18 Fan Traditions That Make No Sense but Everyone Loves
Sports fans do many weird things; somehow, these traditions have become legendary.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
From throwing octopuses on the ice to singing songs that have nothing to do with the game, sports fans have some of the strangest traditions. They might not make any logical sense, but they bring fans together and make the stadium experience unforgettable. Whether it’s luck, superstition, or just pure chaos, these bizarre rituals have stood the test of time.
1. The Octopus Toss – Detroit Red Wings
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Red Wings fans throw real octopuses onto the ice during playoff games, a tradition dating back to 1952. The eight tentacles supposedly represented the eight wins needed to win the Stanley Cup back then. Now, it’s just a wild, slimy spectacle that freaks out newcomers. The best part? There’s an official “octopus handler” who cleans it up.
2. The Wave – Everywhere
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Nobody knows who started it, and honestly, nobody knows why fans still do it. Yet, when one person stands up and throws their arms in the air, entire stadiums follow like a hypnotized army. It’s completely pointless, often mistimed, and can get really annoying—but somehow, it always comes back. Love it or hate it, the wave isn’t going anywhere.
3. Roll Tide – Alabama Crimson Tide
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Alabama fans yell “Roll Tide” at literally everything—games, weddings, funerals, the grocery store. It doesn’t matter if it’s a greeting, a farewell, or a response to “How are you?” It just works. The phrase has become so iconic that even people who don’t watch college football recognize it. It’s more than a chant—it’s a way of life.
4. Jump Around – Wisconsin Badgers
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At the end of the third quarter, Wisconsin football fans jump up and down to House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” The stadium literally shakes, and visiting teams often get rattled by the energy. It’s unnecessary and could cause structural damage, but it’s also electric. If you’re in the stands, you’re jumping—no excuses.
5. The Terrible Towel – Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers fans wave these bright yellow towels like their lives depend on it. Initially created as a marketing gimmick in 1975, it became a symbol of Pittsburgh football pride. Opposing teams hate it because it feels like thousands of tiny flags taunting them. Somehow, a simple towel has become one of the most intimidating sights in football.
6. Sweet Caroline – Boston Red Sox
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Nobody really knows why Red Sox fans belt out Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” in the eighth inning. The song has nothing to do with baseball, Boston, or sports in general. However, when the “so good, so good, so good” part comes up, the entire stadium loses its mind. Even if it makes no sense, you have to sing along.
7. The Hogettes – Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins)
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For years, a group of grown men dressed in dresses, wigs, and pig snouts to cheer on Washington’s football team. They paid tribute to the team’s legendary offensive line, nicknamed “The Hogs.” It made absolutely no sense, but it became a beloved tradition. Sadly, the Hogettes retired in 2012, but their legacy lives on.
8. Throwing Tortillas – Texas Tech
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Texas Tech football fans throw tortillas onto the field before games. No one is entirely sure why, but it’s been happening since the 1990s. Some say it started because students weren’t allowed to bring drinks into the stadium, so they needed something else to throw. Either way, it’s a mess, and security is always trying to stop it—but they never really can.
9. The Gator Chomp – Florida Gators
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Florida Gators fans randomly start clapping their arms together like an alligator’s mouth. It’s supposed to be intimidating, but when a whole crowd does it in sync, it just looks like synchronized swimming gone wrong. Still, it’s a tradition that every Florida fan takes seriously. If you’re not chomp-clapping, are you even a Gators fan?
10. The Beer Snake – Cricket and Football Fans
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Fans stack hundreds of empty beer cups into a long snake that stretches through the stands. It’s completely pointless and often gets taken down by security, yet it happens at almost every big game. The dedication it takes to build one of these is almost as impressive as the game itself. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to buy more beer.
11. Fly, Eagles, Fly – Philadelphia Eagles
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Philadelphia Eagles fans sing their team’s fight song, “Fly, Eagles, Fly,” at every opportunity. It doesn’t matter if the team is winning or losing or if it’s just a random Tuesday—someone is always singing it. Given that Eagles fans are some of the most passionate (and ruthless) in sports, it’s no surprise they go all in. If you hear it, you’d better be ready to join in.
12. Lighting the Torch – Las Vegas Raiders
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Before every Raiders home game, a massive torch is lit in honor of late owner Al Davis. It’s a solemn yet dramatic tradition that adds a little extra fire (literally) to the pregame experience. The torch represents the team’s commitment to excellence, but it also just looks really cool. No one else in the NFL does anything quite like it.
13. The Tomahawk Chop – Atlanta Braves, Florida State Seminoles, and Kansas City Chiefs
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Fans wave their arms in a chopping motion while chanting a war-like tune. It’s meant to fire up the crowd, but it has also sparked controversy due to its cultural implications. Whether it makes sense or not, it’s one of the most recognizable traditions in American sports. Just don’t bring up the debate at a tailgate unless you want an argument.
14. The Playoff Beards – Hockey Players and Fans
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Hockey players refuse to shave during the playoffs, believing their beards bring good luck. Somehow, this tradition spread to fans, who now stop shaving to support their teams. It’s a weird superstition that makes everyone look scruffy by the end of the season. However, if it works, who’s complaining?
15. Singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Liverpool FC
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Liverpool fans belt out this emotional anthem before every home game. Originally a show tune from the 1940s, it somehow became one of the most iconic chants in all sports. The song unites fans in a way few traditions do, even if it has nothing to do with soccer. If you’re at Anfield, you’re singing—no exceptions.
16. Throwing Hats for a Hat Trick – Hockey
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Anytime a player scores three goals in a game, fans throw their hats onto the ice. It makes no sense to celebrate by sacrificing your own headwear, but hockey fans do it anyway. Sometimes, thousands of hats pile up, and arena staff must shovel them off the ice. It’s a weird but oddly satisfying tradition.
17. Saturdays in the South – College Football
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In the South, college football isn’t just a game—it’s a full-day event. Fans wake up, tailgate for hours, watch the game, and then party afterward, regardless of the score. The entire culture revolves around football Saturdays, and everything else comes second. If you don’t understand it, you’re probably not from the South.
18. Mets Fans Booing Their Own Team – New York Mets
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Mets fans love their team, but they also love to boo them. It doesn’t matter if it’s April or the playoffs—if the Mets mess up, their fans will let them hear it. Somehow, this tough love has become a defining part of being a Mets fan. If you don’t get booed at Citi Field, did you even play?