1. Baseball:
- The Seventh-Inning Stretch: During the middle of the seventh inning, fans stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" to stretch and rejuvenate for the rest of the game.
- Cracker Jack: Enjoying this snack of caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts is a classic baseball tradition.
2. Football:
- Tailgating: Fans gather in the stadium parking lots before games to grill, eat, and socialize.
- Team Chants and Cheers: Different teams have their unique chants and cheers to rally their supporters.
3. Soccer (Football):
- Chants and Songs: Soccer fans are known for their passionate chants and songs, which vary by team and country.
- Scarf Swapping: Fans often swap scarves with supporters of the opposing team as a sign of goodwill.
4. Basketball:
- The "Lucky" Outfit: Some fans have specific clothing they wear during games, believing it brings good luck to their team.
- The Sixth Man: Basketball teams rely heavily on the support of their fans, often referred to as the "sixth man."
5. Ice Hockey:
- The Stanley Cup Playoffs Beard: Players and fans grow beards during the playoffs, and shaving before winning the Stanley Cup is considered bad luck.
- Hat Trick: Fans throw hats onto the ice when a player scores three goals in a game.
6. Golf:
- Quiet Please: Golf tournaments are known for the silence expected from the gallery, where fans are encouraged to be respectful of the players' concentration.
7. Tennis:
- The Wimbledon Queue: At Wimbledon, fans camp out in a queue for days to secure tickets for the tournament.
- Strawberries and Cream: A traditional snack enjoyed by fans during Wimbledon matches.
8. Cricket:
- The Barmy Army: The passionate supporters' group for the England cricket team is known for its songs and chants.
- Tea Break: A tradition where players and fans enjoy tea and snacks during the cricket match.
9. Sumo Wrestling:
- Salt Tossing: Before a match, sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify it and ward off evil spirits.
- Dohyo-iri: A pre-match ring-entering ceremony that is highly ritualized.
10. Rugby: - Haka: The New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, performs the haka, a traditional Māori war dance, before matches as a display of strength and unity. - Jersey Swapping: Players often exchange jerseys with their opponents as a sign of mutual respect.
Each sport has its own unique customs and traditions that enhance the fan experience and contribute to the sense of community and belonging among enthusiasts. These traditions are an integral part of the cultural fabric of sports and create a special bond between fans and their favorite teams.