Watching the Cards in another stadium

[Solar7]

I'm going to my first non-home Cardinals game (besides the Super Bowl) in SF this year.

I'm a loud guy at the games. Never really offensive, but never someone who doesn't stand up and scream.

What's the best etiquette at another game? Staying quiet? Yelling if I have others around me that are Cards fans? Buy Blaine Gabbert jerseys and hand them out?

 

[Harry]

Avoiding getting beaten up by Niner fans is you number one priority. Don't engage in any debates about anything. Avoid people drinking heavily. If by chance you're near other Cards fans avoid the ones behaving rowdy. Assess how understanding the people close to you are. Take opportunities to let them vent about this year. Compliment them on past performance. Seriously be careful. I hate to spoil you fun, but I've been to numerous NFL games and while it's usually fun I seen some bad incidents. Okay to cheer good Cardinal acts, but remember where you are.

 

[jmt]

I've never had a problem in DC or Baltimore but avoid Philly. I would try to be cool and stay in my seat!

 

[Cardsfanstl]

Be respectful because you are in their house. Cheer when the Cards do something good. I also compliment when the other team made a good play. Also sit as close to the field as you can. Most of the rowdy drunk homes fans sit in the upper deck. Been to St. Louis, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and New Orleans. Follwed those rules and never had a problem.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Just be respectful, but also walk confidently into their midst.

Watched the Cardinals in NY, Philly and Baltimore. No problems. Philly is not bad, it is to be expected they will ride you a little, but it is all in good fun.

Heck, I go to Flyer games with my Penguins gear on. People that have problems in Philly are usually drunk, or being stupid. It is quite over exaggerated if you ask me.

 

[WisconsinCard]

I just do whatever come natural, I've been to 21 different stadiums and have never really had an issue. There is always one person in the crowd that wants to be the tough guy, usually a drunk kid. So it is easy to put them in their place. I've even have had their own fans tell them to shut up and watch the game.

My normal speech to the drunk kid goes something like this..."You're a punk kid and let me tell you why you're a punk. You some how feel protected because we're in this stadium. I promise you if you saw me in the street you wouldn't even say hi to me much less the things you're saying now. And another thing I promise you if I came up there and bowled your a$$ down the stairs all these people around you would applaud me." This is usually followed by applause by the people around the dumb drunk kid, and he feels like an idiot and shuts up the rest of the game. I have even had the "drunk kid" leave his seat never to return.

 

[Brak]

Be especially careful in Santa Clara. The Niner fan base has grown in its "thug mentality" in recent years. Mostly likely you'll be fine if you just use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch how those around you react when you cheer for the Cards. If you see somebody giving you the major stink-eye, beware.

 

[WisconsinCard]

You could always just take Shane and Stout with you, as paid body guards and then you could get away with anything you want....

 

[NJCardFan]

Just be respectful, but also walk confidently into their midst.

Watched the Cardinals in NY, Philly and Baltimore. No problems. Philly is not bad, it is to be expected they will ride you a little, but it is all in good fun.

Heck, I go to Flyer games with my Penguins gear on. People that have problems in Philly are usually drunk, or being stupid. It is quite over exaggerated if you ask me.

Did you ever go to the Vet?

 

[crisper57]

Wait until the Cards are winning so badly that the fans start booing their own team. Then you can join them.

 

[WO_FAT]

I've been to SF for the Cards game the last 2 years (and going again this year). Took a little ribbing here and there but nothing bad. Was a pretty peaceful experience both times and would expect the same this year. Basically cheer on the Cards as much as you want, just dont be obnoxious and you shouldnt have any issues.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Did you ever go to the Vet?

Not for football, just once for baseball.

That place was a dump near the end, but it had its charm.

 

[Buckybird]

If I'm going to a game in SF I'm keeping my mouth shut & not cheering any good play by the Cards, considering the idiotic things that have happened there. Watch ur back in the restrooms in more ways than one

 

[ARZCardinals]

I've been to MANY away games....and if you want to walk out in one piece...read and follow
I'm not joking...SF along with other stadiums have fans that will be happy to crack you upside your head and leave you on the asphalt good for dead if you act up. Sure there are many AWESOME great fans in SF, but you aren't and shouldn't be worried about them...it's the crazies....and they will be there.

I was in SF with ex-wife, dad and step mom...we had peanuts thrown at the back of our heads until we got security. Security said, "So, what do you want me to do?" I'm not joking. I said "Get me the supervisor." They took care of it...and after talking to the supervisor he REAMED OUT that security person and notified me if there was ANY issue it will be taken care of...and let us know we would be safe.

Rules for away games

1. Introduce yourself to the fans around you and say "Hi, My name is....and it's nice to be here. Hope everyone is cool and I'm glad to be here." Be nice in conversation...don't talk and say your team sucks and we are awesome, but I'm sure you know that.

2. Clap and cheer...DO NOT STAND UP AND CHEER ...even for a TD...stay seated.

3. NEVER EVER EVER EVER Cheer and look around at the misery of the other fans...if so your problems will now begin.

4. Introduce yourself to security in your section and let them know "If there is an issue with a crazy 9er fan I expect your help. I'm a family man and am here for entertainment."

