5 Year Old To Rutger Game?
First post after 10+ years reading this blog so go easy, yada yada...
I got two free tickets to the Rutgers game which happens to fall on my son’s birthday. He’s turning 5. The tickets appear to be 50 yard line-ish and pretty close to the field on the Rutger side.
My question is whether it’s completely irresponsible to bring a 5 year old to a college football game (weather and the interest level of a 5 year old notwithstanding).
All thoughts/opinions appreciated!
October 24th, 2018 at 9:24 AM ^
I took my then-5-year-old in 2015, and she still talks about being in the Big House every time we watch a game on TV.
October 24th, 2018 at 8:42 AM ^
If you have to ask...the answer is "NO"...really, it is.
October 24th, 2018 at 9:23 AM ^
Heaven forbid anyone ask for parenting advice with regard to a new experience!
October 24th, 2018 at 9:05 AM ^
My son went for the first time at 5. Had to take a concourse walk part way thru the 2nd quarter. Go him an ice cream, hit MDEN. He as fine the rest of the game (left with about 7 minutes left. His second game was Wisconsin game in 2016. Same routine, stayed to the end. For the last two years he has gone with me four other times and no mid-game walks.
October 24th, 2018 at 9:22 AM ^
DO IT!
In 2015, I took my then-5-year-old to the UNLV game. We sat in the last row of the stadium, up against the press box, and it was a great time. You have the right idea bringing him to a "bad" game - the crowd is more relaxed and less packed in, and if he loses interest, it probably won't be a big deal leaving midway through the second half.
I'd recommend getting there early and tailgating on the golf course, if you don't mind being gouged for parking. Lots of kids running around there, playing catch, etc., and a short walk to the stadium.
October 24th, 2018 at 9:38 AM ^
I have brought my oldest daughter to games each of the last 3 years (she is 6.5 now). She struggled at different portions of the game each time. My oldest is much easier to entertain and will sit still longer than my youngest (who is 4). My youngest has yet to go to a game because I know she can’t sit through a half. To me it depends on your son and if he can stay engaged long enough.
Even at the game this season my oldest struggled because it was a long tailgate for the Maryland game and the rain prevented activity prior to the game. Know what your sons limits are, and don’t try to push it too much or you could be in for a meltdown which degrades the experience for you both.
October 24th, 2018 at 9:51 AM ^
I would have no issue at all with it. Just be ready for a bored 5yo. Keep the drinks and snacks coming, plan on lots of bathroom breaks, and this could be one of his best memories from childhood.
I took my son to football games, races, and one monster truck show all before he was 8. The only bad experience was the monster trucks because I forgot hearing protection. Unfortunate, because we were only there for him and left after about 10 minutes.
He remembers all of them fondly.
October 24th, 2018 at 10:07 AM ^
I only see one potential problem. When the game is 70 to nothing he may ask whether it's basketball or football and wonder why Rutgers isn't allowed to score as well.
I started at that age, and I have to say the part that made it the most interesting was explaining everything that was going on as the game was going. Given I was an inquisitive kid, but that's my suggestion, if they don't understand what's going on they're likely to get bored.
For example, why did the game stop?
A: People get rich off tv commercials, see that guy standing on the field over there, the game won't start until his evil overlords let him get off the field and the game to re-commence.
I don't have children so you can probably answer their questions better than I.
October 24th, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^
Child abuse
October 24th, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^
I took my 5 yo to his first game at Northwestern a few years ago. The game wasn't a sell out and we sat in the endzone with a few open rows around us. He watched the game in 5 minute increments and then otherwise played in the stands, wanted popcorn, needed to go to the bathroom, etc.
I think you can have a similar experience at the Rutgers game. Even though sitting at the 50 yd line might be great for you, I'd recommend "upgrading" to a spot with a little more elbow room. As long as your expectations are low, you'll be fine. You'll likely miss parts of the game and might need to leave early, but your kid will have fun as long as you don't force too much on him.
Enjoy!
October 24th, 2018 at 11:46 AM ^
Not irresponsible, completely fine. I went to the Rutger game in 2016 and would have been fine taking my 4 year old. It's Rutger. It's low-key, most of the fans are M fans.
October 24th, 2018 at 12:36 PM ^
Do Whatever Mrs. Ermgoblerg says
Getting parenting advice here is funny. Seriously if it's a go, take something to keep him busy (book, hand held electronics, action figures, etc) if he is not as engrossed in the game as you are.
I had two similar situations taking my young ones to blow out games. They liked the halftime show and we left right after the first score of the 3rd quarter (we were up by 3 TDs and counting) and went to get ice cream. They couldn't wait to go their next game to see the band, get ice cream, and see the cool helmets.
October 24th, 2018 at 1:13 PM ^
I started going when I was that young. Just prepare yourself to follow the whims of a 5 year old in terms of leaving early, bathroom breaks, food, etc. Nothing unsafe or risky about bringing them though, and I feel like that would be a super exciting birthday for a 5 year old Michigan fan.
October 24th, 2018 at 1:57 PM ^
Does your son like watching the games on TV? If so, I think you'd be good. I took my then-5-year-old to a Cubs game this summer. It went great, he loved it, and I'd definitely think about bringing him to a football game in the near future (particularly one that's not going to be great/packed). The keys from my perspective were giving him tons of food, and being very clear with him that whenever he wanted to leave, we would leave. We arrived a little late and left a little early, but he absolutely loved the experience. I will say that one thing I hadn't given a lot of thought to is how close the seats are to the front of the section. They don't need to be that close to the field, but if there's 20 rows of people in front in your section, it may be hard to see.
October 24th, 2018 at 3:21 PM ^
It'll be empty, so you should have easy access to spotless bathrooms.
Rutger doesn't have fans, so your boy shouldnt be exposed to any foul behavior, other than the beat down on the field.
It will be quiet except for all the M fans, so he shouldn't hurt his ears out get scared.
I'd say you're in the clear.