By Cynthia Robinson

For all newcomers to the University of Louisville, welcome to the world of Cardinal football. First and foremost, there are things you should know before even arriving to your first Cardinal football game as a student.

By the time you finish reading this column, you will not have to wonder where the myriads of intoxicated people are coming from, who the booming and often amusing is voice that fills Papa John’s, the number and location of Jack Daniels stands, the best time to use the restrooms, and several other small but paramount pieces of information.

Should you plan on tailgating, the best place to be is the Old Cardinal Stadium. ItÍs the best for two reasons: the majority of students are there, but even more important to you is the fact that if you time your arrival correctly, no one will realize that you have never been there before because they will have long since finished bonding with their Bud. Use extreme caution if you actually attempt to drive down Crittenden Dr. within two hours of kickoff time. Not only will there be an abundance of cops, the inebriated fans need a great deal of time to stumble across the wide road in pursuit of their stadium seat.

If you’re looking to raise a ruckus, The Crunch Zone in south end of Papa John’s is where you should join other fans in screaming loudly enough to give the opposing quarterback and the sometimes farsighted referees a headache.

Speaking of seating, NEVER plan on sitting in the seat your ticket says. Only if you paid an unfair amount of money or intend to threaten someone who probably has a hundred pounds and seven beers on you, it isn’t a good idea. When someone approaches you with the statement that you appear to be in their seat, simply smile and say, “Oh.

After you have a seat, if you want to keep it, the only suggestion I have for you is to not leave it. Otherwise, reread the previous paragraph. When unfortunately you must leave your seat, donÍt leave it at halftime and expect to find an empty restroom. Although there are appoximately eight separate restrooms, there are always lines that seem to stretch beyond the entrance gates.

And while you’re up, you’ll probably need a drink. There are only two Jack Daniels stands in the entire stadium. Two! Find them between sections 208 214 and 217-223. But if you get there and realize you are cashless, fear not, there is a Republic Bank ATM in the stadium. By the way, could it be true? Is EhrlerÍs still alive? I saw one near Jack and am now looking even more forward to the first game just to get an answer to this question.

Just a few more tidbits. Please don’t ask who the statue is at the entrance to the field from the football complex. The answer is Johnny Unitas. If you plan on presenting yourself as a U of L fan but don’t know who he is, you should consider doing some extensive research on uoflsports.com. Next, the big bell that you will see from time to time is the Liberty Bell, as in the Liberty Bowl. The game for C-USA champs. The Governor’s Cup is a trophy for the U of L/UK game. The Keg of Nails is for the U of L/Cincinnati game. The announcer at the games has a name-it’s Sean Moth. This will be the fourth year for Cardinals’ Coach Smith and Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. And one last thing, if you think you can say John and people will know, you might as well sit on the sixty yard line. It’s John L.