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🗣️ Myths and realities of the Fanzone (S3.36)
- janie724
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Episode of May 19, 2026
The Fanzone has become an essential part of the cheerleading experience. Today, it's no longer just a place where parents watch their team perform. It has become a true extension of the competition mat. The energy, the noise, the atmosphere, and the encouragement have a real impact on the athletes.
In this episode of the Kick's Cheer Podcast, Janie, Nadia, and Keaven debunk several behaviors that are still too common in competitions and, most importantly, explain how to create a truly great fan zone. Because in Quebec, we already have one of the best crowds in the world… but we can still do better.
🎉 What is the real purpose of a Fanzone?
For a long time, the fanzone was just a small space in front of the mat. Today, it has become a key element of the competition experience.
The goal is simple: to transmit energy to the athletes.
And contrary to what some people think, it's not a myth.
The athletes really feel the crowd's energy. When a routine "hits," when the crowd gets on board and the energy rises in the arena, it completely changes the momentum of a performance.
The judges feel it too.
Even if the scoresheet does not contain a “best fanzone” box, the energy given off by a team clearly influences the overall atmosphere of a performance.
📱 The biggest problem in the Fanzones: phones
Yes, we know. Everyone wants to film their child.
But the podcast makes it clear: a fan zone filled with phones is no longer a fan zone.
When you're filming:
you don't clap your hands
you are not contributing to the atmosphere
you often block the view
you're missing the live moment
And most importantly… the official videos already exist.
At Kick's, performances are available for free on YouTube and photos are accessible on the website. So why sacrifice the energy of the crowd for a blurry video that often ends up filming the ceiling?
The message is simple: if you want to film, do it in the stands. The fanzone is for cheering.
⚡ Yes, the crowd makes a difference for athletes
This is probably the most important point of the episode.
The athletes explain that the energy of the crowd can literally give a “boost” during a routine.
When a team feels:
encouragement
the screams
the applause
reactions to the big skills
It helps to push harder.
In very tight categories, where results are sometimes decided by 0.01 points, this energy can become a real advantage.
The athletes feel it. The coaches feel it. The commentators see it immediately.
🚫 Mistakes we still see far too often
👀 Block the judges' view
Signs in the air. Phones held aloft. Children on shoulders.
These are not “minor details”.
Judges need to be able to see the mat at all times. When their view is obstructed, it can really affect their work.
The podcast also points out that several event producers are now considering limiting certain sound devices and behaviors in fan zones.
🔄 Disregarding traffic
A fanzone is now operational with proper organized traffic flow.
For what ?
Because sometimes hundreds of people need to be moved in less than 90 seconds between two teams.
When a single person decides to drive against the flow of traffic or to stay and chat in the middle of the road, it quickly creates a huge traffic jam.
The advice is simple:
between quickly
encourage
get out quickly
📣 Sound devices
Horns, rattles and other noisy objects are also becoming an issue.
Yes, it creates atmosphere. But in an indoor environment for 12 to 14 hours, it becomes extremely difficult to:
the judges
the spectators
the presenters
the event staff
🔥 The 3 keys to being the best Fanzone
Keaven finally sums it all up with three simple rules:
💥 1. Bring your best energy
You're there to encourage. Not to watch passively.
📵 2. Leave your phone in your pockets
Live in the moment. Really participate in the atmosphere.
🚶 3. Move quickly
Respect the fan zone rules and help subsequent teams have the same experience.
🌎 A unique culture in Quebec
The next season will bring several important changes.
Quebec has an extremely strong competitive culture.
The podcast guests repeat it several times: we have one of the best audiences in the world.
And that reputation has been built up over the years.
Today, many international teams that come to compete here leave impressed by:
the noise
the atmosphere
the reception
the energy of the Quebec crowds
The fanzone is now an integral part of the show.
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