On Saturday morning I headed out to The Bronx to take a look at the NCAA Patriot League at Fordham University in the Fordham Ram’s home game against Holy Cross.

After a bit of subway strolling through the 1 and 6 line and then a decent two mile walk from Fordham Rd subway to the University grounds I was within sight of the field and could hear the marching band’s trumpets playing as I approached. Here them now:

I walked through the university grounds, found the gates to the stadium and purchased a ticket for the bargain sum of $10. Grabbing a 200 page match program for $1 which was highly educational as it was revealed that Denzel Washington and that guy from M.A.S.H were former students as well as all of the meanings behind the referee signals.

 

I had a look around at what was on offer for alumni and fans alike and found a photo opportunity for fans with a Ram’s player cut out, decent affordable food offerings and special game day promotions like ‘Deal of the Day’ on merchandise.

The astro turf pitch looked pristine as dark clouds came and went over the stadium as the fans piled in. I grabbed a hot pretzel for $3 and while I felt like a cold beer was soon made aware that beers are not sold at these college football games.

The national anthem had everyone up and with their hats off the crowd belted out the lyrics. Listen to the national anthem at Fordham Rams here:

The youthful cheer squad got the crowd pumped up before the game kicked off. Hear the cheer squad here.

What was interesting about this game was the fact that it appeared that the Ram’s DJ really liked Kanye West as no less than 6 West songs or snippets were played at the Jack Coffey field over the course of the day.

While walking up the aluminium stands to my spot reminded me of the Brisbane Bronco’s ANZ Stadium back in the early 90’s this was a really unique sporting experience. Family and friends were out in force cheering on their sons and brothers and the match program was also interesting to read as it came with another 100 odd page American football magazine.

While the Fordham Ram’s seventh game in their 116th season was a great game that probably had around 3-5000 people it’s nowhere near the level of the Buckeyes who I attended last year, however this was a really fun, memorable and interesting fan experience and I would encourage any sports fans or those in the business to come out here and experience it for yourself.