T-Shirt Fans

[UCFGrad05]

I don't think we are looking at this the right way. As much as I don't "like" these t-shirt fans; there is much more that we don't know about the people wearing these shirts..

What if my dad went to UF? What about if my mom went there? Or maybe my uncle got me that shirt for Christmas one year?

There is also the "as a kid what team did you watch" mindset. A lot of people who grew up in FL in the 90s, myself included, you were a fan of one of the big 3. Way before you even decided what college you were going to apply to. So you follow that team for years and years. And yes, you get an emotional attachment to them. Then when you go to UCF, you're supposed to just stop?

With that ALL said -- I was a UF "fan" as a kid. The second I got accepted to UCF; all my t-shirts because UCF shirts and now I want nothing more than to see UF LOSE.

... but I do understand the argument on the other side.

 

[Ace of Knights]

Like has been, said this isn't against the people who actually attended said institutions. It's fine if your mom or dad went to a different school. I can understand how that helps shape some people's fandom. We are talking about the dumb idiots who can't even spell "university" but are die hard supporters of whatever team.

 

[UCFGrad05]

Because that's what's on TV. TV dictates fandom to a certain scope. I grew up a Braves fan watching them on TBS. Never lived in Atlanta. Now I support the team where I live - not the Braves.

I often roll my eyes at UF "fans" I know didn't attend the school and could never get in if they tried. But if that same fan watched them every week in Florida on CBS... it's hard to say we can't call them fans. They did, potentially, put emotions into it.

Especially if they know the sport and the players. And most of those fans do know their history -- because they watched it happen.

The worst type of t-shirt fans are the ones who don't even know the players or coaches. Those are the ones I have a huge problem with.

 

[2DogKnight]

So I was out and about running errands today and saw your usual UF and FSU t-shirt fans around. I have nothing against the people who legitimately went and attended those schools, but the band-wagoners drive me insane.

So here's my question, do you like that UCF doesn't have a large "t-shirt" fan base? I have some mixed feelings on the subject, but a part of me takes pride in that most UCF fans attended the school, helped build the program, and TRULY know its history.

There are probably a plethora of reasons UCF does not have a "t-shirt" fan base and UF and FSU do. Some reasons that we as UCF fans don't always like. Typically college fans and general public / "bandwagoners" want to wear are "colors" and "logo" that boldly indicate they support a specific team (black and khaki aren't real bold and specific as college team colors especially in this state that has so many others to compete with), UCF has made UCF apparel, etc. unavailable via the typical sports apparel retailers for quite awhile so it's been difficult for fans to purchase affordable UCF gear, amongst other reasons.

These reasons and others are stated by family and friends that have never attended UF when asked why they are wearing "Gator" or some other college apparel. A friend observed that there is a larger green garb presence to the Southwest of us than there is UCF visibility in Central Florida, and asked why that is. Maybe the University and AD White can address this question. Wearing black, khaki, and white in this state is like wearing camouflage on a battle field.

 

[Uniformed_ReRe]

There are probably a plethora of reasons UCF does not have a "t-shirt" fan base and UF and FSU do. Some reasons that we as UCF fans don't always like. Typically college fans and general public / "bandwagoners" want to wear are "colors" and "logo" that boldly indicate they support a specific team (black and khaki aren't real bold and specific as college team colors especially in this state that has so many others to compete with), UCF has made UCF apparel, etc. unavailable via the typical sports apparel retailers for quite awhile so it's been difficult for fans to purchase affordable UCF gear, amongst other reasons.

These reasons and others are stated by family and friends that have never attended UF when asked why they are wearing "Gator" or some other college apparel. A friend observed that there is a larger green garb presence to the Southwest of us than there is UCF visibility in Central Florida, and asked why that is. Maybe the University and AD White can address this question. Wearing black, khaki, and white in this state is like wearing camouflage on a battle field.

Your logic is remarkable.

UCF just went 0-12 and you think the color scheme is the problem?

When UCF goes 12-0, you will have plenty of tee shirt fans. In fact, I recall seeing plenty of UCF shirts in the Orlando area in the weeks after the Fiesta bowl win. They outnumbered UF shirts for a time.

But, that's just one major bowl appearance. UCF needs to go to a major bowl almost yearly for the better part of a decade in order to get to the same level as the "Big 3." Miami, FSU and UF all became popular because they all experienced a run of incredible success for many years at a time.

 

[2DogKnight]

Your logic is remarkable.

