Go to a basketball game

The answer to “what to wear to a basketball game” is the team’s colours on top, comfortable clothes underneath and shoes you can stand in. College and minor-league games are cheap, loud and a good evening out even if you don’t follow the team.

Before you go

• Pick the game. Pick a home game for a team near you, and choose a night when you have nothing to do the next morning.
• Buy tickets ahead. Prices vary by team and opponent, and some games sell out, so don’t wait for the day.
• Look up the venue’s rules. Many arenas limit bag sizes, and some don’t allow outside drinks. The venue’s website lists what’s allowed.
• Arrive early. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes before tip-off. You’ll find your seat, see the warm-up and avoid the line at the door.
• Plan the trip home. Evening traffic and parking can be slow, so agree on a plan with your friends.

What to wear

Seats can be warm under the lights and cold by the doors, so layers work better than one heavy coat.

• Team colours. A sweatshirt, a T-shirt, a hat or a scarf in the team’s colours is all you need. If you have nothing, pick the closest colour you own. Merchandise at the arena is usually the most expensive way to get it.
• Comfortable bottoms. Jeans or leggings are the simple option.
• Shoes you can stand in. You’ll walk through concourses and stairs and probably stand for much of the game. Sneakers or flat boots beat heels.
• A layer you can take off. A hoodie or cardigan works better than a bulky jacket you have to keep on your lap.
• Outerwear for the walk in. In winter, bring a warm coat for outside, and use the coat check or a spare seat if there’s one.

How to enjoy it without knowing the sport

1. Learn the basics: each team shoots at one hoop, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
2. Learn one chant. The crowd or student section usually leads it, and you’ll pick it up by the second time.
3. Watch the crowd as much as the court. The atmosphere is half the fun.
4. Ask the friend who knows the game to explain one thing at a time instead of everything.
5. Keep your phone away for the big moments. Time-outs are a better time to check it.
6. Stay for the second half. This is usually when the game and the crowd get loudest.

What goes wrong

• You’re too warm indoors and too cold outside. Wear layers you can take off, and carry a small tote for them.
• Your bag gets turned away. Check the rules first, and leave anything large at home or in the car.
• You can’t follow the game. Watch the scoreboard and the crowd. Cheering when everyone else does is enough.
• Your feet hurt by halftime. Wear shoes you’ve already worn for a full day.
• It’s too loud. Foam earplugs are cheap and take the edge off without ruining the atmosphere.

After the game

Plan something small after: a late bite, a hot chocolate, or just walking out with the crowd and talking about the best moment. If you enjoyed it, pick a second game this season. You’ll know where to park and what to wear next time.

Make it a night

Meet your friends for a bite before the game, or plan something small after it. It turns a two-hour game into a whole evening. If you’re driving, check the weather and leave early for winter roads, and if you’re walking home in the dark, go in a group. Keep your tickets on your phone, charged, or print them as a backup, since signal inside a full arena can be slow.

Know the rhythm of the game

Men’s college games are played in two halves and women’s in four quarters, with a longer break at halftime, and there are time-outs and breaks in play along the way. The crowd often gets loudest near the end of a close game, so don’t leave early. If the seats are far from the court, watch the big screen as well as the players.

Make it a winter evening

Basketball season runs through the coldest months, which makes it a good reason to be somewhere loud and warm. Wear the colours, bring a couple of friends and have dinner or a hot chocolate afterwards.