15 Essential Safety Tips for College Game Day

College football gamedays are full of excitement, but it’s essential to prioritize your safety. Here are 15 personal safety tips specifically tailored for female attendees to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Stick Together

Attend the game with a group of friends, and make a plan to stay together throughout the day. Agree on a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. There is safety in numbers and staying in a group means more eyes to watch out for each other.

2. Stay Sober & Aware

While it’s common to enjoy a drink or two during the game, be mindful of your alcohol intake. Staying sober helps you remain alert to your surroundings and make sound decisions. You need to be able to react quickly if there is an active shooter emergency or another situation that goes South. If you’re drinking, do so in moderation, and never leave your drink unattended.

3. Secure Your Belongings

Choose a crossbody bag or fanny pack to keep your essentials close to your body. Ensure the bag has a secure closure, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or irreplaceable items. You can also tuck your ID and debit card into your boots or inside your shoes. Don’t carry a backpack because this leaves your bag vulnerable to thieves approaching from the rear. Keep an eye (and preferably a hand) on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas.

4. Know Your Exits

Familiarize yourself with the stadium’s layout, including all exits, restrooms, and security stations. Knowing where to go in an emergency can save precious time and help you stay calm under pressure. Once you reach your designated seats, quickly identify the fastest way to a place of protection if an active shooter or terrorist scenario were to begin. For detailed information on how to prepare for an active shooter emergency, please read our article: ’10 Right Ways to React in an Active Shooter Emergency’.

5. Trust Your Instincts

If a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the environment. Your intuition is a powerful tool—trust it and act on it without second-guessing.

6. Use Designated Rideshare

If you’re using a rideshare service to get to or from the game, confirm the driver’s identity by checking the license plate, car model, and driver’s photo before getting in. Share your ride details with a trusted friend or family member and use the app’s safety features, like real-time ride tracking.

7. Stay in Well-Lit Areas

When moving through the stadium or parking lots, stick to well-lit and populated areas. Avoid shortcuts through isolated or dark sections, particularly after the game ends. If you’re unsure of the area, ask security personnel for guidance.

8. Alter Your Self-Defense Tools

You will not be able to carry a stun gun or pepper spray keychain into the event so plan for personal defense accordingly. Personal panic alarms and most kubaton keychains are permitted items through security checkpoints, but also remember that you can improvise everyday clothing such as belts, purses, shoe heels and car keys to defend yourself if necessary. Read the article ‘How to Use Improved Self-Defense’ for more creative ideas on this topic.

9. Keep Your Phone Charged

Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out to the game, and consider bringing a portable charger. Your phone is your lifeline for communication and navigation, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

10. Have a Check-In Plan

Set up regular check-ins with a friend or family member, updating them on your location and well-being. Let your friends know when your plans change or you are delayed. This ensures someone knows where you are at all times, which can be crucial if you encounter any issues.

11. Wear Comfortable Shoes

We know it’s as much about the fashion as the school spirit on game day, but choose shoes that are comfortable for walking and standing for long periods. In case of an emergency, you may need to move quickly, and uncomfortable footwear can slow you down or even cause injury. If your car breaks down or a large-scale emergency occurs, you may need to walk home and get your car later.

If you are attacked, it is much easier to defend yourself when you are on solid footing and not teetering on a pair of high heels. You will have more power and control to execute your self-defense techniques if you are operating from a balanced and grounded foundation.

12. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media

It can be tempting to post live updates on social media, but avoid sharing your exact location in real-time. Oversharing can expose you to risks, such as attracting unwanted attention from strangers who know where you are. It also lets burglars who troll online know that your dorm room, apartment or home is unoccupied and a potential target for robbery.

13. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. Dehydration can lead to dizziness and impaired judgment, making you more vulnerable. Keep a water bottle with you to stay refreshed.

14. Plan a Meeting Spot

Establish a designated meeting spot with your group in case anyone gets separated or mass chaos breaks out in the crowd for some reason. Choose a well-known landmark near the stadium but a safe distance from ground zero. This plan can help you reconnect quickly and safely.

15. Be Aware of Drink Safety

Never accept drinks from strangers, and keep your drink within sight at all times. If you need to step away, take your drink with you or discard it. Date rape drugs are odorless and colorless. They can alter both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

If your drink has been left unattended, get a new one to avoid the risk of tampering. Date rape drink test strips are a great way to save a drink that may be in question. One drop of drink on the test strip will reveal if any of the three major date rape drugs are present. Always carry a few with you whenever you are attending social events.

By taking these precautions, you can max out the excitement of college football gameday while safeguarding your personal well-being. Remember, safety is about making mindful choices and trusting your instincts. Whether you're navigating the crowd, enjoying the game, or celebrating with friends, being proactive about your security allows you to focus on the fun and create lasting memories without unnecessary worries. Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy the game!