UCF just went 0-12 and you think the color scheme is the problem?

When UCF goes 12-0, you will have plenty of tee shirt fans. In fact, I recall seeing plenty of UCF shirts in the Orlando area in the weeks after the Fiesta bowl win. They outnumbered UF shirts for a time.

But, that's just one major bowl appearance. UCF needs to go to a major bowl almost yearly for the better part of a decade in order to get to the same level as the "Big 3." Miami, FSU and UF all became popular because they all experienced a run of incredible success for many years at a time.

I did not not state that colors are the only issue. Though, yes, they are blase.

 

[Willie Knightime]

Wow at some of the comments in here. Brains entangled by entitlement I see. I became a fan of UCF because of Sunshine Network, now known as Sun Sports, circa 97-98. When I was in 10th grade. Some of you newbies, alumni and students included, don't even know the names Burley, Clark, or Collins. I've attended many games and bought many t-shirts and I haven't jumped off the bandwagon since I jumped on in 97. UCF wishes they had more fans like me.

 

[CBlackwellRN]

You need to stick your head outside of Florida. UGA, Bama, and even Auburn would surpass UF in this metric.... and that's just the SEC. Ohio State, Penn State, ND, and Texas just off the top of my head have enormous t-shirt fan/alumni ratios too likely surpassing UF.

Again-- only intimately familiar with UF and their 99% redneck, zero-affiliated fanbase. And again, I'd gladly take tens of thousands of those fans for UCF right now. lol

 

[CBlackwellRN]

There are probably a plethora of reasons UCF does not have a "t-shirt" fan base and UF and FSU do. Some reasons that we as UCF fans don't always like. Typically college fans and general public / "bandwagoners" want to wear are "colors" and "logo" that boldly indicate they support a specific team (black and khaki aren't real bold and specific as college team colors especially in this state that has so many others to compete with), UCF has made UCF apparel, etc. unavailable via the typical sports apparel retailers for quite awhile so it's been difficult for fans to purchase affordable UCF gear, amongst other reasons.

These reasons and others are stated by family and friends that have never attended UF when asked why they are wearing "Gator" or some other college apparel. A friend observed that there is a larger green garb presence to the Southwest of us than there is UCF visibility in Central Florida, and asked why that is. Maybe the University and AD White can address this question. Wearing black, khaki, and white in this state is like wearing camouflage on a battle field.

I would disagree that most people chose a team based on their ability to make a fashion statement. I would instead assert that winning results in institutionally-associated apparel sales.

 

[SCKnight]

I hate this term "T-shirt fan". To me it is a derogatory term made up by fans who only wish that they could inspire people without a tie to the institution to become fans. Who cares if someone went to the school or not. A fan is a fan; period. All this BS about the "type of fan" you want is pure fantasy and jealousy. I only wish that UCF could inspire tens of thousands of people who never attended the university in the Orlando area to buy merchandise, watch us on TV and buy season tickets. It means you are successful and people want to be part of it.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

I have one friend that poked fun of me being a fan of my UCF alma mater. He is the typical Florida redneck type, graduate high school and never went to college. You know, the type that always roots for UF.

I replied to his comment by asking him what his major was. He and his dumb wife don't talk to me anymore. No skin off my back

He has a ton of UF t-shirts.

I like rooting for the underdog and always have. Being a bandwagoneer is easy

Did that question really cause a falling out between you two? The things people do to maintain the college football status quo in Florida.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

I hate this term "T-shirt fan". To me it is a derogatory term made up by fans who only wish that they could inspire people without a tie to the institution to become fans. Who cares if someone went to the school or not. A fan is a fan; period. All this BS about the "type of fan" you want is pure fantasy and jealousy. I only wish that UCF could inspire tens of thousands of people who never attended the university in the Orlando area to buy merchandise, watch us on TV and buy season tickets. It means you are successful and people want to be part of it.

Today's t-shirt fan maybe tomorrow's student.

 

[UCF-icenhl-06]

I hate this term "T-shirt fan". To me it is a derogatory term made up by fans who only wish that they could inspire people without a tie to the institution to become fans. Who cares if someone went to the school or not. A fan is a fan; period. All this BS about the "type of fan" you want is pure fantasy and jealousy. I only wish that UCF could inspire tens of thousands of people who never attended the university in the Orlando area to buy merchandise, watch us on TV and buy season tickets. It means you are successful and people want to be part of it.

this entire thread is little dick syndrome.

stuff like this is only brought up by smaller programs who make up reasons to feel better about themselves. same goes for "we have better academics", "your players keep getting NCAA violations", and attendance smack.

