FanPost

The 2014 Illini Fan Guide

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via www.epicparent.tv

Not those fans, THESE FANS!!!!!

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via cdn.fansided.com


That’s right baby, our fans. WE THE FANS! A fan base that has endured the torture, heartache, jovial celebrations and depressing losses that will forever be associated with Illini Athletics. Another season is upon us, and we the people need to make sure that we are all on the same page for 2014. No matter if you are attending Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, or heck even Swimming and Diving! We need to make sure we are on same page to give our team the spirit and support they so desperately need.

So! Without further ado…here are the Do’s and Don’ts for Illini Fans:

DO: Show up to the Game! For Pete’s sake people its live sports! There is nothing more thrilling or exciting than seeing a sporting event live. The sounds, sights, smells, and tastes are unlike anything you’re ever going to have in your living room. I also would be willing to bet that our new sound system and scoreboard are waaayyyyyy better than your setup at home. And for you Football folk out there, if you haven’t taken a number one in the horse troughs in the East Balcony, do it! Sure, you can enjoy that same experience in Wrigley Field…but this is B1G Football baby!!! Also, road games are a lot of fun…but that’s another topic…

DON’T: Show up LATE to the Game! This might be a bit of a stretch…as there is this wonderful ritual that exists before the games called tailgating. Yes, I know…it’s a really really good time and an essential part of your gameday ritual. But how about you start nourishing yourselves 30 minutes earlier! That way, you’ll have plenty of time to saunter over to the stadium, watch the band parade to the stadium, catch the pre-game show (and hopefully a flyover), and find your seat before kickoff.

Students, if you’re not in the stands to do the pregame William Tell dance, I will tell on you.

DO: Be Loud! This one can be tough. When you are rooting for a team that couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat, it’s tough to get excited about anything. However, this doesn't mean you should just lie down and give up people! They are going to need all the fan support they can get this coming season. After not having a single post-season appearance last season in Football or Basketball, the expectations are hefty. If we can provide them with an electric home atmosphere, that’ll give our boys that extra "gusto" needed to get over the hump (we hope). Be loud, be proud, and it’ll make things that much more fun.

DON’T: Leave Early! Now, here is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to Illini fans at the moment so please consider the following. We have a rock solid fan-base at Illinois. We can provide one of the best overall atmospheres in the B1G and I love it when everyone gets excited about our team. The one thing I can’t stand however is when people start heading for the exits before the 4th quarter starts (or before the last 5 minutes of a basketball game). This is the B1G people, ANYTHING can happen. There have been games decided in the last minute that have defined a season…please don’t give up on our guys that quickly.

Now I understand that a 21+ point deficit in Football is a tough one to overcome in Football (or a 10 point lead in basketball with 5 minutes left), but remember a certain game against Arizona where we closed a 17 point gap in the last 3.5 minutes!??! How much fun was that game? Who says we can’t string together a few key shots and get right back in the thick of things? All I’m asking is for our fans to not start heading for the exits when there’s still a lot of time left in the game. Rant over.

DO: Tailgate! Legend has it that we were one of the first schools to start tailgating before games. Keep that tradition alive, it’s a great chance to recover after partying at Joe's the night before.

DON’T: Tailgate Too Hard! PLEEEEEAAAASSSEEEEEE don’t be that guy who shows up to games drunk, unless of course you’re going to be going to a game with your buddy who’s a Michigan/Notre Dame fan. Then you have my permission to barf in their shoes.

DO: Wear Orange! You honestly can’t tell me that this doesn't look freaking awesome…

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via www.thesportsbank.net

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via a.espncdn.com

DON’T: Worry Illini Fans! This year is going to be a lot of fun. Our athletic programs are in a new season with a new look. Schedules are quite favorable for us this year and there’s a good chance we’ll compete for some postseason play. I want nothing more than to watch us play in a bowl game or earn an NCAA Tournament Bid. Let back our boys to stand against the best in the land.

For we know they have sand, Illinois.

RAH! RAH!

ILL

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