It’s that time of year again! Football! As a family this is one of our favorite times of the year. There’s lots of planning, gathering, strengthening of the voice box, and of course gearing up for smack talk. A family that yells together, stays together…. that’s my motto.

People often ask me how my husband managed to have the whole family become football fanatics. It was really easy, he was a Steeler fan from the time he was little and there was always football on in my house but usually we were rooting for the Giants.

Considering I’ve been with my husband since I was a teen, you can imagine I’ve learned A LOT about the Steelers. Family is very important to us and I somehow create traditions for everything. There’s always an event that needs the family to be together to carry out the ceremony.

Football is no different. Follow these easy steps and get your family hooked:

Watch, Learn and Listen

Watch the games, listen to the announcers, ask questions. You can also read a book like “Football For Dummies” to get the basics down. Each week try to remember one player, his number, and position. Before you know it, you’ll know all the players and the positions. It will all start coming together. Tuesday through Saturday talk to the kids about the game, the player, and his position. You’ll be surprised that the kids will understand the game better than you at first. Never pick a team for the color- you give us ladies a bad name!

Make It Fun

Have a crazy tradition or ritual that you all will enjoy. Some people paint their faces every week, others have specific team memorabilia that is put in its place. We take our jerseys out of the closet, put them on along with our beads and terrible towels. Simple but effective. Oh….. and we don’t wash our jerseys during the season. It goes on right before the game and comes off as soon as it’s over. It may sound gross but the kids always got a kick out of it.

Go to a live game

Your team may be across the country but think of it as a vacation. Plan ahead, make sure you’re there the night before the game and if you can find out where the team stays, stay there. Make it a game to try to find the players and be armed with footballs, shirts, and sharpies in case you can get that autograph.

Try to get to the game early so you can walk around the parking lots and check out all the tailgaters. Talk to your fellow fans, especially if it’s your first time, they will be glad to point out all the great things and show you the ropes. If you can, try to set up a tailgate yourself. Burgers and dogs on a hibachi will work just fine.

Enter the stadium as soon as gates open and walk around to take in the sites. There will be many “WOWS” for you there. Don’t forget the NFL is making it worry free to be in a stadium by upping their security and not allowing purses or bags. They conveniently created the All Clear bag for us. You can still carry all your items such as phone, camera, blanket, wallet, foam finger, and anything else you normally would bring in, the only difference is, they can see what’s in there. Truthfully I hated when they would shuffle through my purse. You can find more info on NFL FAQ’s

The most important thing about going to a game is…… dress appropriately! If you’re team is Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, or another cold state, it will be freezing! Depending on when you go, you may need a blanket, long johns, and ear muffs!

Teach your children to be a loyal fan and it’s ok to talk smack but don’t be mean! If you’re at a home game, it’s fine to raz the opposing team’s fans but please keep it on a friendly level. Nobody likes a punk! Enjoy your team, Be a Fan!

And…….. GO STEELERS!!! WHOOT

 

Disclosure* I received compensation for this post. I represent the Steelers in a campaign because I’m their biggest fan and they rock. All opinions here are my own.