Why you should actually go to Columbia Football games
There’s so much free stuff
We all know that Columbia isn’t particularly known for our football team. Or if you know anything, it’s probably our poor record the last few years.
Regardless, if you’ve gone the whole time at Columbia without attending a game, you’re really missing out.
Here’s a list of why everyone should go support our Lions.
Free transportation
You may have thought it’d be a hassle to go all the way up to the Baker Athletic Complex but it’s really not. Starting 90 minutes before every home game, there are FREE shuttles that run from Broadway and 116th to the stadium and will take you back afterward. If you’re running late, you can also take the 1 or the A trains which take you within blocks of the field.
Really, you have no excuse if there’s free transport.
Free entry
Not only is it free to get there, for current Columbia students it’s also FREE to get in. Just bring your ID to the game and you’re good to go.
Free beer (if you’re 21+ of course)
If you’re 21+ you get a bracelet for two FREE beers before the game, so get there early! And don’t try to be sneaky with a fake, they have a list of students and whether they’re 21+ or not.
Free food
A lot of times there’s also free pizza, chips, or burgers. There are also grills to use so anyone can bring supplies and have a BBQ before the game. As a student, you’re actually saving money if you go to the games from all the free stuff you get.
Free swag
Want some Lions sunglasses? A foam finger? Pom poms? There is tons of free swag given out before the games which is just another reason to get there early.
Getting the college experience
Columbia doesn’t have the “campus feel” that a lot of schools have simply for the fact that it’s in NYC and not some remote college town. That along with our high bar for academics, it often makes us feel like we’re missing out on the “college experience.” Going to the football games, however, give you a piece of that.
Every game, you can forget academics for a few hours and just have fun with the Columbia community.
Meeting new people
At the pregame with beer and BBQ, or on the stands you’re bound to see some Columbia faces you haven’t seen on campus yet. Other than Core classes and a few electives, you’re likely to meet people with the same major as you while at Columbia. Football games bring everyone together and is a great place to meet a variety of Columbia students. Plus, you already know you have the love of football in common.
It’s an excuse to wear all your Columbia gear
Have a sweatshirt you haven’t worn yet? A Columbia scarf or hat? Maybe you wear them once in a while but here you can wear all of them at once. Don’t put your swag to waste.
See friends from other schools
It’s a great excuse to make your friends at Penn, Wagner, Harvard etc to come visit you.
Supporting our team
We’re not known for wins, but I would say that the fans are to blame, too. Getting out there and cheering on our team mates is an important part of the game. We need to support our players!
Get your mind off classes, have fun
Everyone gets caught up in the pressures of Columbia. There’s no denying that it’s tough and that everyone has to work hard while at Columbia. However, an important part of studying and keeping stress levels down is having fun, too. Take a couple hours to disconnect from your work, give your mind a break and have fun with other students. It’s worth it, trust me.