 

[Stormthecourt?]

I hate this term "T-shirt fan". To me it is a derogatory term made up by fans who only wish that they could inspire people without a tie to the institution to become fans. Who cares if someone went to the school or not. A fan is a fan; period. All this BS about the "type of fan" you want is pure fantasy and jealousy. I only wish that UCF could inspire tens of thousands of people who never attended the university in the Orlando area to buy merchandise, watch us on TV and buy season tickets. It means you are successful and people want to be part of it.

I don't want Tshirt fans but I am happy Wayne Densch was one of them.

 

[Uniformed_ReRe]

To be honest, the percentage of the fanbase that is made of actual alumni is usually inversely proportional to the success of the program. The fact that most people wearing UCF shirts are students, alumni or relatives, is not a good sign. Just like if you in a band, and only the band members, or their parents, buy your records, you're probably not very successful.

The fact that the majority of people wearing Miami, FSU or Gator apparel have no personal connection to any those schools is just proof of their success.

 

[ucfversusbcs]

this entire thread is little dick syndrome.

stuff like this is only brought up by smaller programs who make up reasons to feel better about themselves. same goes for "we have better academics", "your players keep getting NCAA violations", and attendance smack.

Just imagine if a 4 star recruit said they wanted to sign with UCF. Oh your parents are t-shirts fans? We're not interested.

 

[MechaKnight]

Bandwagon fans are those who only follow the team when it's doing well. Doesn't matter whether or not they attended the school. Would you rather have a UCF grad that only wears their t-shit when we're ranked, or an Oviedo High dropout that attends every game?

 

[turboknight]

Did that question really cause a falling out between you two? The things people do to maintain the college football status quo in Florida.

It was one of many nails in the coffin. He's just a loser it was bound to happen eventually.

He showed up to another buddies bachelor party with his wife and newborn baby a week later. That was the final nail.

 

[UCFhonors]

I hate this term "T-shirt fan". To me it is a derogatory term made up by fans who only wish that they could inspire people without a tie to the institution to become fans. Who cares if someone went to the school or not. A fan is a fan; period. All this BS about the "type of fan" you want is pure fantasy and jealousy. I only wish that UCF could inspire tens of thousands of people who never attended the university in the Orlando area to buy merchandise, watch us on TV and buy season tickets. It means you are successful and people want to be part of it.

Please tell me exactly how a tshirt bandwagoner getting in my way at practices, taking up my space in the stadium and driving up prices enhances my experience?

 

[SCKnight]

Please tell me exactly how a tshirt bandwagoner getting in my way at practices, taking up my space in the stadium and driving up prices enhances my experience?

It enhances your experience because it means that the team is winning. That always makes things better. By definition bandwaggoners are there to see winning teams. Besides, why would I (or anyone else for that matter) care about what fan "enhances your experience"? Maybe we should tank every season so you can be alone at the practices and stretch out in the stands.

 

[UCFhonors]

It enhances your experience because it means that the team is winning. That always makes things better. By definition bandwaggoners are there to see winning teams. Besides, why would I (or anyone else for that matter) care about what fan "enhances your experience"? Maybe we should tank every season so you can be alone at the practices and stretch out in the stands.

Oh brother. You've abandoned all logic. Bandwagoners don't make a team better. Bandwagoners just crowd out real fans. I'm beginning to take you for just a tshirt fan. You should start respecting your teams real fans.

 

[SCKnight]

Oh brother. You've abandoned all logic. Bandwagoners don't make a team better. Bandwagoners just crowd out real fans. I'm beginning to take you for just a tshirt fan. You should start respecting your teams real fans.

Oh brother you would not know logic if it hit you with a baseball bat. If you have bandwaggoners it is a result of winning. It is not a cause, it is a symptom. Fans are fans. "Real fans" are a subcategory that exists only in your warped sense of reality that nobody else shares.

 

[Gwoz]

How I enjoyed going to Rays game 10+ years ago and sat whereever I wanted. Did not deal with traffic or parking issues and paid less than $10 to go to the game and saw an occasional win. (Essentially same as now.)

But I do have to say going to Game 7 of 2008 ALCS, sitting in the nose bleeds, dealing with a completely full stadium. And watching the Rays win in front of thousands of T-Shirt fans sure was more enjoyable.

Don't worry I am sure the t-shirt fans will stay away from UCF for a least a few more years.