Residence halls are decorated with gold and maroon fever, stampedes through campus become a common site and tailgating starts several hours before the game. The time has finally come for Sun Devil football season.
Game Days are about more than the actual game itself. There are week-long events that will prepare and train you for the games themselves.
A very important part to preparing for the games is of course the Game Day wardrobe. For Sun Devil fans, just a regular T-shirt doesn’t seem to be the current trend. A popular choice for girls is the scissor-knot-styled T-shirts. Some shirts are so cut up you wonder where the actual shirt went.
However, cut and knotted T-shirts are not the only popular attire at football games. Many times you will see shirts simply painted on bodies. There are also bathing suits worn, faces covered in paint, headbands with devil horns and even maroon and gold Star Wars stormtrooper helmets. Whatever your desired Game Day wardrobe is, be sure to always represent maroon and gold from head to toe — literally.
As the week continues, the entire ASU Tempe campus begins filling up with posters everywhere. You may also notice a lot of hate toward the rival teams. Who can blame us? We are very dedicated devils.
Every pre-game Thursday at noon, the pitchfork pep rally will be held across the whole campus. The Spirit Squad and other speakers will be there to get your Devils spirit going. Whatever you do, make sure you are covered in ASU attire. There may even be a chance to win prizes, including bringing the very special game ball to the Frank Kush Field at a future game.
Saturday finally arrives, but the craziness doesn't stop there. Hours prior to the big game you can march with other crazed Sun Devils in the Sparky’s Stampede from the SRC all the way over the University footbridge and toward our very own Sun Devil Stadium. The march will look like an intimidating stampede of maroon and gold, so make sure to wear the old colors and I promise, you won't be the only one.
As soon as you make it to the stadium, the pre-game tailgating awaits. There will be an endless amount of food (and free food for fans wearing Game Day Gold), music and a whole lot more devilish excitement. While waiting in line during the early season games, you may be sprayed with giant super soakers from the extra-tall ASU basketball players. Multiple color wristbands will be given out at the tailgate, so the earlier you come, the better seating you get.
Finally, the gold mob rushes into the stadium, filling up the stands with spirit and a lot of dedication. Going to the football games and being involved in pre-game excitement will make you feel more connected to ASU and the football craze. Whether we loose a game or not, Sun Devil fans will always be cheering and have their pitchforks ready.
"Get Fresh" Tips:
- Number one priority: Learn the fight song.
- Make sure to have your keys ready to shake during every kick off.
- Have the best maroon and gold gear prepared for the games.
- Wear something that you will feel cool in. It can feel like a sauna in the stadium.
- For girls, bring a small purse, or no purse at all. It can be a hassle to carry around a heavy load.
- Most importantly, if you have not bought your tickets by now, go and buy them!
Hello fellow Freshmen, and others who have stumbled upon this blog. My name is Marlee Bever. I will be your number one stop for advice during our crazy freshmen lives. I’ll help you survive in this overwhelming jungle of Sun Devils, one step at a time. As I make it through each week of my freshman year, I will write about my experiences and give advice on how to survive the Sun Devil way. So stop searching Google for advice; all of the raw, “Get Fresh,” advice is right at your pitchforks. Don’t hesitate to email at mbever@asu.edu, or find me on Twitter @lilMarMarBev.
