The Do's and Dont's of Spectating at Howard

Your experiences at HU sporting events can either be trashed or treasured depending on your knowledge of the proper HU game etiquette. Luckily, some experienced Howard students are willing to share stories and give advice to ensure that, no matter what, everyone can enjoy the party that is a HU game.

"The best way to make a sporting event enjoyable is to simply have all of your friends there," said junior, architecture major, James Smalls II.

Good company can turn even a dull event into a lively outing. Planning things to do with your friends after a game can also make the entire experience more memorable.

"Having another thing to do afterwards also prevents the outing from being unpleasant," Smalls said.

While making sure you have the right crew when attending a HU game is a "do", not having your I.D. is an absolute "don't". Forgetting it can leave you outside Burr Gymnasium, listening to your friends enjoy the game. Also, if you want to be able to sit comfortably with all your friends, getting to the event early is a definite "do".

Although things can get heated in the stands during a game against an HU rival, hurling things onto the field or court and talking trash to the opposing team is an absolute "don't".

 "My freshman year, someone threw a bottle directly at an opposing player during a basketball game," Smalls said. "He was heated and everyone pointed at the culprit and police kicked him out."

"We are bison and should be respectable and classy at all times," said sophomore, broadcast journalism major, Emmilyne Victor.

Straying away from the "don'ts" and demonstrating school spirit is a great way to get the entire HU experience and join in on the excitement. Students wear Howard gear, craft signs and posters, and yell chants and cheers among their peers.

"It's always a big party," Smalls said. "Whether we win or lose we always have a good time listening to the band and the DJ.  The students keep it fun."