Fan Etiquette on the Road

[mcnicKY91]

When you guys travel on the road to watch UK play, what kind of etiquette do you employ?

Do you aggressively cheer for UK? Are you more laid back (even though you are going crazy inside, you don't want to go overboard and offend the home crowd)? Do you have good conversations with the opposing fanbase, or just keep to yourself? Do you try to stir up problems (especially if UK is dominating), or always play the nice guy?

Curious to hear what etiquette you employ on the road...

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

I'm a UK gentleman. Home or away. Cheer as appropriate but understand the environment.

 

[mcnicKY91]

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

 

[Blueaz]

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office released details of the preliminary autopsy report that "did not suggest traumatic injury" in 53-year-old Dale Mooney’s death.

 

[WeWant9]

I take the approach that you are in someone else’s house, and should be respectful. Wear your UK gear and cheer for your team, but don’t be obnoxious.

There’s no reason to talk crap or try and get physical on the road, you’re going be outnumbered anyways.

 

[bbncal02]

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

We are the craziest fan base on Earth and proud of it. But man some people do take crap way too far. If you're punching somebody like that, unless you were attacked obviously, you are the problem.

It's a game. Talk a little good natured trash, cheer loudly for your team, but most people know what is obnoxious and over the top. (or at least used to).

I went to a Titans game once, and my friend and I got a little excited (heaven forbid) and we bumped a guy which caused my friend to accidentally spill his drink on him. It wasn't full by any means, and we apologized profusely. He was over the top angry though- like he was ready to throw down. I get being a little upset but this dude was ready to fight! Over getting a little wet- a temporary, although understandably uncomfortable problem.

Some people are just aholes. No if's, and's, or buts, and will get physical over the smallest crap! Have some perspective, realize it's going to be a fun but rowdy environment, and stop taking things to the next level every time.

 

[gojvc]

I go scorched earth when we’re kicking ass.

 

[Dead Cat Bounce]

I was traveling during the the second round of the 2007 SEC tournament, so I stopped in a sports bar to watch Kentucky play Mississippi State. When I walked in, the place was empty, so I took a prime position at the bar with a large TV. This was a Mountain West town, though, and right around halftime of the Kentucky game, the bar began to fill up with women's basketball fans excited to watch their team play in their own conference tournament.

By the end of regulation, the bar was standing room only. The fans were very gracious, waiting patiently for my game to end before claiming my spot. No rush. No pressure. An older crowd, lots of women, very polite. Lots of friendly basketball conversation.

Well, that was the game that Kentucky lost in part because Tubby Smith called Sheray Thomas off the line after the ref had already tossed the ball to Jodie Meeks, who was then shooting free throws. Two things then happened in rapid succession: First, the MWC game playing on every other TV in the bar went to commercial, silencing the bar crowd. Second, as Mississippi State scored a three to send the game to overtime, I unleashed a torrent of obscenities never rivaled in the history of spoken English.

The bar went silent and every eye in the place turned to me. I've rarely felt so ashamed. When I say I slunk out, I mean, I told my wife to settle the tab, pulled my jacket over my ears, and ducked out the door, hiding my face in my hands like I was walking out of a courthouse.

I stopped cursing altogether, gave up profanity entirely, for almost a day and a half. I still feel pretty f****** bad about it.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

I was traveling during the the second round of the 2007 SEC tournament, so I stopped in a sports bar to watch Kentucky play Mississippi State. When I walked in, the place was empty, so I took a prime position at the bar with a large TV. This was a Mountain West town, though, and right around halftime of the Kentucky game, the bar began to fill up with women's basketball fans excited to watch their team play in their own conference tournament.

By the end of regulation, the bar was standing room only. The fans were very gracious, waiting patiently for my game to end before claiming my spot. No rush. No pressure. An older crowd, lots of women, very polite. Lots of friendly basketball conversation.

Well, that was the game that Kentucky lost in part because Tubby Smith called Sheray Thomas off the line after the ref had already tossed the ball to Jodie Meeks, who was then shooting free throws. Two things then happened in rapid succession: First, the MWC game playing on every other TV in the bar went to commercial, silencing the bar crowd. Second, as Mississippi State scored a three to send the game to overtime, I unleashed a torrent of obscenities never rivaled in the history of spoken English.

