While athletes are mentally and physically preparing for their upcoming sports season, parents and dedicated fans are doing the same. Mentally preparing for the hours spent driving to and from games and practices, physically preparing for the (often uncomfortable) bleachers, financially preparing for the hot dog meals at the concession stands, and emotionally preparing for the highs in the winning and the lows in the losing. There’s more to it than meets the eye when it comes to being a successful fan in the stands. Here are some tips and tricks on how to become your team’s Super Fan this sports season.

What to Wear

Ditch the plain white t-shirt and head on over to Universal Athletics to load up on apparel that proudly displays your team’s name, colors, and mascot. They offer a great selection of fan gear to support your local sports team. For high school and college teams in Billings, Universal Athletics can make custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. The first step to becoming a successful fan is looking like one.

Sitting, Sitting, and More Sitting

As a fan, you will spend an ample amount of time on the sidelines or in the stands. Don’t settle for the itchy grass of a field or the hard plastic in a gymnasium. For you sideline fans, stop by The Base Camp to find a comfortable camp or lounge chair, foldable and easy to pack in and out of the football field. For those of you in the bleachers, make sure to grab a stadium chair from the Billings Scheels. These chairs are also foldable and easy to carry. Give your back (and bum) the support they need to endure the sitting that comes with the season.  

Pointers From a Parent

Who better to get advice from than a parent of a student athlete? Chantel Oakley is in her 6th season as a football mom, with her second-born son playing for the Senior High Broncs as a senior in high school. She knows a thing or two when it comes to preparing for a successful season as a fan in the stands. Here are her top 4 tips:

1. Invite friends over to tailgate before home games. It adds to the fun.
2. Buy a heated stadium seat for those late fall evening games. 
3. Invest in a decent set of ice packs for your sore and tired athlete.
4. If your child had a rough game, just listen to and encourage them. They are already hard on themselves and aren’t looking for your critiques. They just want your love, acceptance, and to be reminded that their connection with you isn’t based on how well they perform in a game.

Be the best fan you can be and show out big for your favorite student athlete and team.

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