Teams have the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd and go on the road to play in more hostile environments. Approaching the game whether it is away or home is different for every team. Some coaches like to prepare their players differently depending on the circumstances they will face on the road, while others prepare them exactly the same as they would when playing at home. Playing in front of the home crowd may put pressure on an athlete whereas some athletes can’t handle their opponent’s crowd or different facilities.
Road games allow teams to bond over meals and activities. Teams spend weekends in hotels along with the long drives on buses. Most teams enjoy road games, but prefer to compete at home to be able to enjoy their home crowds.
Sophomore Justin Skall is a swimmer for the Mavericks. Skall enjoyed both road and home games this season, but prefers to play in front of his family and friends.
“Playing at home is more of a rush, I get to put on a show for the crowd and compete in our own facilities,” Skall said. “It’s nice to be away too, we don’t prepare any differently. Once we come across a problem our team knows what adjustments we need to make, and it’s cool to compete at new places with new people.”
When it comes down to it, many coaches and players don’t approach road games any differently than they would home games. It’s the opponent they make the alteration for. Winning is the outcome teams want home or away, that’s what they prepare for all season.

tgross@mesasate.edu