The bar went silent and every eye in the place turned to me. I've rarely felt so ashamed. When I say I slunk out, I mean, I told my wife to settle the tab, pulled my jacket over my ears, and ducked out the door, hiding my face in my hands like I was walking out of a courthouse.

I stopped cursing altogether, gave up profanity entirely, for almost a day and a half. I still feel pretty f****** bad about it.

That's pretty funny. I'm also that guy with a distinct ability to blurt out something obscene right after the room volume dips to cricket level.

 

[BigKari]

When I’m on the road I see myself as an ambassador for UK and I act accordingly. I’m laid back and complimentary, I can banter with the best of them too, keep it light, get everyone around me laughing. But the thing I do with all opposing fans that I talk to is to quickly establish that I know more about their team than they do. I’m the basketball guy here, you’re just watching a game because your coworker gave you tickets. It leaves the impression that we are basketball royalty and we know it, but they gain an understanding that the royalty is earned.

 

[BigKari]

I was traveling during the the second round of the 2007 SEC tournament, so I stopped in a sports bar to watch Kentucky play Mississippi State. When I walked in, the place was empty, so I took a prime position at the bar with a large TV. This was a Mountain West town, though, and right around halftime of the Kentucky game, the bar began to fill up with women's basketball fans excited to watch their team play in their own conference tournament.

By the end of regulation, the bar was standing room only. The fans were very gracious, waiting patiently for my game to end before claiming my spot. No rush. No pressure. An older crowd, lots of women, very polite. Lots of friendly basketball conversation.

Well, that was the game that Kentucky lost in part because Tubby Smith called Sheray Thomas off the line after the ref had already tossed the ball to Jodie Meeks, who was then shooting free throws. Two things then happened in rapid succession: First, the MWC game playing on every other TV in the bar went to commercial, silencing the bar crowd. Second, as Mississippi State scored a three to send the game to overtime, I unleashed a torrent of obscenities never rivaled in the history of spoken English.

The bar went silent and every eye in the place turned to me. I've rarely felt so ashamed. When I say I slunk out, I mean, I told my wife to settle the tab, pulled my jacket over my ears, and ducked out the door, hiding my face in my hands like I was walking out of a courthouse.

I stopped cursing altogether, gave up profanity entirely, for almost a day and a half. I still feel pretty f****** bad about it.

I’d have been like “What? Aren’t y’all basketball fans?”

Alas, I gave up shame a long time ago. If I did it, I meant it and I can’t take it back now so f*** it. My wife woulda been the one slinking out 😂😂

 

[Ugoff]

I was traveling during the the second round of the 2007 SEC tournament, so I stopped in a sports bar to watch Kentucky play Mississippi State. When I walked in, the place was empty, so I took a prime position at the bar with a large TV. This was a Mountain West town, though, and right around halftime of the Kentucky game, the bar began to fill up with women's basketball fans excited to watch their team play in their own conference tournament.

By the end of regulation, the bar was standing room only. The fans were very gracious, waiting patiently for my game to end before claiming my spot. No rush. No pressure. An older crowd, lots of women, very polite. Lots of friendly basketball conversation.

Well, that was the game that Kentucky lost in part because Tubby Smith called Sheray Thomas off the line after the ref had already tossed the ball to Jodie Meeks, who was then shooting free throws. Two things then happened in rapid succession: First, the MWC game playing on every other TV in the bar went to commercial, silencing the bar crowd. Second, as Mississippi State scored a three to send the game to overtime, I unleashed a torrent of obscenities never rivaled in the history of spoken English.

The bar went silent and every eye in the place turned to me. I've rarely felt so ashamed. When I say I slunk out, I mean, I told my wife to settle the tab, pulled my jacket over my ears, and ducked out the door, hiding my face in my hands like I was walking out of a courthouse.

I stopped cursing altogether, gave up profanity entirely, for almost a day and a half. I still feel pretty f****** bad about it.

I don't know why but that gave me a flashback from "A Christmas Story" when Ralphie lost the lug nuts in the snow.

