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Imagine: It’s the fourth quarter on Thursday night. It’s third and goal, and the Commodores are down by three. The lights seem to glare down on the field, illuminating South Carolina’s defensive line, and the stands quiet in anticipation. The snap—Kyle Shurmur hands it off to Ralph Webb, who charges through the wall of garnet and black into the end zone. Touchdown! With mere minutes left to the game, the Commodores have secured victory over the Gamecocks to kick off the season, and the crowd goes wild! Excitement running high at the final whistle, Vandy fans celebrate by …

Vandy’s football team is tipped to win on Thursday, which is exciting for fans and new Vanderbilt students. However, no matter how closely or largely we win, under no circumstances should Vanderbilt students rush the field.

I’ll say it again, a little differently this time: under no circumstances are SEC students to rush the field during ANY SEC game.

While this rule may seem disappointing to zealous supporters of black and gold, the reason is for the safety of fans, players, and staff. Many students have been trampled or injured in the past when students have rushed the field, and in response, the SEC is cracking down on this behavior. The rule is set in place for the fans’ safety. The first time a university’s students break this rule, the institution will be fined $50,000. For the second offense, $100,000. For the third offense, the institution will be fined $250,000, which is exactly how much Vanderbilt University will owe if its students rush the field on Thursday or during any other SEC game in any sport.

Rushing the field is simply not worth the consequences; people get hurt, the universities get fined, and in some cases, fans have lost ticket privileges. All in all, there are much better ways to celebrate, on which this list will shed some light.

5. Chant

If you’re not yelling, then why are you at a football game? Show some love for the players by shouting and chanting as loud as you can both to boost morale and release some of that energy from watching our ‘Dores at work. One classic crowd favorite is “Anchor Down.” Simply hold up your VU hand sign, go “ahhhhhhh,” and then bring your hand down as you shout, “ANCHOR DOWN!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Party

Responsibly.

Trust me, after every victory, there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate with friends away from the stadium. There’s no reason to risk your health in a mob of thousands of fans when there are parties to attend later. Obviously, don’t drink if you’re under 21, but if this is how you want to celebrate our wins, go for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Go out on the town

Go somewhere in Nashville to celebrate. Get a group of friends and go to Lonnie’s, or find a place you’ve never been to celebrate. We now all live near the downtown area of a busy city with an active night scene, so if you haven’t gotten off campus yet, go do it after the game. Just get out of the stadium. Don’t go on the field. Get out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Spiritwear

Surely it has been scientifically proven that the more fans there are wearing school colors, merchandise, and body paint, the higher a team’s chances of winning. I know you have some Vandy merch; we all got a free shirt. No excuses.

For most first-years, this will be our first game as students at an SEC school. Go crazy with it! Paint your face black and gold! Wear an obnoxious amount of school colors! Fold your syllabus into a paper hat if that’s the only thing you have that says “Vanderbilt” on it! Do it for the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.   Stand up and clap

This one seems a little underwhelming, but trust me, nothing makes a team and its coaches prouder than when the fans get to their feet and applaud them. A win against South Carolina on Thursday would be extremely meaningful to the team, so show your respect whether they win or lose, and remember that once you enter that stadium, you represent Vanderbilt on a national stage. Keep it classy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Produced by Sarah Anne McKenzie