8 Rude Things People Do At Sporting Events
We throw flags at these pieces!
There’s no denying that Southerners care more about the sport and our teams than most. But despite our immense passion and unmatched fanbase, there are certain behaviors that even a Dawg and an Alligator will agree are downright uncivilized. Here we’ve rounded up eight things people do at sporting events that we should all avoid. Do you recognize your pet nuisance on the list?
Ignoring personal space
Stadium seating doesn’t offer people much personal space anyway, so do your best to make conscientious use of the small area you’re given. Remain in your assigned seat and keep all your personal belongings close and out of reach of other fans.
The opposing team or their fans pant
Of course, a little carefree trash-talking towards the opponent is part of having fun at sporting events. But don’t overdo it: don’t boo the other team as they move in, or bother opposing fans who may be sitting nearby, especially if they’re a minority. If you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandparents or your second grader, you shouldn’t tell anyone — no matter how much you loathe that particular shade of orange.
Offers endless comments
Even if you’re a true expert on the game at hand, and even if the referees make horrible calls, you don’t have to comment loudly on every single play. Save your frustration and your source of knowledge for the few times righteous anger is warranted or an explanation is demanded. Those sitting around you probably don’t find your hot takes half as clever as you do.
throw tantrums
While we understand better than anyone that the outcome of an SEC matchup can decide a devoted fan’s day, we also know that proper etiquette requires civilized behavior no matter what. That means no swearing, especially in the presence of small ears, and no showing your butt (figuratively or literally) when things aren’t going your way.
Get up (and let everyone else get up) every five minutes.
You can’t always help when you need a bathroom break, but if you’re sitting in the middle of the row, try to limit avenues that are bothering those around you. For example, if you run to the bathroom, buy snacks while you get up.
Be carefree with drinks
Accidents happen, but remember your drinks and do your best not to spill them on those around you, even if the Summer Beat was totally worthy of a hands-in-the-air celebration.
Cell phone use with reckless abandonment
With the stadium buzzing with cheers and chatter, no one wants to sit next to the person who’s loudly talking on the phone in the middle of it — or have to dodge the hundredth selfie taken by the person in front of them. It’s also worth noting that different sporting events require different phone labels. Brush up on the rules ahead of time to make sure you’re up to speed: God help the spectator caught using a cell phone at the Masters.
leave rubbish behind
Yes, a crew may be hired to clean the arena after the game, but that’s no excuse for treating your seats like a pigsty. Do as the National Park Service does and leave no trace. If you put something in play, take it with you or drop it in the designated bins. This is a scenario where we’re pretty sure your junk is nobody’s treasure.
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