 

[CapnBlubs]

I was traveling during the the second round of the 2007 SEC tournament, so I stopped in a sports bar to watch Kentucky play Mississippi State. When I walked in, the place was empty, so I took a prime position at the bar with a large TV. This was a Mountain West town, though, and right around halftime of the Kentucky game, the bar began to fill up with women's basketball fans excited to watch their team play in their own conference tournament.

By the end of regulation, the bar was standing room only. The fans were very gracious, waiting patiently for my game to end before claiming my spot. No rush. No pressure. An older crowd, lots of women, very polite. Lots of friendly basketball conversation.

Well, that was the game that Kentucky lost in part because Tubby Smith called Sheray Thomas off the line after the ref had already tossed the ball to Jodie Meeks, who was then shooting free throws. Two things then happened in rapid succession: First, the MWC game playing on every other TV in the bar went to commercial, silencing the bar crowd. Second, as Mississippi State scored a three to send the game to overtime, I unleashed a torrent of obscenities never rivaled in the history of spoken English.

The bar went silent and every eye in the place turned to me. I've rarely felt so ashamed. When I say I slunk out, I mean, I told my wife to settle the tab, pulled my jacket over my ears, and ducked out the door, hiding my face in my hands like I was walking out of a courthouse.

I stopped cursing altogether, gave up profanity entirely, for almost a day and a half. I still feel pretty f****** bad about it.

In my 20s (especially around 2005-10 right out of college) I was loud and profane at a handful of games (UK and Reds mostly). Almost had a couple fights with opposing fans (thankfully nothing ever escalated though). Some of the stories are quite funny so I don't ENTIRELY regret it but I'd never act that way again.

 

[YardCat]

When I was a Power drinker and under 50, I would be whatever fan I felt I was being treated. Except for when I went to LSU, those people were so nice, feed us and gave us beer. Guess they knew they were going to slaughter us. Most of them thanked me for visiting. (Football)

 

[rivercatinfl]

I've been to mbasketball games as UF and SC several times and UF fans were, while very competitive, very polite. SC fans beaned me with a water bottle and scared the crap out of my 10 yr old son taunting us. It only made it worse that we beat SC badly. I'll never go back to Columbia to a game. Gamecocks get beer muscles when they outnumber you!

 

[ORCAT]

I cheer outwardly for my Cats home and away. I never give other team's fans a hard time and just ignore rude ones. I absolutely never have rubbed it in if we're donating a team as I see no purpose in that. I'll leave that to younger immature fans if they want to do that (though I have seen some older fans making idiots of themselves). As some have said, it's just a game why get crazy stupid over it. As a whole I've been treated very well by opposing fans and have had good conversations. Worst ones have been Arkansas at our place in both basketball and football.

 

[LordEggForgotHisPassword]

im low key and talk to other fans of the home team. With that out of the way, i am really impressed with how bad, historically in my world, Florida and Tennessee fans have behaved. I look at how dumb the average Louisville fan is and think that they still know how to act better than those two fan bases. There is honorable mention to the delusional south carolina fan base. Of all the games ive seen, been to see, etc., those three stick out.

 

[ukfan041]

I’m respectful, but cheer like hell for my team. Don’t initiate shit talking, but I’m not gonna be quiet if some is directed at me (I’d never fight over a ballgame). I’ve been all over the SEC, with the exception of Florida and Mississippi State, and have never really had any issues. Also been to a ton of neutral non conference games and the craziest environment was 09 vs UCONN in the garden. Easily the nastiest fans I’ve ever seen. Tons of fights.

 

[jonitza]

We are the craziest fan base on Earth and proud of it. But man some people do take crap way too far. If you're punching somebody like that, unless you were attacked obviously, you are the problem.

It's a game. Talk a little good natured trash, cheer loudly for your team, but most people know what is obnoxious and over the top. (or at least used to).

I went to a Titans game once, and my friend and I got a little excited (heaven forbid) and we bumped a guy which caused my friend to accidentally spill his drink on him. It wasn't full by any means, and we apologized profusely. He was over the top angry though- like he was ready to throw down. I get being a little upset but this dude was ready to fight! Over getting a little wet- a temporary, although understandably uncomfortable problem.

