Sports are about more than just the athletes on the field—they’re about the fans in the stands. Across the world, fans have invented quirky, outrageous, and downright strange traditions that bring energy, identity, and a sense of community to the games they love. From throwing objects onto the field to singing odd songs at the top of their lungs, these traditions prove that fandom is as much about creativity as it is about loyalty.
Octopus Tossing – Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
In Detroit, fans started throwing octopuses onto the ice during playoff games in the 1950s. The eight legs symbolized the eight wins once needed to secure the Stanley Cup. While the playoff format has changed, the tradition lives on—though now arena crews are quick to scoop up the slippery creatures.
The “Lambeau Leap” – Green Bay Packers (NFL)
Okay, this one’s not just about the fans—it’s a collaboration. After scoring, Packers players leap into the stands, where fans embrace them with high-fives, hugs, and sometimes even spilled beers. It’s a quirky but beloved interaction that no other stadium replicates quite the same way.
Singing “Sweet Caroline” – Boston Red Sox (MLB)
Why do Red Sox fans belt out Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” in the 8th inning of every game? No one is entirely sure, but it stuck after the early 2000s and is now one of Fenway Park’s most iconic traditions. What started as random fun has become a Boston baseball anthem.
“Hotty Toddy” Chant – Ole Miss Football (NCAA)
At Ole Miss, fans shout a chant called Hotty Toddy—a loud, almost nonsensical cheer full of school pride. It doesn’t matter if you understand the words; the energy in the stadium when thousands chant it in unison is unforgettable.
Toilet Paper Rolls – Auburn Basketball (NCAA)
At Auburn, fans roll the iconic oak trees at Toomer’s Corner with toilet paper after big victories. The sight of white streamers hanging from branches has become a strange but joyful celebration of success.
Singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Liverpool FC (Soccer)
In England, Liverpool fans sing You’ll Never Walk Alone before every match. The anthem is emotional, unifying, and oddly powerful—it gives chills not just to the home fans, but also to opponents who feel the weight of history in those voices.
Catfish Throwing – Nashville Predators (NHL)
Borrowing from Detroit’s octopus toss, Nashville fans launched their own slimy tradition: hurling catfish onto the ice during playoff games. The first throw in 2003 shocked arena officials, but it quickly became a rallying cry for fans in “Smashville.”
The “Terrible Towel” – Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
Steelers fans wave yellow towels with fierce pride, creating a sea of gold in the stands. While not “strange” in a gross way, it’s an unusual and enduring tradition that has become inseparable from the team’s identity.
Why Do Fans Create These Traditions?
Sports are about community, and traditions—no matter how odd—give fans a way to connect. Whether it’s tossing seafood onto the ice or singing a song that has nothing to do with the sport, these rituals create shared experiences that last a lifetime. They’re weird, sure, but they’re also part of what makes being a fan so special.
Making Sports Unforgettable
Sports without fans wouldn’t be nearly as fun. These strange traditions remind us that fandom is about more than watching—it’s about participating, celebrating, and sometimes being just a little bit weird together. So the next time you’re at a game, don’t be surprised if you see something unusual—you might just be witnessing the next great fan tradition.
Learn more at: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/46015760/our-favorite-college-football-game-day-traditions
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!