Sports Mama Tip: College Football Game Day Must-Haves!

Long time no see blog. Life is still busy, per usual. We moved No. 1 into his college dorm room a little over a month ago. He had to report early for football camp. No. 2 is a Senior and No. 3 is a Freshman. My baby... a Freshman! I'm still working full time, momming, on the Board of our High School Football Booster Club, and trying my best to keep up with all things Confessions of a Sports Mama (including our Facebook group which by the way has over 30,000 members now!). Speaking of, have you joined us yet?

This past week I attended No. 1's first college football game!!! Talk about all the feels. It was 5 hours and 45 minutes away from home, so I wanted to be sure that I was as prepared as possible. There was absolutely no turning around if I forgot something. So I asked for help in the group, and of course, they came through!

Here is a list of our college football game day must-haves, in no particular order. Except for the first.:

• Clear stadium bag. Just about all other types of bags (backpacks, fanny packs, purses) are banned in most stadiums. The only bag you are allowed to bring in? A clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". I found mine on Amazon. You can even find some with colored handles, for those of us who want to match them to our team colors.
• Hand sanitizer. I always carry it. Pretty self explanatory. Came in super handy after meeting/shaking hands with parents, especially during the tailgate.
• Sunscreen. Who likes to be sunburned? And because you already know that you're going to be sitting in direct sun if you're at an away game. Isn't it funny how that always happens?
• Sunglasses. Refer to the previous must-have.
• FAN. Paper fan. A battery operated fan. A piece of mail. Anything to fan yourself with. Game day is HOT. Especially in the beginning of the season.
• Portable phone charger. Game days are long. Nothing worse than a dead phone.
• Poncho. Because Mother Nature. And because umbrellas are a no-go in most college stadiums.
• Wallet. To purchase food/drinks from the concession stand. Or to buy some new team swag (can we ever have enough?). One mama suggested carrying cash too, just in case the credit card machines go down.
• Spirit items. Cowbell. Pom poms. Streamers. We are their number one fans after all!
• Positivity. College football can be an emotional roller coaster. Remember, they aren't in high school anymore. Coaches are playing to win, not to make everyone happy. Cheer loud. Be proud! Only 7% of high school athletes make it to this level!

Something I missed that you don't leave home without? Please let me know. I'm still learning the ropes!

GO TEAM!