April 12-18

Hate Week

Dive into the intense rivalry of Hate Week, where sports enthusiasts bring their A-game and wild support to cheer for their favorite team!

Yearly Date

Second Full Week in April (Sunday to Saturday)

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Experience the fervor and excitement that is Hate Week starting April 8! This thrilling tradition, far less ominous than it sounds, dates back decades and is animated by sports rivalries, not actual animosity. During this week, sports lovers unite passionately to cheer for their favorite team and boo their most formidable rivals. The intensity and rivalry make for a rowdy, high-energy spectacle that takes the sporting experience to a whole new level. So put on your jerseys, grab your foam fingers, and gear up for the enthralling frenzy that is Hate Week!

Hate Week Timeline

1920s

Origins of Hate Week

Hate Week is believed to have originated during the 1920s among basketball and baseball enthusiasts; It was initially a local tradition for some cities.

1950s

Spread of Hate Week

It gained popularity in the 1950s when college sports such as football and basketball embraced the tradition, increasing widespread participation.

1983

Broadcasting of Hate Week

In 1983, major broadcasting networks began covering the high-tension games of Hate Week, bringing it into homes outside of the sports stadiums.

1994

Hate Week Goes Global

By 1994, Hate Week is not just an American tradition. Football (soccer) fans in Europe, especially in England, also adopted Hate Week.

2010

Digital Coverage & Social Media

2010 saw a surge in the digital coverage and social media presence of Hate Week, with fans worldwide connecting over their shared sports passion and rivalry.

How to Celebrate Hate Week

1 Organize a rival team roast

Gather your friends and host a good-natured rival team roast. Keep it fun and light-hearted, focusing on rivalry in sports rather than personal attacks. It's all about having fun and enjoying the spirit of competition.

2 Have a team color day

Announce a specific day during Hate Week as 'Team Color Day'. Everyone should wear their team's colors proudly all day. You could even award prizes for the best or most creatively dressed!

3 Plan a sports trivia night

Arrange a sports trivia night focusing on your favorite team and their rivals. This is a brain-boosting way to amp up fans and test everyone's knowledge of their beloved -- and not-so-beloved -- teams.

4 Arrange a viewing party

Plan a viewing party on the day of the big game. Be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand and wear your team's colors. Cheering your team on with your friends and family can turn a good game into a great party.

5 Host a mock game

If you're up for some fun physical activity, set up a mock game representing the rivalry. Play out the roles of your sports idols and indulge in a lively match with your buddies. This can add a new level of excitement to the celebrations.

Why Hate Week is Important

It Intensifies Rivalries and Bonds Fans

It's no secret that sports enthusiasts love a good, friendly rivalry. Hate Week helps intensify these rivalries, making the anticipation and intensity surrounding games even more thrilling. But in doing so, it doesn't stoke real life animosity but rather serves as a way to further unite fans in their love for their teams.

Current and Historic Sporting Events Get Spotlighted

Hate Week gives us the chance to hop into the time machine of our favorite sports to recall historic matches and rivalries. This allows both young and old fans to appreciate the rich history of their beloved teams, relive legendary moments in sports and recognize how these rivalries shaped the game.

Encourages Fan Participation

Hate Week not only encourages fans to ramp up their support for their favorite teams, but also invites them to get involved in a range of fun and interactive ways, including rival team roast, sports trivia nights, team color day and game viewing parties. This helps create shared experiences that add another layer to the fan's love for the sport and their favorite team.