What’s one bizarre sports tradition that you find both amusing and fascinating?

[killamch89]

Across different cultures and sporting events, unusual rituals and customs often add a unique charm to the experience. What is the most peculiar tradition you have encountered, and what makes it stand out in your memory? How does this quirky practice enhance the overall atmosphere of the sport or event?

[The Blackangel]

When Detroit makes the playoffs, we always throw an octopus on the ice at home games.

 

The tradition started on April 15, 1952, when Pete and Jerry Cusimano, brothers and storeowners in Detroit's Eastern Market, hurled an octopus into the rink of Olympia Stadium. Having eight arms, the octopus symbolized the number of playoff wins the Red Wings needed to win the Stanley Cup at the time. The team would go on to sweep the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens en route to winning the championship.

Since then, the tradition has persisted with each passing year. In one 1995 game, fans threw 36 octopuses, including a specimen weighing 38 pounds (17 kg). The Red Wings' unofficial mascot is a purple octopus named Al, and during playoff runs, two of these mascots were also hung from the rafters of Joe Louis Arena, symbolizing the 16 wins now needed to take home the Stanley Cup. The practice has become such an accepted part of the team's lore, fans have developed various techniques and "octopus etiquette" for launching the creatures onto the ice.

On October 4, 1987, the last day of the regular Major League Baseball season, an octopus was thrown on the field in the top of the seventh inning at Tiger Stadium in Detroit as the Tigers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 1–0, clinching the American League East division championship. In May of that year, the Red Wings had defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

At the final game at Joe Louis Arena, 35 octopuses were thrown onto the ice.

[killamch89]

One bizarre sports tradition I find both amusing and fascinating is when fans dress up in outrageous costumes during certain football matches. The creativity and enthusiasm on display ranging from elaborate body paint to quirky outfits turn a regular game into a vibrant, unforgettable event. It’s amazing how these traditions add an extra layer of fun and community spirit to the sports experience.

[Ja sa bong]

On 2/17/2025 at 1:53 AM, killamch89 said:

One bizarre sports tradition I find both amusing and fascinating is when fans dress up in outrageous costumes during certain football matches. The creativity and enthusiasm on display ranging from elaborate body paint to quirky outfits turn a regular game into a vibrant, unforgettable event. It’s amazing how these traditions add an extra layer of fun and community spirit to the sports experience.

They do this better in World Cup tournament. I'm not saying they don't do it in other international tournaments like Euros or Copa America but it's bigger in World Cup. 

[Heatman]

Females fans going naked with showing their b00bs when matches is going on is now very common in so many countries especially in Brazil and also at the World Cup. It's something I find amusing to be very honest.