Mason’s Culture

Are you looking for something fun to do on campus that won’t cost any money and will be fun for you and your friends? If so, then you should check out the George Mason Basketball games at the Patriot Center. Basketball season will be soon upon us, but before you go to a game the Patriot is here to rescue you.

George Mason University, unlike other schools does not have a football team. Which seems like a downside to the University at first, but in the end it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that there is a sport that the school rally’s around.

For those of you who have not been to a George Mason Basketball game. It is something that you definitely have to do at least once in your four years. Basketball games are a fun way to show school spirit. 

Last year I joined the Patriot Platoon, which meant that I got to go to games early to get good seats. I also got a free shirt and sat with other spirited fans. If you are not in this group, you are still welcome to the games and will be sure to have a good time. The student section is still flooded with yellow t-shirts and screaming fans.  But if you do attend a game, be prepared to stand almost the whole time and lose your voice. 

The pep band, aka the famous Green Machine, is there to pump up the students even more than they already are when they arrive. The Green Machine is led by Doc Nix and is in charge of playing music. One of the songs you will definitely hear is the George Mason fight song. If you don’t know the fight song by the time you enter you first game, you will know by the time you leave! They play the song many times during the game. Don’t be afraid of all of the other traditions and superstitious things that happen during the games. You will catch on quickly and someone near you will be there to help you. 

Not only is there the Green Machine to help students get ready for the game, but there is also the Cheerleaders and the dance team, the Masonettes. They stand right next to the student section helping to lead the cheers. 

Last year I didn’t go to as many games as I wanted, but this year I plan to go to more Men’s games and even a few Women’s games. The ones I did go to were a lot of fun, and I highly encourage you to attend. Basketball isn’t just a sport to George Mason, it’s a culture. It’s something to be excited about and rally around. 

If you still aren’t sure about basketball, you should check it out for yourself and see what you think. The first George Mason Basketball game is this Friday the 8^th at 7:00 pm against American University; I hope to see you there. So now you know about the basketball culture here at George Mason, all thanks to the PATRIOT!!!