College Football Fans Prioritize Rivalry Games Over Weddings

A recent survey reveals that college football fans in the United States are willing to make significant sacrifices to attend their favorite teams’ rivalry games. Commissioned by Holiday Inn Express and conducted by Talker Research, the survey of 2,000 fans found that 35% would prioritize attending a critical game over a friend’s wedding if both events were scheduled for the same day.

The survey highlighted striking differences in fan dedication across various NCAA Division I conferences. Notably, fans from Conference USA exhibited the highest commitment, with 47% indicating they would choose the game over attending a wedding. This intensity reflects a broader trend among college football enthusiasts, who often go to great lengths to support their teams.

Game Attendance and Commitment Levels

When it comes to game attendance, college football fans typically attend nearly four games in person each season. Fans from Conference USA stand out, attending an average of 5.3 games per season. Other highly committed conferences include the American Athletic Conference, averaging five games, and the Mid-American Conference with 4.5 games per season.

The survey also revealed that fans who attend at least one game annually travel an average of 991 miles to see their teams play. The American Athletic Conference fans travel the furthest, averaging 1,125 miles each year, showcasing their dedication.

Justin Alexander, Vice President of Global Brand Management for Holiday Inn Express, stated, “At the heart of college football are the fans. They put in a lot of effort to be part of the action — whether it’s traveling long distances or navigating a packed weekend schedule.”

Game Day Rituals and Superstitions

The survey also explored the lengths fans will go to in order to attend games. Many respondents shared their extreme experiences, including one individual who traveled from California to Indiana by hitchhiking, taking three days to reach the game. Another fan recounted chartering a private jet at the last minute to make it to kickoff after a business trip ran late.

In terms of game day preparation, the average fan wakes up at 7:42 a.m. on game day, with fans from the SEC and Big Ten rising even earlier at 7:06 a.m.. Notably, 57% of fans who travel for games require at least one overnight stay, indicating the lengths they go to ensure they do not miss the action.

Food and caffeine play a critical role in energizing fans, with 55% requiring a full breakfast and 49% needing coffee to kickstart their day. A significant 81% depend on caffeine to stay energized throughout the game.

Moreover, superstition is commonplace among fans, with 52% admitting to having superstitious rituals to help their teams win. Some fans shared unique personal rituals, ranging from wearing team gear to more extreme practices like “sleeping in my jersey” or “bathing in hot sauce” before a game.

Despite the highs and lows of the season, loyalty remains strong. A remarkable 92% of respondents affirmed their commitment to their team, even if it loses every game. Fans from the Atlantic Coast Conference (95%) and Big Ten (94%) were most likely to remain devoted.

As the college football season approaches, the survey illuminates the lengths fans will go to support their teams, reinforcing their integral role in the sport. Alexander concluded, “From braving extreme weather conditions to hitchhiking and finding any way possible to make the trip, fans go to incredible lengths just to be there in person. Their passion and presence are a vital part of what makes college football so special.”