At any game between at least two teams, there are naturally going to be supporters, or fans ("fanatics") of all teams in attendance. While the focus should be on the actual game, sometimes the competition, and sometimes violence, between their fans in the stands draws unwanted attention. Usually, with a few exceptions, there are a lot more fans of the "home" team in attendance than there are for the "visiting" team. If you find yourself at game, where you're an outnumbered fan of the visiting team, how do you root for your team without provoking the home-team competition's fans? Here are some tips...
I live near a city with multiple pro sports teams. However, I didn't grow up here, and I'm not a supporter of all the city's teams. In fact, I happen to support teams that are the major rivals of two of this city's most popular teams, but that doesn't stop me from the enjoyment of seeing my team when they're in town. I regularly attend games where my team is the visiting team, and I've had very few uncomfortable moments. In fact many more good interactions than bad (despite my team usually winning :) )
If you want to stay completely undercover, and not draw any immediate attention to yourself, I would suggest avoid wearing any of your team's gear, eg. jersey, hats, sweatshirts, etc. to the game. I know you paid a lot for all of it, and it is your right to wear it, but, needless to say, it's a dead giveaway that you're the "enemy" and you might become a target of attention. Good and bad. The good, I've had numerous lively, but respectful, conversations with rival fans. The bad, usually involves a random.. "(insert your team here) s&%ks! " being yelled within earshot. I usually do wear my team's colors, so I go expecting something, and it doesn't bother me. If it bothers you, or any your family members you happen to be with, I would suggest wearing something more neutral.
Even if you're wearing neutral colors, it will eventually become somewhat apparent to the fans around you that you're the enemy, if you're consistently verbally supporting the visitors, and "booing" the home team. I've found that cheering for your team respectively is fine, but cheering against the home team, can draw unwanted attention, especially in traditionally "heated rivalries." Cheer good plays on both sides, and you should be fine.
It's important for the visiting fan to "understand" the importance of the particular game too. Is it a high tension playoff game, or are both teams in last place and playing out the season? Is there a history of violence between rival fans in the stands? If so, and you want to wear your team's colors to the game, go to the game with a buddy or a group of fans, and stay together before, during and after the game. Many teams offer group packages to fans that want to travel on the road with them, to have strength in numbers.
I think going to the game with your family and/or buddies is great and can build great memories. If you support the visiting team, just remember you're in someone else's "house," so be respectful and expect to meet others with different "opinions." It's ok to disagree, and shake hands afterwards.
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