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The Unwritten Playbook: Important Arena And Stadium Etiquette Tips
Going to see your favourite sports team play is exciting. Being part of the crowd when your team scores the game-winning goal right before the final buzzer is something every true fan dreams of experiencing. The sights, sounds, smells, and electric atmosphere are unmatched on game day.
While many fans focus solely on the big plays or intense nail-biting moments, the truly experienced know the ins and outs and unwritten rules that make the game even better. In this article, we will share our top stadium and arena etiquette tips that will make your next outing into the best experience it can be.
Always Give Yourself Extra Time
Since stadiums and arenas hold thousands of people, it is sensible to allow extra time so you can get into your seat before the game starts. Delays and traffic jams, both vehicular and people-hicular, can cause huge delays. Trying to rush through the bottleneck never really works and you may end up with some unfriendly glares from other fans.
Add an extra 10-15 minutes to every activity you plan on doing, like visiting the concessions, using the bathroom, or buying merchandise from the team store. Give yourself even more time if you plan on parking away from the venue or using public transit to get there.
Try to be in your seat at least 10 minutes before the game starts. Aim to be in your seat earlier for special events like opening night, award ceremonies, and playoff games as festivities sometimes begin before the game's scheduled start time.
Have Your Tickets Ready Before You Arrive
As you make your way to the entry gate, be sure your ticket is ready to be scanned. If you have a digital ticket, you may have to sign in to your ticketing account, find the email with the tickets, or download them from a website.
If you have a physical ticket, be sure to double-check that you have it with you before heading to the venue. Most venues will not print out a replacement ticket on the spot if yours happens to go missing.
If your tickets are being held at will-call, or you plan on purchasing your tickets at the venue, head down at least an hour earlier to account for lineups and to ensure you can actually get a ticket.
Some venues will release cheaper rush seating tickets an hour or two before the game starts. These tickets are often far away from the action or standing room only. Be aware that they are usually first come, first served, so if you want to get a good view, you may have to get your ticket and head to the rush seating area as soon as possible.
Be Prepared To Deal With Security And Bag Checks
Once your ticket has been scanned and you have entered the building, you may be ushered through a security check. Security personnel may ask you to remove any exterior attire like jackets and hats and to empty your pockets. They may also ask you to walk through a metal detector or scan you with a security wand.
Depending on the venue and event, you may be allowed cooler bags, foldable chairs, and outside food and drinks. Be sure to check the venue's website beforehand to see what is and is not allowed. We recommend not bringing a bag with you unless you absolutely have to. Security personnel will search and remove any restricted items.
Remember: Basic Courtesy Still Applies
Once within the venue, the rules of basic courtesy still apply. This includes talking in a normal tone of voice (not shouting and hollering), walking with the flow (not shoving or squeezing through people), and being polite to the staff if they assist you.
Grab Concessions Before The Game Starts Or At Intermission(s)
If you plan on enjoying some food or beverages from the concessions, go there before the game starts or at intermission. Getting up during the game, especially mid-play, can be disruptive to the other fans around you and could ruin their immersion if they have to constantly stand up to let you by.
Some stadiums and arenas offer satellite stands, small grab-and-go carts that offer snacks and beverages like chips, sodas, and peanuts. This can be an attractive option if you do not want to wait in long lineups for hot food.
A new player to the concession game is mobile ordering apps. Simply choose what you want, pay through the app, then pick up your meal at the time stated. Some arenas deliver your food directly to you once it is prepared.
If You Arrive Late, Wait Until There Is A Stoppage In Play Before Getting To Your Seat
If you arrive late or are not in your seat before the game starts or resumes, an usher may hold you back until there is a pause in the action. If an usher is not in the access aisle (the area between the concourse and seats), then the universal unwritten rule is to wait until the play stops before heading to your seat.
Once the whistle blows and the play stops, walk up or down to your seat. If the play starts while you are on your way to your seat, continue moving at your normal pace. You can take a seat on the steps leading to your row if you wish, but it is not necessary.
Unless you have an aisle seat or a private booth, you will likely have to shuffle by other fans to get to your seat. If you need to get by people who are already in their seats, be sure to face towards them as you move by.
Do Not Be A Seat Hopper
Resist the urge to move to better seats. Although they may look tempting, the rightful owner of those tickets may be running late, in the bathroom, or purchasing something from the concessions.
Avoid the embarrassment of 'accidentally' sitting in the wrong seats by staying in your seats. Some venues have a strict policy against seat pirates and may escort you off the premises if they see you attempting to sit in someone else's seat.
If the event is not sold out and there are many empty seats, you can ask the closest usher or security guard if you can relocate to seats closer to the action. If they say yes, then move to your new seats. If they say no, then stay put in the seats you paid for.
Please Do Not Bang On The Glass
If you have rink-side seats, please refrain from banging on the glass. This behaviour is widely frowned upon by both staff and players. The constant thumping can be distracting as it can easily be picked up by microphones around the arena used for television and radio broadcasts.
The panes of tempered glass separating fans from the players are constantly under structural stress. Hitting one in just the right spot at the right time may cause it to pop out or shatter, which can result in injuries and a lengthy delay.
Many hockey arenas are starting to crack down on fans who incessantly bang on the glass. They may be given a verbal warning from security for the first infraction, and subsequent instances may result in them being ejected from their seats and escorted out of the arena.
Be Mindful Of Those Around You When You Stand
Be mindful of people sitting behind you and resist the urge to stand frequently while the game is underway. This does not mean you cannot stand at all, but limit it during the game to allowing fans to get by, during key moments, and to celebrate when your team scores or wins the game.
