One of the more unusual (and discouraged) rituals in the league can be seen by certain Otters fans at their home games. Passionate fans attempt to sneak through the entry gates with a pocket full of oysters or clams, along with a trusty rock. Mimicking the team's mascot during the opposing team's drives, fans methodically smash their oysters with the rock as loud as possible and chant, "Crack them open!" to encourage the Otters' notorious defensive line to wreak havoc on each play. Cracking open an oyster, of course, results in immediate consumption followed by a generous swig of beer. Preceding games during the Otters' tailgates, fans host large scale clam bakes and offer food to passers by, along with the opportunity to headbutt a mannequin wearing the opponent's jersey. Rocks, bags of oysters, and noisemakers are sold out of car trunks and hopefully out of the view of stadium security. The scene is especially rowdy when the Outlaws come to town, as Arizona has historically had the Otters' number and the rivalry is the most heated in the league.
The team's public relations department has warned fans that the ritual is very unsafe, and already there have been several instances of broken fingers or lacerations. The players are more encouraging though, and rile the crowd up by hitting their helmets on the sideline.
The team's public relations department has warned fans that the ritual is very unsafe, and already there have been several instances of broken fingers or lacerations. The players are more encouraging though, and rile the crowd up by hitting their helmets on the sideline.
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