People who get upset about what jersey someone else is wearing really need to get a life.

I wear event jerseys on the day of the event, and whenever I feel like bragging thereafter. I don't think it's good form to wear it ahead of the event.

As for having "earned" it, meh. You paid good money for that jersey - either through admission fees or by special ordering it. Wear it whenever you like. If someone cries about you wearing the event jersey during the event, tell them you're busy earning it.

Max