What attracts people to leave their house in the middle of the winter or summer to sit in a noisy and wild environment? Is it the love for a team or the memories created that make people leave their homes?
This love for a team or a sport can create a bond with a family of fans around the world. Whether it is arguing or fantasizing about a team, being a fan always gives you something to talk about.
The experience you get at the stadium being around fans who root for the same team is amazing. I love being at a game and being able to discuss my team with the fan next to me.
The bond of the fans creates a unique feeling you can only get at a stadium. By being at a stadium, you get to experience more of what it is like to be a player or coach on the field. The pressure of the moment, the influence of the weather - all of it is right there.
TABC Senior Ben Basseches agrees. “By being in the stadium, you get to feel and participate in the hype and excitement from the fans around you, but watching it at home on your TV just gives you a simple feel of what is going on,” said Basseches.
The feeling that you experience at a sports game can be the foundation of wonderful memories. Junior Jake Resnick remembers a game when the New York Yankees were down by one run in the bottom of the ninth but rallied to win after two Yankees batters hit back-to-back homeruns.
“Seeing the balls soar out of the stadium, and being united with everyone else at the same time was such a great feeling,” said Resnick.
Eating the stadium food is another aspect of the stadium experience that can help create long-lasting memories. Sophomore Ari Sher said that he always buys food when he goes to the stadium, because this reminds him each time of his very first game. Many people enjoy buying stadium food because it’s some of the most creative and best-tasting food you’ll ever have.
Other people find souvenirs a better way to remember their experiences. Senior Uri Gulich says, “When I went to New Orleans recently, I used my money...to get an Anthony Davis jersey. That was a great souvenir.” Souvenirs are a great purchase because they can help you remember the great experience you had.
Another great experience is tailgating: when one cooks food and bonds with other fans before a game. Junior Jason Bick says, “The experience of tailgating before a football game is great. It’s something that all of your friends can share and just have a great time”.
“The atmosphere is so good and it just feels like you're with your family and friends just having a great time eating some food,” said Bick. He said he does this all the time before he goes to New York Giants and Jets games.
Another reason people enjoy going to sports games is because they can be, in some ways, relaxing. Resnick says, “It's relaxing and not relaxing at the same time. It distracts me from other things, but there is a lot of adrenaline involved. Focusing on the game and on the activities around me take my focus away from real life activities.”
Other people like Gulich think that being able to lay on their couch and watching a game is much more relaxing.
If you don’t enjoy going to games to watch sports, they’re still fun. But, for me, being able to be at the stadium makes the game that much more fun.
I don’t care which team is playing or what stadium I’m at because even if the game isn’t very interesting, there are always so many activities to participate in - giveaways, trivia, bounce houses, and more. This makes stadiums a great place to have a little vacation.
Being at a stadium is arguably the best way to watch a game. First, you make the greatest memories that you’ll never forget. Next, by being at a game of your favorite team, you get to feel this connection like you are a part of a family. Finally, you feel what all the players feel; the pressure, weather, etc… The experience of being at a sports game is something that you can’t find at home.