Originally Posted by
JMUSteeler
Sorry for the long post, and sorry to interrupt the back and forth. Just wanted to share my experience at the Fargo Dome last year, because I think the overall visiting fan experience at a lot of schools can take a lesson from it.
Arrived on one of the charters, took a bus to a local brewery that had just opened (near a mall). Bison fans there were great, headed over to the Dome. I was thoroughly prepared for the typical visiting fan experience, so I probably talked too much trash in the beginning to get out ahead of the BS. However at halftime with our 17-7 lead I ventured out of our section to the bathroom, where I received a Twilight Zone-like welcome involving high-fives, "thank you for coming", "your team is very impressive", "we're glad someone finally came to the Dome and gave us a game" (because we're sick of kicking the shit out of teams). There was some back and forth when you guys tied it in the 3rd, but as we took control in the 4th your fans started to come to our section to shake hands and wish us luck in Frisco.
The other crazy thing was the two uniformed officers that came to our section, I was thinking why are they here nothing has gotten out of control. After the crowd emptied out some, they escorted our fans down a back stairwell and out on the field to take pics with the team. They also left the scoreboard up for pics, which NONE of our conference rivals would ever consider doing. Hell, if that had been UR they would have flipped off the lights, locked the gates, and had us arrested for trespassing.
My friends that stayed for flights the next day all tell the same story about going out that night, great experience and never paid for a drink. Same story from the pregame tailgate lots, which I found to be very impressive for such crappy weather.
I want to win this game, but I certainly understand that isn't a foregone conclusion. I like to talk trash, but I also understand that you should give props where they have been earned. People hate us for the same reason they hate you, we roll into these small FCS stadiums and take them over. Like most schools with passionate fans that includes students, we have complaints about the drinking and mouthiness. I'd say we've gotten better, it's a fine line to walk because you want the younger fans to be passionate but also learn when enough is enough. Props to the Bison, looking forward to Frisco, and Roll Damn Dukes!