Bad Fan Behavior

[Anonymous]

I made the mistake of taking my young son to a Ravens game, something he has asked about repeatedly. Big mistake. I hadn't been to a pro football game in awhile. The profanity and general behavior was horrible. No wonder there were so few kids there. Won't be doing that again.

[Anonymous]

I experienced something similar first time I went to a game played by Washington's professional football team.

From being accosted by the vendors selling beer for 50 cents an ounce (!) to the behavior you described, it sparked a dislike for Danny Boy's team that has festered for years.

Baseball is where it's at for kids. Or hockey.

[Anonymous]

Do you have any allegiances with any of the local college teams? I really think football games are fun to attend, but the NFL has a well known fan problem. I haven't been to a Maryland game in years, but since they're not that great the tickets may be affordable. Navy is well known for a great atmosphere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I experienced something similar first time I went to a game played by Washington's professional football team.

From being accosted by the vendors selling beer for 50 cents an ounce (!) to the behavior you described, it sparked a dislike for Danny Boy's team that has festered for years.

Baseball is where it's at for kids. Or hockey.

We went to a Wizards game, which I also thought was okay for kids.
If your kids really likes football, perhaps a college game instead.

[Anonymous]

What about pro soccer? I've heard that that is pretty kid-friendly too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about pro soccer? I've heard that that is pretty kid-friendly too.

Yes, soccer is great for kids either at the MLS or international level. You will see whole families there with babies, toddlers, cousins, etc. Washington Spirit games are all about the kids too.

[Anonymous]

Mystics, Wizards and DC United are all family-friendly. And college basketball games where alcohol is prohibited. (you get more tailgating with NCAA football.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I experienced something similar first time I went to a game played by Washington's professional football team.

From being accosted by the vendors selling beer for 50 cents an ounce (!) to the behavior you described, it sparked a dislike for Danny Boy's team that has festered for years.

Baseball is where it's at for kids. Or hockey.

Just be careful what team they're playing. I decided long ago never to take my kids (again) to a Caps-Flyers game. Once was enough.

The Pens fans are pretty annoying and foul-mouthed, as are the Rangers fans, but I don't fear that my boys will get beat up by some drunken lout in the bathroom, which I know happens when the Flyers come to town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about pro soccer? I've heard that that is pretty kid-friendly too.

Yes, soccer is great for kids either at the MLS or international level. You will see whole families there with babies, toddlers, cousins, etc. Washington Spirit games are all about the kids too.

You'll hear a bit of profanity at MLS games, but it's generally a nice atmosphere. Spirit games are as family-friendly as you can get.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about pro soccer? I've heard that that is pretty kid-friendly too.

Yes, soccer is great for kids either at the MLS or international level. You will see whole families there with babies, toddlers, cousins, etc. Washington Spirit games are all about the kids too.

Eh, depends on where. A lot of European clubs have "ultras" that form large blocks in the home or away end that you want to be careful around. As bad as many NFL fans can be, they are unlikely to have smuggled flares or smoke bombs into the stadium.

[Anonymous]

I have taken my kids to all sorts of sports games, professional and college. Oddly, the worst was a University of MaryLand WOMEN's basketball game. The bitterness and profanity was shocking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I experienced something similar first time I went to a game played by Washington's professional football team.

From being accosted by the vendors selling beer for 50 cents an ounce (!) to the behavior you described, it sparked a dislike for Danny Boy's team that has festered for years.

Baseball is where it's at for kids. Or hockey.

Just be careful what team they're playing. I decided long ago never to take my kids (again) to a Caps-Flyers game. Once was enough.

The Pens fans are pretty annoying and foul-mouthed, as are the Rangers fans, but I don't fear that my boys will get beat up by some drunken lout in the bathroom, which I know happens when the Flyers come to town.

I'm a season ticket holder (5 years) and have never seen anyone being beaten up in the bathrooms. I have taken my kids to many a game, including Flyers and have never seen anything remotely close to this type of behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have any allegiances with any of the local college teams? I really think football games are fun to attend, but the NFL has a well known fan problem. I haven't been to a Maryland game in years, but since they're not that great the tickets may be affordable. Navy is well known for a great atmosphere.

Took the kids to a Navy football homecoming game two years ago. Midway through the 1st quarter a group of 4 (2 men, 2 women) stumble up the steps and lucky us are seated right next to us. Ten minutes later one of the females is puking all over her feet. Luckily there were some empty seats a few rows back but the odor was awful. We left at halftime.

[Anonymous]

Pro Football is a bad spectator sport and is better enjoyed at home on a big TV. The only people who go now seem to be there to get sauced on $10 Budweiser. The daytime games are rough, but you do not want to be anywhere near a night game. That is such a bad crowd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I experienced something similar first time I went to a game played by Washington's professional football team.

From being accosted by the vendors selling beer for 50 cents an ounce (!) to the behavior you described, it sparked a dislike for Danny Boy's team that has festered for years.

Baseball is where it's at for kids. Or hockey.

Just be careful what team they're playing. I decided long ago never to take my kids (again) to a Caps-Flyers game. Once was enough.

The Pens fans are pretty annoying and foul-mouthed, as are the Rangers fans, but I don't fear that my boys will get beat up by some drunken lout in the bathroom, which I know happens when the Flyers come to town.

I'm a season ticket holder (5 years) and have never seen anyone being beaten up in the bathrooms. I have taken my kids to many a game, including Flyers and have never seen anything remotely close to this type of behavior.

I helped break up a fight in a bathroom at a Flyers game several years ago. Also had the misfortune of sitting next to a couple of Flyers fans. Really obnoxious. Homophobic cheers.

Caps games in general, though, are terrific.