An exception to this rule is if you need to leave right away to deal with an emergency. In this case, do so as quickly as you can and duck down as to not block anyone's view.
Some stadiums and arenas have standing only areas or sections with rails instead of seats. This etiquette rule does not apply in those sections but you should always be considerate of those around you.
Always Pay Attention!
Sports can be unpredictable at times. Even with safety netting in place, it is not uncommon for a foul ball or deflected puck to find its way into the stands. Always pay attention to what is happening and keep your eye on the ball or puck as much as you can.
If you happen to catch a game-used souvenir, offer it to a youngster nearby. They might just be attending their first game. Going home with something from the game may make them a lifetime fan, all because of your generosity.
Be A Good Sport
Banter and sly remarks should be light-hearted and never derogatory. Making fun of a bad play, terrible call, or adding some witty commentary is perfectly acceptable and should only be met with a smile or chuckle. Refrain from repeatedly mocking specific players, coaches, or fans (especially if they are sitting within earshot).
You need to be able to take what you give, so be prepared for any responses that may come your way when the team you are cheering for makes a bone-headed move or gives up an easy point. Even if it strikes a nerve, play it off and move on.
Join in the fun and stand when the wave reaches your section or you see yourself on the jumbotron. Get rowdy and cheer when promoters enter your section and start giving away free merchandise and vouchers.
Do Not Engage With Disruptive Fans
Some fans get very emotional when they watch their team play, so much so that they may express their emotions outright. Win or lose, they may try to engage with fans of the opposing team to ruffle some feathers or take out their frustrations from watching their team perform poorly.
It can be tempting to engage with them and share your thoughts, no matter how positive or negative, but we highly suggest resisting the urge. Refrain from screaming, swearing, threatening, or using derogatory terms towards fans, staff, or the players.
Security guards do not have much patience for people who may be putting others at risk and will detain them and escort them off the premises without hesitation.
If you witness a fan expressing their frustrations and it is getting out of hand, notify security or a member of staff. Do not egg them on or record them, as this may aggravate them even more.Dress Accordingly
Prepare yourself if you will be sitting outside. Bring a hat and sunglasses with you, even if you don't think you will need them. Apply sunscreen, and re-apply it throughout the game if you need to. It is also wise to pack an extra layer or two just in case it starts to rain, winds pick up, or it gets chilly.
If you plan on wearing a jersey, make sure it is of a team you are actually going to see. Wearing an unrelated jersey looks bad, especially if it is for a team that doesn't even play the same sport. Some people may laugh, but most will wonder if you got lost or if you even care about the game at all. Don't be that person.
Many stadiums and arenas have relaxed dress codes. Some of the most common dress codes include:
- Wearing garments that cover your body (i.e.: no going topless)
- Do not wear clothing that could be considered offensive (like shirts with political or religious hate speech on them)
- Shoes are a must (some venues may allow open-toed shoes. Check the FAQs on the team's website to be sure)
- No large bags (some venues may allow cooler bags. Check their website first)
Remember this: Wear semi-formal or smart-casual attire if you will be sitting in a press box or VIP area. This is important if you are going to the game with your boss or other superiors and want to make a great impression.
Know Your Limit And Stay With In
If you plan on having a few adult beverages during the game, be sure to pace yourself. It can be easy to get carried away when your team is winning or if you and your friends are having a good time.
Some people set a couple of bills aside that they will only use for alcohol. This is a care-free way to set a limit. Once that money is gone, no more booze. While practical, this does mean leaving alternative methods of payment like credit and debit cards at home or trusting a friend with them until the game is over.
An easy way to pace yourself is to have one alcoholic beverage every hour and to have water between each drink. This gives your body time to process the alcohol and keeps you hydrated. This is important if you will be outside on a warm summer day or in direct sunlight.
Substitute your drinks for non-alcoholic ones or alternate between the two if you are partaking in drinking games with your friends. Many venues offer non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails that look and taste just like their boozy counterparts. No one should give you a hard time for having a non-alcoholic beverage. That being said:
Drinking and driving should never be an option. If you plan on having more than just a few drinks, be sure to plan a ride home with a friend, take a taxi or ride-sharing service, use public transit, or stay somewhere until you sober up.
Clean Up Before You Leave
Before leaving, be sure to collect any garbage you may have accumulated during the game. If you are not taking any food or drink with you for the ride home, dispose of it properly in a trash can or recycling bin. Do not leave your garbage on your seat, on the floor, or stuffed into the cup holder.
If you ever find yourself in Japan, or at a national event where Japan is playing, you may notice that Japanese fans will not leave when the game is finished. Win or lose, they remain at the stadium and clean their section as a sign of respect.
When The Game Is Over, Leave In An Orderly Fashion
When the game is over and it is time to leave, do not push or shove past other people. Wait for the people between you and the closest aisle to clear out then leave behind them. If people decide to remain seated, face them as you move past.
Most people decide to leave as soon as the game ends. If you want to remain in your seats, consider moving to an open area like the concourse or outside the venue. This gives other fans a clear path out of their seat and they do not need to try and tippy-toe over you.
Walk with the flow of the crowd when leaving the venue. If you have to stop for any reason, move off to the side. Keep your head up and be ready to step around people who decide to suddenly stop. Even once you are outside, move out of the way if you wish to check your phone or catch up with friends.
Summary
Heading out to the game is a great way to spend a day or evening. Now that you know these tips, you will never miss an epic play, record-breaking achievement, or historic highlight. You can tell your friends "I was there when it happened. I saw the whole thing!" and not "I was waiting in line for nachos."
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