Football season is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited! 

There are many different ways to enjoy the game and all the excitement that it brings. 

The traditions, sportsmanship and display of character are all inspiring to fans from many different walks of life. Join me as I take a deep dive into the best football game-day traditions.

When I was in high school, we had many different traditions for game days. Some of these events included players dressing up, the drumline performing during lunch and we would have the best pep rallies.

Since my first two years in high school were spent in quarantine, we could not have pep rallies. So when our class got two years of them, we made the absolute most of it.

Ever since then, I have always loved the traditions of game days, and the ones at Nicholls are even better.

Life in the Lot

Tailgating is one of the most exciting parts of game days for many, including myself, which takes place in the parking lot next to the stadium. 

Students, faculty and fans from near and far come together every season before games to celebrate the Nicholls football team. 

“I’m from Texas and I never felt more at home than at those tailgates before games,” said Jonathan Wells, a Nicholls student majoring in culinary arts. 

Tailgating has a lot of different activities, such as various campus organizations present with tables where you can learn more about them and win prizes. There is food, drinks and music accompanied by good spirits all to root for our guys on Saturday. 

Tailgating over the years has been one of the most unifying traditions of the Nicholls football season. 

Pre-Game Parade

A Nicholls football game brings people together not just by tailgating but with a pre-game parade as well. 

The pre-game parade is highlighted by the Nicholls Marching Band, along with the Colonelettes and cheerleaders, which also takes place in the tailgating area. I got to support my personal friend, Alana Rodrigue, who is a member of the dance team, while also enjoying an amazing performance. 

These performances are to inspire and get the fans hyped up for the big day ahead! Although it is technically not a parade, it does its job of getting the fans excited. 

Personally, I love those performances where they get fans involved with callouts and fight songs. It is another great way to bring the community together.

The Pride of Nicholls

Now I want to talk more specifically about “The Pride of Nicholls”—our marching band. 

Gamedays are huge for the band as they are involved in major parts of several key events. I already discussed their role in the pre-game parade, but there is so much more that they do. 

The band provides pre-game and half-time performances, while playing consistently throughout the game. 

In addition, they perform in pep rallies and walk the team into the stadium on game days. Gamedays couldn’t start or finish without our pride and joy.

Grabbing Grub

I, for one, am a big fan when it comes to food! 

Being from Louisiana, one thing we can do is cook and eat. Football game days are no different.

On gamedays, there’s great food all around from the different meals that people have at tents, the concession stands in the stadium and even when going to eat with friends after the game. There are many different ways to enjoy the food, especially with the variety of choices. 

Some common national game day favorites include burgers, hot dogs and pizza.

Nicholls, however, has the luxury of being here in the Bayou. We have our local favorites such as jambalaya, boudin and crawfish. There are many different food items to enjoy, but just remember, closed mouths don’t get fed. 

The Real “Fun”

What’s a college football game on a Saturday without a little alcohol, right? 

Some people say this is where the fun really starts. 

Many fans wake up and start that day with a drink just to get in the spirit. Various places at tailgates give out free drinks. They also sell it in the stadiums. Still, some people prefer to buy their own and “pre-game”. 

I, for one, am not a drinker. However, I’ve heard that it can be really enjoyable when done responsibly. 

In conclusion, I encourage you all to drink responsibly, eat good food, and enjoy the activities of our first game day of the season. Above all else, have fun. Because that is what college football gamedays are all about.