bank Stadium, one of the loudest places to play), and some away. But I definitely learned that going to a game is a world of difference away than sitting on your couch at home, or watching it at a bar.

So, I decided to come up with football stadium etiquette. So once you guys and gals finally get to see your favorite team up close and personal, you'll fit in just fine

Etiquette #1- Tailgate, Tailgate, Tailgate!!!


Tailgating is hella fun, especially if you love to party. Most fans go to the stadium at least 3 hours before kickoff, have their food on the grill, their cold beer (or hard liquor) flowing, and music blasting. It's a block party outside, except it's under any weather circumstance. I usually go to the stadium about 2 hours prior to the game, without knowing anyone who actually tailgates, and starting mustering up convos with people. After about 10 minutes, they're asking you, "Do you want a plate?" or, "Want a cold one?" and I happily say, "SURE!! Thanks!". You meet new people, whether they root for your team, or against them, and just have a blast. I recommend this for everyone to do at least one time, go to the game early and tailgate. You will be hooked like Pookie was addicted to crack on New Jack City

Etiquette #2- Eat and Drank Before You Get There


If you aren't going to tailgate, then this is the next best thing for you to do. Spending money at a stadium is pointless. It's like throwing money away. If you're a functional glutton or alcoholic, then this is NOT the place for your wallet. A personal pizza and 3 beers is about $50 easily.

Find a bar or lounge around the stadium's perimeter before the game. They usually have kickoff specials on appetizers and certain types of beer. For $20, you can order some buffalo wangs (yes, WANGS!) and 3 beers. And it'll hold you for the entire time during the game (unless 3 beers does NOTHING for you). But this is a recession, spending $50 just cause isn't like it was 3 years ago. Spend your money wisely people.


Etiquette #3- Take plenty of pics of your experience.

From the crazy fan that is WAY too pressed to show his team spirit, to the murals, pictures and statues at the stadium.

Unless you are a season ticket holder or an away game traveler, who knows if this will be your last game. And even if it isn't, it's a great thing to look back on, and show family/friends your experience. I take pics at every stadium I go to. It's great to walk down memory road.


Etiquette #4- Get in your seat about 20 mins before kickoff.

Most teams have introductions that they go thru before kickoff.

Some are really good and entertaining, it gets you fired up and ready for football. Some kinda suck, but if you're a guy, then there may be some busty cheerleaders to look at. Either way, the intros are usually really cool. Something I think everyone should see.

Etiquette #5- Sitchoazz down when needed.

Now, as a Ravens fan, we know the game of football *pops collar*. We know when to stand, when to yell, when to sit.... kinda hard to explain, we just know what to do and when to do it. If you are confused, just follow suit. Please don't be the fan that, when the offense needs us to be quiet and calm, you're yelling and standing the entire time. I can almost guarantee that someone (presumably drunk) will look at you like so

and then curse you out and possibly start a fight with you. You don't want to go out like that. Sitchoazz down!

Etiquette #6- Be respectful, if you are the fan of the opponent.

Football is supposed to be a fun event, but you do find people that take the game a little more serious than they should. Let me tell you, I've heard plenty of stories and seen plenty of fights, all because someone was acting a fool. Here's the thing, it's cool to go to an away game and root for your team on the road. But don't go in hostile territory, showboat or bragging. It will NOT... I repeat... W-I-L-L N-O-T ... end pretty.

I've seen an opposing fan get his face bashed in, I've heard stories of beer getting spilled on them, objects being thrown at them, and ladies flashing their boobs in front of small children, all in the name of defending their home ground. Cheer your team on, but don't come in talking about, "We're gonna kick your azz!!!" or, "That's why we stomped you last year in your house!", YOU'RE gonna get stomped in their house if you don't shut up. Usually home fans pick on opposing fans in a good spirited way... but saying the wrong thing will make it turn ugly quick. Remember, you're in their house. And don't look for security to help you out either. They're usually fans of the home team so it may take a while to respond to your azz whupping.


There you have it Guys and Gals. If you follow by these rules, you will have the best time ever! If you don't... you'll probably have a good time still (unless you ignore my last rule, then you'll be in the hospital). But enjoy your experience like it's your first and last. Football is back, life can't get any better than this.