Make UMass Lowell tradition friendly

UMass Lowell athletics have had a lot of success over the course of the past few years. Despite this success it always seems as though there is something missing. The missing factor does not seem to be on the field, but off the field. One thing that seems to be void from any of the River Hawks teams is the traditions that other schools made famous.

This is not in any way a negative piece on the fans of UMass Lowell. ‘Hawks fans have proved their loyalty and support over the years. The fans at UML proved to be a factor, and made themselves noticed at hockey games at home and on the road last season.

The one thing that Umass Lowell does not do is extend the celebration and party every game of every sport. The enjoyment of a college sport does have to last only between the start and conclusion of a game.

In regards to athletics students have a lot to be proud of. Whether it’s a field hockey team that is always in title contention, a women’s soccer team that refuses to allow a goal, a basketball team that can easily roll off 13 straight wins, or an Ice Hockey team that can beat any big name program.

Many college programs have traditions where there are large tailgate parties before every game. One school that made this famous is Ole Miss University. The famous tailgating on the Grove as a 10 acre plot is used as a tailgating area in Oxford, MS before every football game. Another famous tradition is at Auburn University where fans line up hours before the game to cheer and applaud the players as they arrive.

Obviously Lowell does not have a 10 acre area to tailgate, but it is more the idea of celebrating Lowell athletics, and making every game something fans can devote a portion of their day to, and not just a last second idea if there is nothing else going on.

There have been ideas used to get fans ready for the upcoming home opener of the hockey season. The River Hawk Road Show has built excitement in the students for their matchup Oct. 23 against Colgate at the Tsongas.

Along with the Road Show, UMass Lowell is hosting a Hockey First Night event hours before the home opener. The event ill include a rally along with music, and a BBQ to prepare the fans for the game.

These are great ideas to get the fans motivated and excited for the upcoming game. The only way it would make it better is ideas like this such as a rally or cookout before most games. This does not mean just the school has to set up the plans, but any group of people who want to celebrate UML athletics. Make the few hours before a game an event along with the game.

This school already has a great, loyal student fan base. UMass Lowell has far more enthusiastic fans than Stonehill could find, and far more intelligent fans than “the Zoo” at Amherst could provide. All that the Blue Fan Group or any students at UML would need to do is start the party well before the game, and then they can keep the victory celebrations going well after the game.