Rick’s Rowdies want a sea of white dominating the scenery inside The Hump to accompany the trademarked deafening noise.
The sports spirit group in its third year wants to start a tradition of everyone wearing white to distinguish the crowd from the maroon seats.
“The white shirts make an impression,” Coordinator of Basketball Operations Mark White said. “It really stands out in the minds of opponents.”
Rick’s Rowdies first attempted the White Out against Kentucky Jan. 13.
White, in his second year at MSU, said the memory of that night still stands out in his mind.
That night the Humphrey Coliseum crowd had enough energy to power Las Vegas–or at least Philadelphia.
“We wanted to make that game more special,” Rowdies co-president Mandi Alexander said. “I thought the White Out brought an awesome atmosphere that night.”
One has to wonder if the change in the background would affect players shots.
“I don’t think it affected our shots,” Shane Power said. “It was an outstanding crowd and can be a huge home court advantage for us.”
White agreed and added, “The more our crowd does it, the more it will affect the other team.”
Alexander said that alumni have approached her and encouraged the development of this tradition.
“I was in shock at how many people wore white that night,” Alexander said. “They really enjoyed participating.”
ESPN announcers Dick Vitale and Dan Shulman spoke highly of the atmosphere after Kentucky edged State 67-66 on a last-second shot.
While White wants the tradition to build, he and the Rowdies want to change the result on the scoreboard Wednesday night against Tennessee.
As more people start paying attention to the Bulldogs, more people are noticing the crowd.
Alexander said that a promoter in the Georgia Athletic Department asked for a few ideas.
The Bulldog players have frequently praised the crowds at The Hump this season.
“As long as fans are in the seats, that’s good enough for me,” Power said.