Most common game-day rituals sports fans swear by including lucky pants and special socks

Most common game-day rituals sports fans swear by including lucky pants and special socks Newspoint | 06/02/2025 22:39:17

A recent poll of 2,000 sporting fans has revealed some of the most unusual game-day rituals.

A staggering 56% admitted to having superstitions on match days, with 47% convinced that these habits can sway the outcome of the game.

The list of peculiar habits includes wearing lucky shirts or pants, sitting in the same on the sofa and even avoiding pavement cracks before heading to the game.

Other top rituals feature carrying a lucky coin, repeating a chant or phrase three times before the game starts and avoiding people they watched a game with in which their team lost.

Interestingly, the survey discovered that 36% of sport fans identify themselves as superstitious, with a significant 56% believing in the the concept of luck. However, 18% see most game-day rituals as being more about tradition than having any real impact on the game's outcome.

The survey, commissioned by NERDS candy in celebration of their partnership with the National Football League (NFL) in the UK and Ireland for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, highlights the significant role food plays in these sporting traditions.

Ferrara Candy UK is offering fans the chance to win NFL London games tickets if they spot the NERD Gummy Monster in London next week.

Kevin Massie, UK country manager at Ferrara Candy UK, commented on the findings: "Food plays a big role in sporting moments."

He added, "Whether it's stocking up on your favourite candy for match time snacks or a lucky pre-match meal, we know everyone has their own unique superstitions to help with match day jitters."

Wearing a 'lucky shirt'

Sitting on the same spot on the sofa

Wearing lucky socks

Crossing fingers while watching the game

Avoiding looking directly at the screen during penalties or key moments

Standing up or sitting down at crucial moments

Turning off phone to "focus energy" on the game

Bringing a specific flag, scarf, or piece of memorabilia to every match

Drinking from a specific cup or bottle

Following a set route to the game venue or pub

Avoiding mentioning the game to anyone beforehand

Wearing lucky pants

Listening to the same pre-game song or playlist

Always arriving at the stadium or turning on the TV at the same time

Rubbing a lucky item (like a charm or bracelet) for good luck

Carrying a lucky coin

Sticking to a specific routine during a winning streak - even if it means not showering or shaving

Repeating a chant or phrase three times before the game starts

Keeping a game ticket or programme in their pocket or wallet

Eating a specific "lucky meal" on game day

Eating the same sweets during every match

Holding a specific object (like a plush toy or stress ball) during the match

Avoiding cracks in the pavement before a game

Watching the game alone if the team won last time

Tying shoelaces in a particular way on game day

Avoiding certain foods eaten before a loss

Tapping the remote or other object a specific number of times before the game

Avoiding people they watched with during a loss

Wearing mismatched socks if it worked once for a win

Keeping a specific number of lights on or off in the room during the game