When you’re living away from home, supporting your favorite team is not always easy, but with a few smart strategies, it’s possible to enjoy the game and show your team spirit no matter where you are. Here,
Pigskin Dispatch presents a few tips to help sports fans stay connected to their teams and spread the good word.
This is a special guest post by
Dean Burgess
Image by Sean P. Twomey courtesy of Pexels
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Venue
Your first priority is to find the perfect spot to watch your team play.
Look for sports bars or pubs in your current city that are known for showing the game. Many bars and pubs will have multiple TVs and will be happy to put the game on for you. It's also a good idea to call ahead and make sure they'll be showing the game so you won’t risk missing the kick-off.
When the traditional venues are busy, it’s time to think outside the box — it’s sometimes possible to rent out spaces at museums, hotels, or even restaurant meeting rooms (this may come with a discount on the food you purchase) for you and others.
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Fan Clubs
Another great way to show your team spirit and
find fellow fans is to look for local fan clubs or meet-up groups. Many teams have official fan clubs that organize events and gatherings, and you can usually find information about them on the team's website or social media pages.
Alternatively, you could try checking online forums or social media groups dedicated to your team to find fans who will be watching the game in the same city. Then check out websites for information about your favorite (or least favorite)
players’ heights and other facts so you can dominate team trivia. This way, you can brush up on key facts about teams and players before connecting. You’ll be ready for the competition and friendly rivalry.
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Refreshments
For many fans,
food and drink is an important part of supporting their team. When you're away from home, it can be tough to find the refreshments that you're used to, but with a little bit of creativity, you can still enjoy some of your favorite things.
For example, you could try local restaurants that serve your favorite foods or bring a
tailgating cooler with snacks and drinks from home. If you're staying in a hotel, you could also try asking the front desk if they can provide a mini-fridge for your room. Just try to bear in mind any local laws or customs regarding alcohol consumption and tailgating, as they can vary from state to state.
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Videos
Sharing your passion for your team on social media can be incredibly rewarding, especially when creating highlight mashup videos. Using free online video creator tools, you can make high-quality edits easily, showcasing the best moments from games, exciting plays, and standout performances.
A
video maker allows you to add music, captions, and transitions, turning your raw footage into engaging content that captures the excitement of your favorite team and resonates with fellow fans. This way, you can celebrate your team's achievements and connect with a larger community of supporters.
Safety
For “away from home” sports fans, safety should be a key consideration, as wearing the colors of another city can make you a target for
fan-on-fan violence. For this reason, when you’re in your opponent's territory, try to keep a low profile and don’t allow your support to be a point of serious contention. Remember, sports events often attract large crowds, and emotions can run high, especially during intense or high-stakes games — keep in mind that the crowd may be rowdy and people may be drinking, and try to stay in well-lit and populated areas.
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Find Your People
For many of us, sports are how we stay connected. It’s important, then, when you’re away from your home turf, to look for fellow fans and wear your team colors with pride. Just be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t forget personal safety in the process.
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