Whether you’re a Kansan, out-of-state or international student, going to your first K-State football game is easily one of the best college experiences you will have.
Growing up just a short drive down Interstate 70, I experienced many games before becoming an enrolled Wildcat. Not one of those games came close to the experience of being a part of our student section.
There’s a reason that Bill Snyder Family Stadium’s student section is said to be one of the best in the nation. With seats on the east side of the stadium, directly behind the opposing team’s bench, we are part of all the action. The student section is a huge reason why opposing coaches say that this is one of the most difficult stadiums to play in.
While we’re talking about seating, remember that what time you get to the stadium determines your quality of seats. If you arrive at the game an hour or two ahead, you will be in a decent position to get a good seat. Any later than that and you will be pushing it.
Remember, however, that a part of the football season fun is being able to enjoy the pre-game festivities. Whether it’s getting pumped up at the dorms or tailgating outside the stadium, it’s all a part of the fun as a first time fan.
Another important thing to keep in mind is, whether before or during the game, to make some new friends. Even if you go alone, the game day environment makes it easy to meet other students out of the thousands of Wildcat fans. By the start of the game, you’ll forget you didn’t know anyone beforehand with all the high-fiving, yelling and Wabashing that’s happening.
If you haven’t already, learn the various chants, hand-gestures and motions that come with K-State football. The Wabash Cannonball is one of the trademarks of being a Wildcat fan, and is something that every student needs to know to enjoy their time in the stands. Whether you learn it before the game or on the fly, you’ll definitely have enough chances to master it by the end of your first game.
Most of all, remember to enjoy your first experience as a member of the loud and passionate Wildcat family.
Emilio Rivera is a freshman in mass communications. Please send comments to sports@kstatecollegian.com.