5. Any fan starts talking S to you....SAY NOTHING...nothing good nothing bad...STAY quiet. Anything you say to them will NEVER go over well...and know there are more of "him" around that want in too.

6. I felt safe going to the restroom alone in SF, but in Philly I had a guy that was twice my size physically pick me up and start walking me out of the restroom. KNOW there is NO security in the restroom area and the other fans WILL NOT STEP in if someone starts to beat your A just because you have a Cards jersey on.

7. Know your alcohol limit and stick to it....getting drunk in SF wearing Cards gear...even security won't help you....yea you heard that right.

8. If anything goes down and security is there IMMEDIATLY DEMAND the supervisor...he or she is the BEST advocate there...he or she is trained and the only thing they want is SAFETY.

Be cool and keep your cool and you should have no problem. Follow the rules above and don't waiver. I love the NFL game, but there are way too many fans that think the game is about them and you are truly an enemy in their house....it's crazy thinking, but it's their crazy thinking that can get you put in a hospital.

Have fun and be safe

sick we live in a society where we have to do the above just to watch a game.

I'm thinking of driving up to SF for the weekend and go to the game....if I'm up there...maybe we can meet up for a pint.

 

[MrYeahBut]

All the games at SDS were in enemy territory...

 

[Solar7]

I'm thinking of driving up to SF for the weekend and go to the game....if I'm up there...maybe we can meet up for a pint.

Thanks for the runthrough. I'd be more than happy to. Shoot me a PM if you decide to go, I'll be in SF all weekend, and then headed down to Santa Clara on Sunday.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Im going to both Seattle and Philly away this year. Reading Azcardinals post scares the hell out of me for one of them lol. Not going to lie im nervous about Philly game. I am going with my wife and group of guys and girls that are her friends and Eagles fans so I am hoping any stuff i get is good natured. I will not be talking much in Philly and wearing a black Cardinals sweatshirt and beanie. Politely clapping and staring at the field is good advice lol

I will be likely drunk and talking good natured trash in Seattle though. Ill let you know how it goes

 

[Darkside]

Lol, none of this is how I want to enjoy football. Grats Solar on your first away game. I hope you and yours enjoy it without incident.

 

[john h]

I've never had a problem in DC or Baltimore but avoid Philly. I would try to be cool and stay in my seat!

I agree about Philly. Do not wear Cards gear there.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Im going to both Seattle and Philly away this year. Reading Azcardinals post scares the hell out of me for one of them lol. Not going to lie im nervous about Philly game. I am going with my wife and group of guys and girls that are her friends and Eagles fans so I am hoping any stuff i get is good natured. I will not be talking much in Philly and wearing a black Cardinals sweatshirt and beanie. Politely clapping and staring at the field is good advice lo

I will be likely drunk and talking good natured trash in Seattle though. Ill let you know how it goes

Gotta figure your okay in Philly going with a group of people that are Eagles fans. If they themselves are cool with you, they'll prob insulate you from jerkoffs trying to mess with you.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Gotta figure your okay in Philly going with a group of people that are Eagles fans. If they themselves are cool with you, they'll prob insulate you from jerkoffs trying to mess with you.

Thats what I am banking on and also my wife is there in Eagles gear maybe giving it a little more lightness house divided dynamic? Either way her friends arent exactly UFC fighters either so Im going to mind my Ps and Qs.

 

[Bert]

My biggest complaint with opposing fans is when they turn their backs to the field.

We've all seen them. The drunk guy in the visiting team jersey who spends half the game with his back to the field because after every positive play for his team he feels the need to turn around and talk crap to the home fans.

So insanely irritating. I really have no problem with opposing fans other than that. I cannot stand people who come to the stadium specifically to start stuff. Just watch the game man. Stand up, cheer, be loud, but dont go out of your way to start stuff and dont engage with any angry 9er fans.

I went to a Cards game in Seattle and I had zero issues. They were downright welcoming.

 

[Jersey Girl]

Did you ever go to the Vet?

I did ... twice ... once by myself. And I lived to tell the tale.

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

I went to Candlestick almost 20 years ago with my wife, Had a Phoenix Cardinals shirt on that I still own.....Didn't make a sound, wasn't rude, stayed seated the whole game.....at some point during the game a group of 9er fans were squirting mustard on hotdog foil..balling it up and throwing it at me and my wife ( mostly me) they were irritated that the lowly Cards were beating their team.... There was about 6 or 7 of them, and not another Cards fan in site, so I did what any reasonable person would have done..Told my wife to go to the car, picked out who I figured was the main instigator, waited till he separated from his cronies, and left him napping in the parking lot.

 

[Solar7]

After a lot of these stories, I'm happy to say I'm at least going with a 49er fan, and before the game, will be tailgating with his parents, who are also 49ers fans, so I'm hoping most of the **** talking is good natured.

I'm a pretty measured guy, I don't imagine myself heckling anyone or starting anything - I haven't been in conflict at a football game more than once, when a 40+ year old Raiders fan threatened to stab me when I was 18 years old and at SDS during a preseason game.

(This is sans the time my mom decided to cuss out a woman who was driving too fast in Westgate's parking lot and it escalated until a carful of colorful characters got out and surrounded my dad and I, but that's another story entirely.)