Friday, August 26, 2005
The University of Kansas is a basketball school, so it may be a popular belief that basketball games are the best perk of being a student here.
I respectfully disagree.
Basketball games are awesome, but there is one place I would rather be than Allen Fieldhouse going crazy for the Jayhawks — Memorial Stadium.
Lots of you are thinking I’m insane as you read this, but there are three good reasons why KU football games are more fun than KU basketball games.
First, there are different levels of expectations. At basketball games, winning is the only option. Otherwise, Kansas fans are severely disappointed.
Sure, the Jayhawks will win most of the time while providing fantastic basketball and a lot of great memories. Keith Langford’s game winner against Georgia Tech last New Year’s Day will always have a place in my heart.
But when the basketball team loses, the entire campus seems to become depressed. Remember Iowa State? I sure don’t want to.
Even when the basketball team wins, it’s always expected. Hardly anyone gets too excited about defeating a mediocre opponent.
On the other hand, great things are not expected from the football team. This allows fans to value the experience of game day rather than worrying about the outcome. Then, when great things happen, it’s that much more surprising and enjoyable, even if it is only against an average team.
Beating Kansas State and Missouri over the past two seasons gave students opportunities to tear down the goal posts. Even though both of our rivals turned out to be run of the mill, a loss would not have been out of the ordinary. Having experienced many before, everyone would have quickly recovered from another.
But when the clock ran out and the crowd looked at the score, the surprise victory led to an ecstatic celebration.
Another reason football games are better is the stress factor. The preparation it takes to attend a basketball game is insane. If you want to sit anywhere close to the court, camping out is your only option.
From my experience, waking up at 5:30 a.m. to attend the lottery or to take the first shift for the group isn’t. Waiting for the ushers to open the doors in the middle of winter isn’t. Sitting in a cramped and warm Allen Fieldhouse for two hours tipoff isn’t fun.
Before football games, after a couple hours of tailgating, I’m able to show up an hour ahead of time and get a seat ten rows up. Memorial Stadium is also hardly ever cramped.
My final reason is convenience. If the football team is victorious, tomorrow will always be Sunday. I can sleep in, allowing me to party all night long. A weekday basketball game sends me straight to bed.
Even though I think football games are more fun than basketball games, the best part about being a KU student is that I don’t have to choose between the two. I can enjoy both.
— Robinett is an Austin, Texas junior in journalism.Allen Fieldhouse addition poll
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