(10-20-2013 06:28 PM)LuckyLion Wrote: (09-07-2013 04:10 PM)MonarchFan Wrote: The ECU fans we met throughout the parking lots, tailgaters, and those at the stadium - were very nice - several approached us and thanked us "for making the trip to Greenville". Good first FBS game.
Just returned from Pittsburgh. We've been to all the away games, so far this year. All last year, except GA State and a number of other games in previous years. I have to say, the fans at ECU have been the nicest we have encountered anywhere. We had the same experience as MonarchFan. We had a couple of welcoming comments at UMD, but encountered a fair share of major douchebag fans in the stands. Got nothing but dismissal from Pitt. A parking attendant at The Strip was asking us about the game, seeing the ODU stickers on the car, and said, "I knew you guys from basketball, but I didn't even know you had football. How bad are you?" Had I been at the top of my game at the moment, I would have said, "Better than Youngstown State!"
We have also attended many away games. Towson, JMU, W&M, Hampton, Delaware, ECU, Maryland and Richmond. I have to say the friendliest and the most welcoming would have to be the ECU fans.
Just to share a few of my experiences that were both good, bad and even a few where fans and staff of the visiting schools went out of their way to help. For me one of the BAD.... well, a group of fans from Hampton University that refused to allow us to pull up park or even unload in the handicap parking place so I could get my wheelchair out of the van. (I should point out we had ODU flags and magnets all over the van proclaiming our allegiance to ODU). They told us they were saving the 3 or 4 spots for tailgating for family and friends (they were on the grass with tents). No problem, a family member unloaded me as close as he could get.... and went off and had to search for a parking spot. Unfortunately, He had to walk about a half a mile to meet me where he dropped me off. All along, as I waited and watched as the Hampton fans allowed the spots to fill in with HU Fans friends.
Then there was the Towson Game last year. At half time as I started to cheer the ODU Marching Monarch Band. They had just finished a fantastic show, and where plastering our side with a wall of sound. The fight song never sounded better. It was at that time I was hit in the back of the head with a cup of coke and ice, and the students from Towson laughed and cheered.......(I didn't think they were cheering our band). Again unfortunately, most of the sticky mess got on my uncle and I was spared, I wish it had been me. He went to the restroom and cleaned up and brought me back wet rags .........no biggie, I have had much worst. Maybe the underlying theme is don't go to an away game with me.
A good one.......A thoughtful and considerate Bus driver at JMU, who was in charge of the ADA bus. This gentleman went out of his way to make sure everyone in Wheelchairs were the first to get on the bus at the conclusion of the game. He motioned for us to move to the front (we were more than willing to wait our turn, he insisted we all move to the front). He loaded us with the hydraulic lift. You might say he locked and loaded, each of us..... LOL He made sure we were comfortable before he let others on the bus, most of which were JMU fans that were shoving and pushing just to get on the bus and very upset that he did this.
At Maryland they were very helpful and friendly. The usher was very nice to all the ODU fans at the top of that section. We had a good experience.
My situation maybe a little different than others. But what I have found is that most people are usually the same everywhere. There are always just a few that don't realize the consequence of their actions, (even if they seem small to them). Passionate fans, can get rowdy. All we ever try to do is treat our visitors with respect, and try and treat them how I would like to be treated. I always feel better even if it is only a small act of kindness that I can share with the visitors from another school (sometimes it is just a "Welcome to ODU, hope you have a good time"). I stop and think they have traveled a long way to support their team. It is the least I can do and it makes me feel good.
Aim High * Go Monarchs
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Dear Old Dominion Fans
