Illinois 24, Nebraska 13 Postgame
It’s sort of a cultural thing for each team. Ours has too often resembled a funeral. Compare the atmospheres at a symphony to a high energy concert, two very different cultures with different behavioral norms.So the atmosphere last night where my seats are was WAY better than it usually is. I had four Nebraska fans in front of us that were hilarious the whole game, really got in to the stadium antics and atmosphere, and stood the whole time. The people behind me stood the whole time too. This was great because I like to stand during games.
My MIL and FIL however mentioned they couldn’t see. My wife crabbed about this today on our drive back home.
So, here’s my question: what is the appropriate amount of “oh sorry, I’ll sit” and “sorry, maybe people who can’t stand as well shouldn’t come to games”?
I understand that the latter sounds insensitive, but I’d also argue forcing me to sit, while not viewed as insensitive, follows the same logic: why should my enjoyment be hampered by yours?
I am not an unreasonable person, and I DO see the side of people that want to (have to) sit all game, but I’m not going to sit more than necessary just because.
So, what do we consider an appropriate amount of standing? Or do we follow a “tough” stance? I never want to go back to the mid-2010s era when Illinois was terrible, but man… not having to deal with packed stadiums did have some benefits.
With success, both on field and in crowd engagement, standing will become more our norm. Seeing the enthusiasm up close on our huge new scoreboard encourages more standing and participation. Maybe that was part of the strategy behind the investment? It seems to be working. I enjoyed watching last night’s crowd more than ever. It’s the sort of thing that will attract students to come and to stay. We NEED that!
At this point in our transition, I’d stand w/o apologies. This will encourage others to join the party, taking us past a tipping point in crowd energy. It’s also a very effective way to support your team, with a significant impact on the game. It’s one of the main reasons to go to the game rather than watching on a screen at home. Participating vs watching!
Some folks will be disappointed or even frustrated enough to stop coming. They’ll be replaced by others drawn to a fired-up atmosphere. We need more of the latter. The former can add to TV viewership.
Last edited:
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
We were that team for so, so long.
There’s wonderful handicapped seating in the West Balcony. Best seats in the house, with concessions only a few feet away and sheltered from rain too.
Joel Goodson
- 9th man conundrum
He said “These Illinois fans, they brought it”, a high compliment from a Corn Husker. We’re making progress!
no doubt he is personally responsible for a lot of it , but more so he hires and surrounds himself with people - coaches and assistants - who are also very involved in it as well
