College football fans are crazy people.

As a long-time college football fan, I know we easily become frustrated or elated (ride or die, baby) based on how our team performs week to week.

Although I watch a lot of college football, I typically don’t attend many games outside my alma mater, Kansas State University. However, this year I’ve branched out a bit. Since August I’ve seen six different college football teams play in three separate games, each with its own memorable moments.

But the one that keeps sticking out in my mind is my trip to South Carolina to watch Clemson versus Florida State.

While on a business trip to Atlanta, my boss brought it to my attention Clemson might have a home game coming up that same weekend. It turns out they did … but not just any home game: Clemson was scheduled against fellow ACC foe Florida State. On a whim I found a ticket, extended my rental car and wondered if I had anything in my suitcase appropriate to wear to a football game in the South.

My kudos to Clemson for delivering an exceptional “new fan” experience in several ways. First, I found a free parking spot on a golf course. Mind you, I was flipping through my wad of cash and asked the attendant how much when he paused a bit and said, “It’s free ma’am.” As if I were the strange one attempting to pay for parking.

Next, I witnessed the “Tiger Walk” — a beloved Clemson tradition where the football team walks into the stadium amongst its most adoring fans. I arrived about 40 minutes before the walk began and stood across the aisle from a young boy, decked out in his orange Will Shipley jersey and begging all of us to be more excited than we already were. He yelled at the top of his lungs, “Clem-son,” baiting all of us to respond with “Ti-gers” until head Coach Dabo Swinney and the team walked by. I’d bet money that kid lost his voice and cried salty tears when the Tigers lost in overtime later that afternoon.

And speaking of losing … hats off to the Clemson faithful for the classy fan base! When the Tigers were unable to convert on fourth down, giving Florida State the win, you could hear a pin drop. It’s that collective “Ugh” all fans unknowingly say at the same time when you realize your team just lost. But you know what I didn’t hear? People blaming the coach. I also didn’t hear any armchair quarterbacks or football-has-beens yelling obscenities or even vocalizing their frustration. Instead, fans made their way out of the stadium, heads held high, knowing they’d just given it their best shot. Class all the way.

After the game I was amazed to see fans mingling on the field and decided to join them. I also snapped a quick pic of the famous Howards Rock and couldn’t believe I was standing on “The Hill” where the team runs in each home game. There’s something about seeing these traditions on TV versus seeing them in person — something I’m ready to continue to explore in future travels to future football games.

To be continued …

— Carrie Cox, account executive