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.
BEFORE & AFTER THE GAME
- Don't Get Over-Served. Getting over-served is a bad idea in general, but it's particularly bad in a city away from home. You know that. This is just a reminder
- Do Not Drink and Drive. Ever. Every city has cab services and most also have Uber and Lyft. Use them.
- Be Cool At Events. Just because you're at a bar/tailgate/photo meetup with countless other Texans fans does not mean you should start behaving like it is your city and others are intruding. You are in someone else's city. Act accordingly.
- You Are A Guest. Do the things your mom taught you: be nice to strangers, leave a place nicer than you found it, all that. It goes a long way and leaves people with a great impression of Texans fans and Houstonians. Do's: Pick up your trash, make sure to always pay your tab and tip, be courteous to restaurant/bar staff and patrons. You know, be the genuinely nice people Texans are.
- Be Respectful. Be respectful of both the people and the places during events. During events like group photos, please do not stand/climb/yell in a way that may damage the property or is inappropriate for the venue.
- Never Talk Trash. You may have people shouting things at you all day every day you are there. Nothing shuts them up quicker than a friendly 'enjoy the game.' At no point should you shout back or trash talk their team or their city. It does not represent your city or your team well.
- Know Your Opposing City. You may be able to disarm a situation by mentioning common hatred of a rival team or by joking that we're not _ (insert their biggest rival). A trash-talking Ravens fan, for example, becomes a fast friend when you point out 'at least we're not the Steelers!'
DURING THE GAME
- *Know Stadium Policies. *Prior to 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, don't pitch a fit or tell the stadium employee that they're wrong. Just try a different gate. Chances are you'll find a friendlier gate-keeper.
- Don't Get Over-Served. This reminder applies during the game as well as before and after.
- You Are An Uninvited Guest. In every city, you're going to have to ignore jerks who say things like 'go home.' Just smile and keep walking, or give a friendly 'enjoy the game.' When in your seats if the people around you are sitting, you sit. If you're in a section that stands a lot, expect to stand. The best idea is to introduce yourself to opposing fans around you before the game starts. It's hard to be mean to someone if they've tried to be friendly to you. Buying your neighbor a beer never hurts either. The people you make friends with will generally vouch for you to ushers if for some reason there's trouble.
- Be Cool At The Game. The NFL has been cracking down on bad fan behavior. We are all passionate about our team but please limit that passion to cheering on the team. If there are fights between fans, no matter who is at fault, the usher or security guards usually get rid of the road fan. Generally speaking, you will do ok in most road stadiums if you aren't obnoxious or over-served.
- Never Talk Trash. Awesome replies to obnoxious fans are a genuine and friendly 'enjoy the game' or 'good luck.' At no point should you shout back or trash talk their team or their city. It does not represent your city or your team well and will likely just result in you being removed from the game. If you have an especially obnoxious home team fan that won't stop bothering you while you're in your seat, let an usher know. Let them deal with it while you watch the game.
- During The Game Have Your Ticket On You At All Times. 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.
- Thanks to @StephStradley for helping put these suggestions together!