re: What is SEC culture?

As someone put it, we fight like siblings and band together against anyone who isn't the SEC. College football is a religion. Food and drink are a big deal. Tailgating is mandatory. Cook more food than you can possibly eat, eat more than you know you should, drink, nap, watch football on TV (we bring TVs and big stereos to tailgates), listen to music, mock the opposing team, etc. Many people drink alcohol before games (although in some places you have to pretend you aren't drinking, so as not to offend the Baptists). It's ok to start drinking at 7am. All the normal rules are suspended while tailgating. I haven't been to every stadium in the SEC, but many places shut down on game day. In Baton Rouge before an LSU game, all nearby roads become one-way streets pointing towards the stadium. It doesn't matter if you need to get to the ER. You're going to the game, first. The roads reverse direction after the game. Southern hospitality is also a big deal in the SEC. When we're done mocking you, we'll offer you food and drink. Then we'll hang out and make fun of anyone worthy of ridicule.

This article was written for A&M, but it explains some of the mysteries of the SEC: LINK

quote:

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There has been talk by many I'm sure that Missouri is not SEC material

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Missouri touches more southern states than a lot of other southern states do. Its just butthurt, don't pay'em any attention. Some people have no concept of geography. As long as I can get sweet tea in Mizzou I'm good with y'all.

Disregard the "hate" replies...most of it is good fun. Things you need to know...

1). College sports are more important than the pro sports. My 6 yr old son cries if LSU loses, but only gets mildly upset if the Saints lose. If the Cardinals or Rams ae more important thatn Mizzou, you are not culturally prepared.
2). Tailgating is not for amateurs. It is as much a part of the Saturday experience as the game itself. No mini-grill cooking up weenies. Make enough to share your grub...and in your neck of the woods we expect some kickass dry rubbed BBQ.
3). We rib each other hard, especially our rivals. However, no one outside of the conference can rib on an SEC school. Now you are family. You may be retarded, but you're our retarded.
4). Lastly, don't show up at a game with your Wal-Mart Mizzou t-shirt. Spend some dough on some nice gear and show some pride. SEC fans don't look like Iowa fan. We may be drunk, but at least we look like we have a home to go to after the game.

Apparently dressing all alike and wearing the same sunglasses, these days. Times sure have changed.

Recent example: I took vacation last Friday to get everything ready for the LSU-Bama game. And I stayed in Baton Rouge (i.e. did not make the trip to bama).

One of the primary differences between SEC schools and non-SEC schools:

- The entire state is your fanbase. They live and breathe college football. Most never sniffed college, but that doesn't matter. The state loves you. Pro sports take a backseat. That ain't gonna happen anytime in Mizzou.

I'll throw in a little SEC Women's Culture so you can pass along and get them prepared:

Know the game. There is only 1 game and it is football. If you don't know football, don't attempt to discuss football or - even worse - any other topic between Thursday - Monday. Even the women don't care about your haircut or new purse when the game is on. Commercials are reserved for replays & debate.

Men will likely plan the tailgate but it is your responsibility to coordinate with the other women to work through the details. (food, alcohol, arrival times, plane tickets, hotels, etc.)

Enjoy the tailgate. Men almost always cook there. However, it is usually your responsibility to have all grocery items purchased and ready for preparation. If you don't know where & when you should have the food, you haven't coordinated well enough with the other females in the group. Never, never, never allow the beer to run out.

Represent well. Get your hair done, visit the gym, dress nicely and be a good hostess to everyone walking past your tailgate.

Make some noise in the stadium. (I can already think of 100 ways this will be edited...) You're not there just to look good. You must also support your team throughout the entire game.

Learn how to schedule around the season. Wedding, baptisms, birthdays and sometimes even births & funerals are scheduled to avoid your team's games or any other important in-conferees game, regardless of who's playing. Get used to it & get over it. Even women don't want to attend your baby shower on game day. They want join the party.

Eat, drink, talk (about football) and have fun. Take part in the festivities and enjoy every minute of it. If you can't, stay home.

Read "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer" by Warren St. John. It is from an Alabama perspective but its characters and traditions can be seen in all the SEC fanbases.

And, NO JERSEYS ON ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 12.

No exceptions.

Championships, good food, stout bourbon and second to none women.


Got a long way to go guy. All schools in the SEC has at least 3/4 of these.