Back where I’m from, in the deep recesses of the torpid Texas landscape, football is a religion that everyone follows. An intense community bond is formed under the fluorescent white of stadium lights as everyone in my little town gathered to watch the local games. And we were good. Good enough to be a big name in a big state. But it was more than just the wins that made everyone pumped—it was the rich euphoria that results from a community uniting in one common goal: to crush the opponents.
And that, my dear collegiettes, is what vibrated throughout the stadium this past Saturday as we defeated UNC 33-30 in a stunning display of athleticism. A thriving community bond. I have never seen Wallace Wade so packed with students and alums as it was that night. As, we scored the final goal in the last nail-biting 19 seconds of the game, people rushed to storm the field (myself included) in what felt like Cameron Indoor Craziness.
Now that Duke is bowl-eligible for the first time in a couple of decades, we at Her Campus love Duke Football. You don’t even have to know the finer details of game rules to appreciate the passion, both on the field and in the fans seated in the stands (though I promise you will become converted after giving the games a go this season and beyond.)
Here’s why Duke Football is hot right now, and why you should be fueled with adrenaline for the next games.
- Crowd: There really is nothing like being surrounded by hundreds of your fellow students to watch a game. Very few things, besides sporting events, does the entire student body have the opportunity to come together and share. My boyfriend and I attended the UNC game, and we stood next to Duke alumns, fellow students, as well as a few UNC “trolls” who decided to stand on Duke’s student side. Let me tell you, that win tasted sweeter than the lemonade we shared when we could return some playful banter to those UNC students. And the noise and camaraderie, well, those make for a general euphoria that floats around the players, the stadium, and beyond.
- Constant Action: I promise that if you go to the next football game, even if you don’t understand all of the rules, you will get swept up in the action on the field. First of all, these powerhouse men are tackling each other in wicked displays of American sport. Second, all you really have to understand is following the ball (either we have it or we don’t.) And if you really need to understand what’s going on, just ask the cute guy next to you. He’ll be pleased to explain them to you for sure. And you may get a number out of it.
- Food: One of the things that adds to the Duke football experience is going to the vendors and indulging in what I happily call vendor-fare. Granted, most of the food—burgers, spiral fries, ice cream—is not the healthiest, which is why football games are definitely “splurge” days. But this food is definitely “feel good” food. And what better way to cheer on Duke football than when your taste buds are feeling charged as well?
- Tradition: Going to Duke football games, more than anything, is an activity that we have the opportunity to make a tradition. We have not been bowl eligible since 1994. It’s time to change the way Duke football is sometimes stigmatized as a “lesser” sport. We are in the unique position of redefining a Duke tradition. And that, my dear collegiettes, is a challenge I’m willing to take.
So besides using this article as a chance to gush and celebrate our recent win against UNC, I also want to encourage you, dear collegiettes, to take a chance, try something new, and enjoy some Duke football!