You waited a whole year—well, technically you waited 210 days since the CFP championship—for college football, and thank God, it’s finally back. The pageantry. The bands. Waking up early, just to see which ESPN GameDay host might get a meeting request from HR the following week.
You get it: this isn’t just football, it’s what us fans live and die for, and whether you’re posted up at the tailgate, tuning in from your couch, or back on the Yard for homecoming, here’s everything you need to make it through kickoff weekend with your spirit—and your sanity—intact.
The “Sunday Personal Best” Uniform
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I can’t speak for anywhere else, but in the South, college football is our most religious tradition. And just like on Sundays you show up on gameday in your best look. On any campus, you’ll see frats in sport jackets and pastel ties, women in pearls and sundresses, alumni strolling in school colors like they’re walking a runway. But across the country, fans know the game day fit is sacred. However you dress, it’s never just about clothes, it’s about showing your allegiance before the first whistle.
Survival Kit Item: You can always go with your school’s colors, but if you don’t have a team, rock a Black-owned brand like Black & Scholared
The Emotional Snack Drawer
The menu is as important as the matchup. From brats on a Big Ten grill to turkey legs and red drinks at a Classic tailgate, the food sometimes is why we show up as early as we do. Your edible lucky charm might be just the right helping of smoked wings, mac and cheese, or your auntie’s potato salad. No matter where you’re at home or on the road, there’s only one rule when it comes to tailgating: nobody goes hungry before kickoff.
Survival Kit Item: Keep the tailgate spicy with this collection of Black-owned hot sauceor stay hydrated with your favorite adult beverage in a Suplmnt tumbler. Just don’t think they’ll let you bring it into the stadium.
The Group Chat Strategy Guide
Every fan knows the group chat is where the real game is played. Texting friends pre-game, dropping stats, memes and doing a little trash talking with your buddy who went to a rival school. And when it’s all said and done, someone’s bragging, someone’s sulking, and someone always swears they could coach better than whoever is on the sideline. Whether you’re headed to the game or a friend’s cookout, take this survival tip: charge your phone pre-game and know when to mute the chat before your blood pressure gets flagged.
Survival Kit Item: It’s pretty simple, get a portable charger. But if you’re passing through North Carolina and forgot yours at home, don’t stress. Battery Exchange—a Black-owned brand—has one you can rent. Perfect for when you’re too excited about seeing Belichick in that Carolina blue.
The Soundtrack That Makes the Game
Football doesn’t sound right without music. From Ohio State’s brass band blasting “Script Ohio” to DJs spinning “Mo Bamba” during the timeouts, the music simply stated sets it off. And while we’re talking about it, let’s be honest: nothing compares to the HBCU band culture. FAMU’s Marching 100. Southern’s Human Jukebox. Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South. Halftime isn’t filler, it’s a concert. And when the fifth quarter hits, the band is the headliner, not the score.
Survival Kit Item: If you’re watching the game at home, turn up the volume with the House of Marley eco-friendly speaker, or if you’re at the game with the little ones, make sure you have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
The Rituals That Matter
Every campus has its sacred traditions.
- Howard Homecoming turns into a Yardfest pilgrimage.
- Ohio State dots the “i” in Script Ohio.
- Texas A&M holds Midnight Yell like it’s gospel.
- Clemson players run down “The Hill.”
- Wisconsin bounces to “Jump Around.”
- Auburn’s Tiger Walk packs thousands onto one street.
- The Bayou Classic in New Orleans? You already know that the halftime show is the main event.
From chants to strolls to prayer circles, these rituals tie fans across generations. They’re why football feels less like just going to a game and more like spending time with family.
Survival Kit Item: You’re going to be doing a lot of yelling, so stock up on some cough drops or throat lozenges, headache medicine and electrolytes, cause that sore throat and hangover isn’t going to cure themselves..
The Cool-Down Plan
Games end, but the rivalries keep going. Win or lose, you’ll find fans spilling into bars, cookouts and block parties. Alumni reunite, families swap stories, and the band doesn’t stop just because the clock does. Survival tip: pace yourself. It’s a long season.
Survival Kit Item: Here are some Black-owned spirits for all the post-game pours – Uncle Nearest whiskey, McBride Sisters wine and Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.
Keeping Score
Whether your team has a real shot at the second year of the expanded playoff or you’re just here for the tailgate plate, you’re part of something bigger than yourself. Because college football season is a tradition. It’s about being a part of a community. It’s the BEST time of the year.
So, as the season starts to kick off, make sure your survival kit is in midseason form, say a little prayer for your team and remember: the scoreboard will fade, but the memories last forever.
