At Mater Dei, game days are more than just about cheering for the team—they’re a celebration of school spirit, friendship, and the electric energy that fills the stands. From the moment you step into the stadium, you can feel the buzz of excitement as students rally together, united in support of their school. Sophomore Carson Schwartze captures this perfectly when describing the feeling of the energy inside the stadium.

“The crowd is really interesting,” Schwartze said. “You can kind of see what players are [planning] in real-time, and the energy just draws you in.”

It’s not just the students who feel the excitement. Parents, even those who may not be die-hard sports fans, find joy in the game-day atmosphere. Schwartze’s family often attends the MD football games although they do not sit in the student section.

“My parents are really into sports, so they have a great time, too,” Schwartze said. “But even if they weren’t, it’s still a great way to just socialize and be part of the community.”

The shared enthusiasm in the stadium fosters a sense of connection that transcends the game itself, bringing together students, families, and faculty alike. Tailgating prior to the games is also a Mater Dei game-day tradition, and another aspect that enhances the experience and connects Monarch families, students, and alumni alike. These gatherings are filled with laughter, food, and a sense of anticipation that builds before the game even begins. Sophomore Daniel Woore recalls volunteering at a freshman tailgate, where smiles were as abundant as the amount of Chick-fil-A.

“It’s more than just watching the game; it’s the whole experience,” Woore said. “From the tailgates to the theme nights, that makes it unforgettable.

For students, these events also offer a unique way to relieve stress from a busy week of academics. Being surrounded by friends in an atmosphere of celebration helps students reconnect with one another and recharge. Sophomore and ASB member Kolby Vu emphasizes the importance of this balance between school work and social life.

“If you had a really stressful week, going to games can alleviate that stress and make the weekend more fun,” Vu said. 

The ASB Rally Commissioners ensure that these games are not only entertaining, but engaging. Vu explains that the ASB team organizes activities and chants or songs to keep the energy of the student body high.

“We plan activities like challenges and raffles to keep the crowd hyped up,” Vu said. “We want everyone to feel like they’re part of something bigger.”

The benefits of attending Mater Dei games go far beyond just enjoying the sport. It’s also an opportunity for students to feel a deeper sense of belonging to their school community, to create lasting memories, and to experience the powerful unity that comes when sharing school pride.

“At the end of the day, it’s not just about the game, it’s about the memories you make with the people around you,” Vu said. “That’s what makes it so special.