“We Are…Minnesota” Spirit Initiative

The We Are…Minnesota Spirit Initiative is a new campus-wide, student-run program whose aim is to “lead the University of Minnesota community in fan participation, Gopher spirit, and positive behavior. To do so, [we] will: initiate new traditions, reward positive fan behavior, create a welcoming and exciting environment for all who attend a Gopher sporting event, and create a more unified body for student fans.”

The spirit initiative is administered by the We Are…Minnesota Sportsmanship Council, a student group that is registered as a Campus Life Program through Student Unions & Activities and is advised by both the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Student Unions & Activities.

2009 Football

At each home football game this year, student fan ambassadors will greet all fans at TCF Bank Stadium. In addition, students are working with the Spirit Squad and Marching Band to unify the student section, create new chants and cheers, and to promote good sportsmanship. They plan to bring back or adapt many of the traditions and cheers from the past Rooter Club and Memorial Stadium. They have also created public service announcements regarding fan behavior and Gopher pride that will air on the scoreboard during all home games. In addition to game day activities, We Are…Minnesota has been working with several University departments to plan fall semester events that will introduce both returning and new students to Gopher Football and positive fan behavior.

Hockey and Basketball:

The Council has partnered with the Barnyard student group to introduce the spirit initiative at men’s basketball this year. They are also working with students to create a new spirit section for men’s hockey. They intend to expand the initiative to all Gopher sports over the next few years.

Code of Conduct

Golden Gopher Fan Creed

Be Proud: Wear maroon and gold to every sporting event
Be Loud: Cheer loudly for the Gophers and not against our opponent from beginning to end
Be Golden: Show that we are the best fans in the nation by behaving responsibly, being respectful of others, and encouraging others to do the same.
Go Gophers!

History

In July 2008, students and staff attended the first Big Ten Sportsmanship Conference at The Ohio State University. Upon returning, several students took up the charge of creating a student-run, University-supported Sportsmanship Council. Throughout the fall semester, students and staff conducted site visits at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Illinois, Arizona State University, and the University of South Florida to gain additional information about how both Homecoming and Sportsmanship initiatives were run on their campuses. The knowledge obtained from both the conference and site visits led to the formation of the We Are…Minnesota Sportsmanship Council and Spirit Initiative in January 2009.
Interns are hired annually to chair the council and to act as liaisons between University staff, students, and members of each sports’ spirit section. Currently, spirit sections have been formed for football, men’s hockey, and men’s basketball, with hopes of expansion into all University of Minnesota sports within the next few years.
Joel Maturi, current University of Minnesota Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has coined the phrase “We Are…Minnesota” throughout his tenure on campus and the new spirit group was named in his honor.

Upcoming Events

• Gopher Game Day Preview: August 22nd (for all season ticket holders)
• Welcome Week Pride and Spirit Event: September 3rd (for all new freshmen)
• Syracuse Game Screening Party: September 5th (for all University of Minnesota students)

For Students

Interested in Joining?
- Please contact us via email if you are interested in joining
- Email: Sportsmanship@umn.edu

Council Goals
- Working toward providing a safe environment that will promote positive Gopher and University of Minnesota school spirit at athletic events.
- Commitment to provide support and encouragement at University of Minnesota Gopher sporting events.
- Encourage student involvement within the University of Minnesota.
- Have fun cheering on the Gophers!

Student Group Constitution

Download Student Group Constitution

Meet the Interns

Structure:

Please note that we are hoping to expand to all Gopher Sports Teams over time. If you have a student cheering section for a sport not currently listed, please contact us so we can add you to our group!

Fan Ambassador Program
The fan ambassadors are out at every home football game welcoming fans into our brand new stadium, handing out give aways, distributing information, and giving directions. The goal of the fan ambassador program is to create a welcoming atmosphere for all University of Minnesota students, fans, and guests. If you are lost on game day, look for a fan ambassador to point you in the right direction.

The group consists of 40 students who attend all football games throughout the season. These permanent fan ambassadors will go through a training session in September to help them gear up for opening day. If you would like to become a permanent fan ambassador e-mail us at sportsmanship@umn.edu.

Additionally, at each home game we will have Honorary Fan Ambassadors. If your student group would like to sign up to be the Honorary Ambassadors for one home game, please contact us at sportsmanship@umn.edu.

Spirit Groups
We Are…Minnesota is working with the University of Minnesota to offer students opportunities to have premier seating at the sporting events of their choice through participation in a spirit group. If you are interested in creating a spirit group for a sport who currently does not have one in place or would like more information about existing spirit groups, please contact us.

Currently, we are recruiting for the new football spirit section. Students in the football spirit section will be given early admittance to the game, premier seating (all other student seating is general admission, available on a first come basis), opportunities to attend special events, and other fan appreciation items. The only requirements of the spirit group are that you participate in cheers throughout the game and help promote positive Gopher spirit and good sportsmanship. To join the group, email us at sportsmanship@umn.edu.

Press
April 3, 2009 Article in the Minnesota Daily
http://www.mndaily.com/2009/04/02/student-spirit-group-gears-game-day