17 Old-School Game Day Traditions That Are Gone
Many old game day traditions that once brought fans together are no longer part of the sports experience.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Game day used to involve many traditions that made each match feel like a major event. Over the years, these customs have faded due to changes in technology, security policies, and how fans watch sports. Many people remember them fondly, but they are no longer common today.
1. Listening to Pre-Game Radio in Parking Lots
Breakingpic on Pexels
Before games, fans would sit in their cars or around tailgates and listen to pre-game radio shows. The broadcasts shared player updates, starting lineups, and commentary that built excitement. Families and friends gathered to listen together. Today, most people use apps or scroll on their phones instead.
2. Bringing Hand-Made Signs to the Stadium
Flickr user brian395 on Wikimedia Commons
Fans once brought large signs with messages for their favorite players or fun slogans. These signs were often made the night before with paint, markers, and poster board. Security checks and stadium rules have made it harder to bring signs inside. Now, fans are less likely to create them at all.
3. Watching Marching Bands Perform Before Games
Tstanton on Wikimedia Commons
Many stadiums used to feature marching bands parading around before kickoff. They played team songs and marched through tailgate areas or around the stadium. These performances created a festive atmosphere and got the crowd ready. Most teams no longer include live marching bands on game day.
4. Collecting Physical Paper Tickets
DestinationFearFan on Wikimedia Commons
Fans used to keep paper tickets from games as souvenirs. Some people saved them in boxes or scrapbooks for years. These tickets often had the date, team logos, and unique designs. With mobile ticketing, physical tickets are no longer standard.
5. Using Personal Seat Cushions with Team Logos
Lee Haywood on Wikimedia Commons
Fans often brought soft cushions to sit on during games, especially in stadiums with hard bleachers. Some cushions had team colors or mascots printed on them. These items were useful and showed team pride. With better seating and bag restrictions, most fans no longer bring them.
6. Watching Full Marching Band Shows at Halftime
D on Wikimedia Commons
Halftime used to feature full performances from school or team bands. These shows included formations, songs, and themes that fans looked forward to. People stayed in their seats to watch instead of leaving for food or the restroom. Many venues now fill halftime with ads or short entertainment clips.
7. Grilling Food in the Stadium Parking Lot
www.elbpresse.de on Wikimedia Commons
Tailgating with grills was a major part of the game day routine. Fans arrived hours early to cook burgers, hot dogs, and ribs in the lot. It was a social activity shared with other fans nearby. Many stadiums now restrict or ban open flames and charcoal for safety reasons.
8. Painting Faces and Bodies in Team Colors
TAPAS KUMAR HALDER on Wikimedia Commons
Fans, especially younger ones, would paint their faces or upper bodies before games. This was a bold way to show support and feel part of the crowd. Whole sections would have painted fans cheering loudly. Fewer fans do this today, and it’s less common across all sports.
9. Bringing Radios to Hear Local Broadcasters During the Game
Amitbalani on Wikimedia Commons
Fans once brought small radios to the stadium to listen to local commentators during the live game. The radio provided details that fans couldn’t hear in the stands. It added context to the plays and helped fans feel more involved. With streaming delays and wireless rules, this is now uncommon.
10. Reading Game Day Newspapers Before Kickoff
Michael Slaten on Wikimedia Commons
Outside many stadiums, newspapers printed special editions on game days. These included stats, team news, and pre-game commentary. Fans would read them while waiting in line or before heading to their seats. These printed editions have largely disappeared as fans check their phones instead.
11. Wearing Heavy Team Jackets During the Season
Cbusram on Wikimedia Commons
Fans used to wear thick jackets covered in team patches or colors during colder months. These jackets were popular among season ticket holders and longtime supporters. They were practical and showed team loyalty. Today, lighter clothing and modern fashion have made them rare.
12. Decorating Homes with Hand-Made Team Crafts
Parcelle Bop on Wikimedia Commons
Before big games, families decorated their homes with banners, signs, and handmade crafts. Kids helped cut out team letters and hang up streamers in team colors. It created excitement around the game, especially for home games. Now, fans often rely on store-bought items or skip home decorating.
13. Keeping Personal Scorecards During the Game
N75746 on Wikimedia Commons
Some fans kept score by hand during the game, especially in baseball and football. They tracked each play and used pencils to update the scorecard. It kept them focused and involved in the action. Most fans now use apps or watch the scoreboard instead.
14. Buying Game Programs at the Stadium Entrance
Harry M. Stevens on Wikimedia Commons
Program booklets were once sold at every major game. They included rosters, statistics, and short articles about the teams. Fans read them during the game or saved them afterward. Printed programs are now hard to find, as teams have moved to digital content.
15. Waiting for Highlights on Late-Night TV
RYANonWIKIPEDIA on Wikimedia Commons
Before streaming, fans had to wait until late-night sports shows aired highlights. These shows gave a full recap with replays, interviews, and expert commentary. Watching them was a regular habit after games. Now, videos are posted online within minutes.
16. Waving Team Flags and Pennants in the Crowd
Qaedi Shamsuddin on Wikimedia Commons
Flags and pennants were common in stadiums, especially during big plays. Fans waved them from their seats or held them over railings. They were also sold outside the stadium before games. Today, flag-waving is less common due to stadium policies and limited space.
17. Singing Team Songs Together in the Stands
Les Hull on Wikimedia Commons
Many teams had songs that fans sang together during the game. These anthems helped create unity and brought energy to the stadium. Fans knew the lyrics by heart and sang loudly. Fewer teams promote these songs today, and many crowds stay quiet except during big moments.