Love to hear stories like that. Boils my blood every time I see a fellow Vol fan being a jerk to a visiting fan. I remember when Tennessee played Wyoming in Nashville a few years ago. Some WY fans came walking by our tailgate spot. We had a smoker going with ribs, and of course a cooler full of beer. Weren't many WY fans there, but we showed those guys some hospitality and fed them the first real BBQ they've ever had. Fun getting to know them.
That's one reason why I like the people in my section of Neyland. We have all been sitting together for 20 years, and we don't tolerate jerks. I have to be careful who I sell or give my tickets to. If a stranger shows up and is obnoxious (especially to visiting fans), you get an earful the next Saturday. The fellow who sits to my right (Larry) gave his tickets one Saturday to one of his employees. His employee's son (maybe about 20 y.o.) showed up for the game and, was even though supposedly a Vol fan, was shouting cusses at CPF and a couple of the Vol players. Larry heard about it, and a couple of weeks later he was passing out written apologies the 20 y.o. had written.
I know a lot of people think all of the above is silly. I'm only 46 y.o. but still might be considered old-fashioned, but I learned how to be a fan from my Dad when I was still little enough to ride into games on his shoulders. Sadly, can't go to games with him anymore, but trying to pass the tradition and ideals on to my kids.
