Observation #3

In this instance, I attended a game against Indiana University. It was a particularly violent and angry game as we were losing and both teams eventually built up some beef with each other. I still wonder exactly what made this game such a violent one, but I suspect that it was most likely the fact that they were beating us on home territory. The fans in this game got particularly fired up too and yelled twice as loud at the opposing team. They shouted chants such as, "WE'RE GONNA BEAT THE f&%# OUTTA YOU," as well as other similar profanities. After the game ended I walked into the parking lot where I witnessed a fist fight between two patriotic fans. Ironically enough, it was actually about a girl rather than the game. It seems that more often than not, that even the most involved fans are really only in attendance to get some energy out and have a good time. I have yet to find many fans that are really in it solely for the game.

Observation #2

This time I attended a Halloween hockey party that a couple of my friends were going to to see what kind of life's many of these fans live away from the games. It was hosted by the team so it was only attended by the most die hard fans. Immediately upon walking in I witnessed heavy drinking, loud music, and even more questionable costumes. In one room there were strobe lights and black lights with a PA system that was playing upbeat music with many people dancing along. there were so many people packed in that you could feel the floorboards bending. I eventually walked around and met a few different hockey fans. All of which were students from different parts of the united states that were mainly just there to have a good time rather than support the team. Eventually I was approached by an individual who tried to sell me percocet. I denied him for obvious reasons and I suppose that he cut out soon after as I did not see him again. After a while longer of hanging around with everyone the cops walked in and broke up the party after apparently receiving a few noise complaints. Everyone just walked out in an orderly fashion and went home.

observations #1

Devin Martin

I observed the Kentucky vs. Louisville hockey game. It was an interesting game, but being there to observe the die hard fans, I noticed many interesting things. My first impression of them took place in the parking lot of the Lexington Ice Center. I saw a 6 intoxicated individuals stumbling out of a  a taxi with beers in hand. They all were sporting their Kentucky attire and shouting in approval of the game that was about to take place. They then staggered their way over to the ticket booth to get their tickets for the game. It interested me how for some people, these events are utilized as more of a party than a sporting event, and I often try to figure out why exactly they are here rather than a party or something somewhere else. After buying my ticket I made my way over to a seat in the bleachers. I stood there and listened in for the chants and comments that the crowd was throwing at the audience. Most of the statements were very profane and even the crowd chants threw F bombs at the other team in an attempt to intimidate them. Many of the people in attendance showed little understanding of how the actual game was played they just were there under sheer patriotism and to see the fights. After the game was finished, most of these fans walked outside and either got in with their designated driver or got in a taxi. It was an interesting sight and a good experience.