Some people are just aholes. No if's, and's, or buts, and will get physical over the smallest crap! Have some perspective, realize it's going to be a fun but rowdy environment, and stop taking things to the next level every time.

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

New England fans are without hesitation the worst fan base in all sports, you need to be only wearing a jersey supporting your team and they will get in your face. Been to several games at Fenway as a Yankee fan and had to remove my Yankee shirt because they are such assholes. Went to the bathroom and had a 10 year old kid in my face yelling Yankees suck, couldn't do anything or I would have been in trouble being by my self but I wanted to push his face into the urinal I just finished using.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Stay quiet, generally. More so for NFL games. But almost anywhere you go, there's going to be someone near by who is looking to start something, especially because they have you out numbered.

But I find going to road games to be about as enjoyable as spending time on a rivals forum. Why bother. You're asking for trouble and your surrounded by 100's of people who are rooting against you. Im all for supporting the team, but I find being in someone else's arena to be kind of miserable. And that's even IF you run into no big issues during those few hours.

 

[bbncal02]

New England fans are without hesitation the worst fan base in all sports, you need to be only wearing a jersey supporting your team and they will get in your face. Been to several games at Fenway as a Yankee fan and had to remove my Yankee shirt because they are such assholes. Went to the bathroom and had a 10 year old kid in my face yelling Yankees suck, couldn't do anything or I would have been in trouble being by my self but I wanted to push his face into the urinal I just finished using.

Oh I would've had to bite tongue hard on that one.......

 

[LineSkiCat14]

New England fans are without hesitation the worst fan base in all sports, you need to be only wearing a jersey supporting your team and they will get in your face. Been to several games at Fenway as a Yankee fan and had to remove my Yankee shirt because they are such assholes. Went to the bathroom and had a 10 year old kid in my face yelling Yankees suck, couldn't do anything or I would have been in trouble being by my self but I wanted to push his face into the urinal I just finished using.

Boston fans are close to the bottom. They really have an inferiority complex with NY. It goes beyond sporting events too, as they generally don't like New Yorkers even being in their city. And I have several first hand experiences with that.

 

[bbncal02]

Boston fans are close to the bottom. They really have an inferiority complex with NY. It goes beyond sporting events too, as they generally don't like New Yorkers even being in their city. And I have several first hand experiences with that.

It is amazing for a city with such amazing institutions of higher education that they seemingly have some of the most ignorant, close minded folks.

 

[Wildcats1st]

Cheer for my team and scream at the refs. If there’s a problem with opposing fans it’s because they wouldn’t stop talking smack. Usually though it’s a handful and the level headed intervene and tell them to shut up. Most fan bases keep their own in check. I look at myself as a guest and act accordingly while cheering the cats. Ripping officials Ass. I’ll be honest our fans treat fellow uk fans worst than most schools. And that bothers me worse

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

I’d have been like “What? Aren’t y’all basketball fans?”

Alas, I gave up shame a long time ago. If I did it, I meant it and I can’t take it back now so f*** it. My wife woulda been the one slinking out 😂😂

No one in the conference cares about basketball.

 

[jonitza]

Boston fans are close to the bottom. They really have an inferiority complex with NY. It goes beyond sporting events too, as they generally don't like New Yorkers even being in their city. And I have several first hand experiences with that.

Exactly, I'm from Kentucky but they wouldn't know that nor would they care if your wearing a Yankee shirt. Really sucks because Fenway is a great place to watch a game but they ruin it. Worst accent and fan base ever.

 

[RonRajon]

Act like you’ve been there before. Golf claps. Respect the opponent’s house. It’s a regular season game, do not scream. Only March matters, so save your voice and energy until then.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

In my early to mid 20s I wasn’t looking to start fights but I definitely would square up if challenge. But that incident is a perfect example of why I now avoid fights at all costs. You punch the wrong person and they could die and you have live with guilt with the rest of your life. Not worth imo.

I’m prepare to defend myself and my own, but if I can walk away, I will.

