One of the perks of going to the University of Idaho is getting to root for the Vandal football team in the newly renovated Kibbie Dome. The infectious excitement of Vandal Game Days is something many enjoy and look forward to during their time at UI.
Quentin DeWitt, UI graduate and percussionist in the marching band, said the only way to describe a football game at the Kibbie Dome is “Game Time.”
“Young and old, babies — old people, and everybody in between, it’s game day, everybody is there — all geared up and ready to go,” DeWitt said.
The social aspect of football games also make them a special experience because students get a chance to meet other students their age as they come together to cheer on the Vandals. Senior John Jarpe said his experience at UI is unique because of how different it is from living in Boise.
“The best thing about going to the games is that there are a lot of students there too, so you are hanging out with a lot of people who are in your age group,” Jarpe said. “I think that’s kind of like a different atmosphere, especially because I am from Boise and I went to a lot of Broncos sporting events and the people that attend those games tend to be older and not college students, so one aspect of U of I is when you go to those events you’re surrounded by your peers and your classmates.”
When Vandals are cheering at games, they are united with fellow Vandals.
Sophomore Joe Keefe said it makes no difference whether you are a part of the Greek system, residence halls or off campus because at games everyone is united.
“It’s a spot where everyone on campus can go and basically cheer on their school,” Keefe said. “Nobody is separated. If you are Greek or independent — it doesn’t matter. Everyone is just coming together to cheer on their own team.”
Not all of the fun on game day takes place at the Kibbie Dome or during the first through fourth quarters as everyone has his or her own pregame rituals. Keefe said that part of his process is getting pumped for the game.
“A bunch of us get together and we paint up for the games,” Keefe said, “and we do a ‘Go Vandals’ and just get pumped up for the game.”
If painting your body to show school spirit is not your thing, there are more laid-back ways to prepare. Jarpe said his friends choose to concentrate on barbecue and tailgating traditions to prepare for games.
“We will meet up at one of our friend’s house to get together, have a few beers, cook a few hot dogs, and all go over to the tailgate … park our cars and have our own little barbecue,” Jarpe said.
Jarpe said the best part of game day is getting together with a bunch of friends and going to the game and mingling with others. The collective experience of watching the game, the cheerleaders, marching band and cheering with fellow fans is what makes it a true Vandal experience.
“It’s always exciting, really good vibe in the crowd … regardless of the score, win or lose, there always seems to be a good excitement and a collective excitement from all the people watching the game,” Jarpe said. “I have never had a bad experience or had a confrontation there — always been real easy going and a good fun atmosphere.”