Photo by Jorden Pompey | The Crow’s Nest.
By Jorden Pompey
There are three things guaranteed in life: death, taxes and students yelling their hearts out at college basketball games.
The spirited gathering, created from the creative minds of passionate students, has become synonymous with energy, enthusiasm and a touch of chaos. And it is best represented at the University of South Florida by the SoFlo Rodeo.
The SoFlo Rodeo gathers outside the Yuengling Center and stampedes into the student section next to the visitor’s bench every home game. Perfect for moments to distract the visiting team during free throws in clutch moments.
The beginning of the SoFlo Rodeo traces back to a group of students who wanted to inject new life into the college basketball world.
Their efforts led to the creation of the SoFlo Rodeo during the 2022-2023 season, an extensive blend of themed distractions and spontaneous cheers aimed at firing up the crowd and rattling opposing teams. From waving pool noodles to hoisting mysterious mannequins, the Rodeo’s arsenal of tactics knows no bounds.
Tyler Moss, the student marketer for USF Basketball behind the SoFlo Rodeo, recalls the time he came up with a plan for the student section.
“I came up with a marketing strategy to develop themes, certain distractions things I thought would work,” Moss said.
Players from both teams find themselves immersed in the electric atmosphere, with the student section serving as a relentless force of support for the Bulls.
But the SoFlo Rodeo is more than just a spectacle: it’s a community-driven movement fueled by a shared passion for school spirit and camaraderie.
“We came in here with the sole purpose of building. Win or lose wasn’t our pure objective, we wanted everyone to come out to games and feel welcomed,” Moss said.
Their dedication has paid off as the SoFlo Rodeo transformed the Yuengling Center into a cauldron of excitement. The beginning of the 2023-2024 season only saw a couple fans in the seats. The season ended with three straight sold-out crowds.
The success of the men’s basketball team and the energy that the SoFlo Rodeo provides brings the community together. The chants, the coordination and the enjoyment of watching basketball packed out the Yuengling Center.
In the wake of each game, the impact of the SoFlo Rodeo resonates throughout the campus and the broader community. Students share the exhilaration of being part of something bigger than themselves, while players and coaches acknowledge the pivotal role the Rodeo plays in shaping the game.
Coach Abdur-Rahim embraces the SoFlo Rodeo. Abdur-Rahim and players would join the Rodeo after a win, taking selfies with the students and enjoying some time with the students.
“I love my wife, and I love my kids, but I love SoFlo, I love the Herd of Thunder. I love the students,” men’s basketball head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim said in a post-game conference on Feb. 6.
As the SoFlo Rodeo continues to expand its influence, it serves as a testament to the power of unity, creativity and unwavering school spirit. SoFlo Rodeo hopes to see a student section with the same energy for the baseball season.