That being said, I cheer hard for UK regardless of where they play but when I’m in an arena I try not to use profanity because I know there might be kids near by and I do try to be respectful to those around me regardless of who they’re cheering for.

 

[JDHoss]

I have a policy of not being an asshole on the road OR at home. It's served me well over the years.

Worst fans I've encountered...
UT
Florida
LSU
University Six
IU
WVU

Nicest fans...
Clempson
Penn St
Bama
Ole Miss
UGA

 

[kybassfan]

Our fans are generally well behaved. Cheer enthusiastically and loudly at times but nothing outrageous. Of course there are some assholes, but not many. Lot fewer percentage wise than are on this board I’ve been in several gyms watching KY and our good behavior is always evident. This board in no way represents the norm seen in the big blue mist.

 

[kybassfan]

I have a policy of not being an asshole on the road OR at home. It's served me well over the years.

Worst fans I've encountered...
UT
Florida
LSU
University Six
IU
WVU

Nicest fans...
Clempson
Penn St
Bama
Ole Miss
UGA

LSU is bad. TN is just plain stupid, right up there with U6. Auburn has a big contingent of jerks too.

Worst situation I’ve encountered was in an Auburn parking lot just trying to get to my car and get home. 3 guys were trying to impress 2 very homely girls (I think). I’m a pretty burly guy and the 2 guys I traveled to the game with were bigger than I was, so no harm done. I kinda pity those guys when they sobered up. There was some chew your arm off ugly happening in that parking lot.

 

[shodaman]

im low key and talk to other fans of the home team. With that out of the way, i am really impressed with how bad, historically in my world, Florida and Tennessee fans have behaved. I look at how dumb the average Louisville fan is and think that they still know how to act better than those two fan bases. There is honorable mention to the delusional south carolina fan base. Of all the games ive seen, been to see, etc., those three stick out.

I can say IU fans at the games totally suck but I work with many of their fans in southern Indiana and don't get hardly any slack

 

[The Snoke]

I have always tried to respect the “home environment “ of the other team but still cheer the Cats. The only place I have found that is completely unbearable because of deranged, crazy, hillbilly, inbred ish, is Thompson-Bowling! It could be the most disgusting place I have ever been part of. That place is where all the refuse from Canada to the south, dumps its trash!!!

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

I have always tried to respect the “home environment “ of the other team but still cheer the Cats. The only place I have found that is completely unbearable because of deranged, crazy, hillbilly, inbred ish, is Thompson-Bowling! It could be the most disgusting place I have ever been part of. That place is where all the refuse from Canada to the south, dumps its trash!!!

You misspelled “Neyland Stadium”

 

[JonathanW]

Living out of state (in NC), most of UK games I attend are road games (mostly USC or UNC), and yes I cheer for UK as much as I can (until I lose my voice, lol). As do the thousands of other UK fans at those same games. But I do not act obnoxious about it. Win with grace, lose with grace.

 

[CUJO_1970]

I stay calm and cool, not because of what they will do to me but because of what I will do to them.

 

[Fox2monk]

And the reason I ask, is because of what happened in the Pats Dolphins game. Apparently an altercation broke out in the stands, and a Dolphins fan punched the Pats fan twice in the head, which ultimately killed the guy.

Not saying we do that as a fanbase, but in light of how ppl react nowadays, curious how boisterous we get on the road!

I think he had an underlying condition which caused his death. I doubt the fan was Mike Tyson. It’s hard to kill someone with a punch unless they got knocked out and hit their head on something which witnesses said wasn’t the case. He just collapsed after the fight.

 

[Fox2monk]

It is amazing for a city with such amazing institutions of higher education that they seemingly have some of the most ignorant, close minded folks.

Higher education sucks in this country now.

 

[Pound Sand]

Personally, I prefer to watch the game at home, away from all the noise and obnoxious fans cheering against my team.

 

[CaptainBoogerBuns]

I’ve never been to an SEC basketball venue, but I could only imagine it being weird. Mostly UK fans, and a crowd of people passing the time until spring practice. My guess it’s too boring as hell to stay awake much less cause a scene.

I went to an SEC tournament once but that was in Lex. So I guess that doesn’t count. Oh