Oh, I could write pages about this subject! When my siblings and I were kids, Mom and Dad would take us to Friday night football games, and if Dad had tickets to the Alabama game, we’d go again on Saturday. I asked him why he took us to the game, and he said with a smile, “It was cheaper than a babysitter.” Great answer!
Now, we chuckle as we share our adventures about going to a college football game “back then.” We dressed up for the games, too. I am talking suit, heels, and matching purse. Young people today don’t believe this but it was for every game, not just homecoming.
Oh my goodness, I remember baking in the sun during the October Alabama-Tennessee game when I was in junior high school. I was actually born on the third Saturday in October when Alabama was playing Tennessee, so that game has a special meaning in our house. We always wanted to go.
For this particular day, Mom made suits for my sister and I. The temperatures soared to the 90s. I don’t have the words to describe the feeling of melting panty hose on my legs, but all I know is it was the longest game in football history. I thought it would never end. From then on, we prayed for icy cold days.
I always dreamed of having a football mum corsage that the college girls would wear on game day. The large blossom perched on the shoulder of the lucky recipient and the long, streaming ribbons usually waved in the breeze when the girls passed by us. The center of the corsage was decorated with the school initials…how perfect. Each date wore a suit and tie, and each couple both held little shakers to use during the cheers.
Dad usually got Mom a mum on homecoming as she sported her newly made outfit. I can’t remember what my brother wore, but you can bet he didn’t have on the tie if he could get away with it. He studied the players and knew their numbers and positions. My sister and I were there predominantly to watch the fashions as they paraded by us, noting the ones we wanted Mom to copy for us.
By the time I got to college, many traditions had faded away. Now, Neal and I watch the games on TV as the instant replay and homemade snacks have great appeal. I love football and all that surrounds it.
What are your favorite memories or traditions surrounding fall football?
