FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
When we travel, we have a great opportunity to show other cities how great Houstonians and Texans fans really are! We want to be known as the BIGGEST traveling fan group, but we also want people to think of us as the BEST! Below are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind when you're at an away game.
Texans have always traveled to games since the beginning of the franchise. Their numbers grew over time into the Traveling Texans. Some Texans are new to the experience and want to join in the fun.
Below are a few tips to help make this a winning road trip.
Be a Great Party. Texans throw great parties and are great guests. We can be a bit much as a group, so be your best selves. Please tip well, pay your tab, clean messes. Show basic respect for people and places. During events like group photos, please do not stand/climb/yell in a way that may damage property or not be appropriate for that area.
Traveling Texans is About Friends. We want everyone to have a good time. Including the kind people who try to organize large groups of Texans and make great memories. Everybody helps everybody out.
* Please Don't Get Over-Served.* Getting over-served or drunk driving is a bad idea, but it's particularly bad in a city away from home. You know that. Just a reminder for before, during, and after the game. Every city has cab services, and most also have Uber and Lyft.
* Know Your Opposing City.* No reason to hate Texans. We want good football and a good time. We have a lot in common with everyone because we are everywhere. Most fanbases are happy we are Texans who chose to be Texans. "Do you want me to be a Cowboy fan?" is disarming to most everyone except Cowboy fans. You likely know how they are. Maybe you are one. This is too complicated of a relationship for a tip sheet.
* Battle Red Colors.* Traditionally, Texans fans wear Battle Red to road games unless it is the opposing team's colors. Our intention was to let the team see our support. But you do you, wear what makes you feel good. Obviously, some stadiums don't have a roof, so dress for the elements.
Know Stadium Polices.Before game day, review the team's stadium policies. Some are different than NRG. Rules about what may be carried in and when gates open may vary. If in doubt, call the stadium ahead of time. And if you have trouble at one gate bringing in a sign, costume, or something else permitted by the stadium, no need to argue. Just try a different gate. Chances are you'll find a friendlier gatekeeper who see the rules the same way you do.
* Reppin H-Town.* All NFL Stadiums have fan codes of conduct and let the ushers and security deal with any issues. Best to keep it friendly and move on if opposing fans are rude. Do what the locals do--if the section sits, you sit, and if they stand, expect to stand. Always nice to make friends with fans near you before the game starts. Hard to be mean to someone if they've tried to be friendly. Sometimes they give the best scouting reports of their own teams. Your new friends will generally vouch for you to ushers if for some reason there's trouble.
* Avoid Trash Talk.* Best to stay unbothered by opposing fans. You don't want to be removed from the game by responding in kind. If someone won't stop, let the usher know. They can deal with it while you watch the game. No stadiums want fights as nobody wins, and if ushers or security break things up, sometimes they will get rid of the road fan. Generally speaking, you will do ok in most road stadiums if you aren't obnoxious or over-served.
Have Your Ticket on You. You may find ushers and security will not let you back to your seat in the lower bowl without it. If anyone ever complains about you, the first thing they will ask to see is your ticket.
The takeaway: Have fun, be good, enjoy the game!
Thanks to @StephStradley for helping put these suggestions together!