BY Mackenzie Maher
Staff Reporter
Is game day a big part of your college experience?
“Every Saturday I look forward to showing my pioneer pride at the games. The football games are a place that I can go to with my friends and enjoy our Saturday cheering on the team,” said junior Marisa Natale.
Students around Sacred Heart University’s campus each have their own routine before they head over to the football game.
Freshman Drew Mullen said his main focus was to get to the game early in order to secure a spot on the bleachers.
“Most of my friends and I went and got there at a good time for seats so we could all sit together and have a good view of the game,” said Mullen.
Sacred Heart recently opened The Outpost beer garden for fans and students over the age of 21.
Senior Angelina DiNota was able to spend time with family and friends in The Outpost beer garden.
“The beer garden gave such an amazing vibe to the football atmosphere. I was able to hang out with family and friends while being able to watch my brother on the field,” said DiNota.
Many students feel that there should be new traditions started on campus for game days.
“I would like more traditions that incorporate students and athletes. Having the athletes go into the stands at certain points in the game with giveaways and t-shirt tosses and interact will motivate fans and encourage them to stay longer” said sophomore Griffin Ferreira.
Freshman Sabrina Guglielmi attended her first game at Sacred Heart this past weekend. Guglielmi feels that there should be a place where students can meet up before games.
“It is a good way to get everyone in a good mood and together before the game. It is also a way to meet new people because everyone will be in one spot,” said Guglielmi.
Sophomore Allan Zilnicki believes a designated spot for pre-game day festivities would create an even more enthusiastic environment for students.
“I think a spot to tailgate would be good because it would increase student morale and make people more motivated to support the football team and increase attendance,” said Zilnicki.
DiNota believes that with Sacred Heart’s rapid expansion, the addition of a tailgate section is vital.
“I definitely feel that a student tailgate needs to be seen back on campus. With the growth of the Division I athletics on campus, it is almost abnormal that we don’t have that atmosphere for students on game day,” said DiNota.
The 2019 home opener football game had the largest attendance with 4,187 fans.
Senior Imamu Mayfield is on the football team and feels that the record breaking turn out at the home opener added to the game day experience.
“The attendance at the first home game was incredible. Having that many people there created such an exciting atmosphere. More fans is a huge motivation to do better and be better on the field,” said Mayfield.
