We love going to sporting events and soaking in the atmosphere (when it’s safe to do so). The hustle and bustle of the crowd and being close to the action makes it ten times better than sitting at home peering at a TV screen from an armchair. Not everyone shares this sentiment, however.
This might hurt a little bit, but it turns out that some people think sporting events suck. Wow. What’s incredible to us is annoying and frustrating to them, taking away from the experience. Also, you have to admit that TV coverage has got better and better in recent years, making sports more immersive. You watch fishing and feel as if you’re on the water!
Still, nothing beats being at a live game. And, if people were willing to give it another shot, we’re sure they’d see sense. To do that, you need to focus on the elements they hate and find solutions. As challenging as it sounds, it’s usually the case that attendees find the little features of live events uncomfortable. Thankfully, they are a lot easier to deal with since there are quick fixes.
To learn more about them, you should continue reading. Underneath you’ll find the six main reasons people think sporting events suck and the things you can do to change their minds. Good luck!
Nightmare Traffic
Okay, traffic is a nightmare on game day. It doesn’t matter where you are because the same thing happens when tens of thousands of fans descend on a stadium. Even if you’re in a taxi and not driving the suspense is frustrating. Are we there yet?! Nope, and you’re not even close, buddy.
So, everybody can understand why people might prefer to sit at home where the only journey of any note is the round trip from the sofa to the kitchen. It’s quiet, comfortable, and doesn’t take hours to get from A to B. Of course, this underestimates the options on the table if you and your loved ones do fancy soaking up the game-day atmosphere.
Firstly, you can set off with plenty of time to spare to ensure you’re not late. The roads will be clear, too. Yes, it’s not ideal, yet there are several ways to pass the hours until you have to be in the stadium. For example, you can go to a bar and have a few drinks. Or, if there are kids present, head to a family-friendly restaurant and order food. It’s a bit more expensive, but it adds to the occasion.
Alternatively, public transport is usually much quicker than a car. After all, the subway drops you off outside the stadium and doesn’t get held up by traffic. It can be hot and sweaty, yet it’s a small price to pay.
Fan Violence
Once you’re in the stadium, there is a real threat of fan violence. You can’t control everybody around you, and some people who have had too much to drink won’t take too kindly to those around them. Plus, the security guards will break everything up, increasing the odds of a flailing arm or leg.
No one wants to be in that position, which is why it’s essential to consider it before booking tickets. Yes, there are ways to reduce the chances of being involved in a fifty-man melee. For example, you can choose an event that’s known for being family-friendly, such as soccer.
Soccer in the US doesn’t have the same competitive edge as the NFL, so you can sit in peace and watch the game. They even serve beer without worrying about drunk idiots making a scene. Basketball is another sport that’s pretty good for keeping excited supporters calm and down to earth.
Secondly, search for the parts of the stadium where like-minded people will be sitting. Stadiums are notorious for having sections where fans are rowdier. When you know this, you can choose to sit as far away from those areas as possible.
The Conditions
Oh my God, it’s raining! You might assume some people will melt like the Wicked Witch of the West if they get wet. In reality, they don’t like the sensation of water touching their skin in public places. And it’s not only the rain either. Being too hot and too cold can encourage audiences to stay at home where the conditions are perfect.
You don’t have to take as many precautions when you’re sitting in an armchair with a bowl of chips. Of course, the pay-off is that you don’t get the same buzz when the crowd goes wild after a touchdown pass or a buzzer-beating three-pointer. Should the elements prevent you and yours from these experiences?
The answer is no, especially when you can take decisive action. For example, pack a raincoat and a poncho in case of showers. Or, if it’s cold, put on as many layers as possible, and pack some more in case it’s the bottom of the ninth and your body is freezing!
You need to be careful in the sun as it will do the most damage. Thankfully, the likes of Aesop have skincare products for every part of your body that’s exposed, including your lips. They have lotions for replacing moisture, too. Plus, a hat will block most of the UV rays. Even when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeved clothes is a smart idea.
It’s Expensive
Let’s be real – it’s expensive as hell. To put it into perspective, CNBC says Americans spend around $56 billion a year collectively on attending live sporting events. That’s not only the tickets and transportation costs; it’s the food and drink when you get there, and the merchandise that catches your eye.
Parking alone tens of dollars. Like most people, you have a budget to spend on your hobbies and passions, and events push it to the maximum. However, you can find bargains if you’re willing to shop around. For example, ask friends and friends of friends for any spare passes. They might sell them cheap.
By planning, you can find more people to go with you, and that reduces the costs. After all, cramming four or five adults in a taxi makes the journey cheaper than if you did it on your own. Then, there is the stuff you splash out on when you arrive. If you know you want a cup of coffee and a hot dog, why not pack them yourself? A long coat with deep pockets will hide most things.
Of course, the main thing you need to do is get rid of your cable sports package. TV subscriptions charge as much as live event operators. Therefore, by getting rid of yours, you can invest the money into going to the stadium. And it should encourage you to do it more frequently since you don’t have NBC to lean on.
Curious Kids
People should share sporting experiences with the people they love. It’s why you are desperate to change the minds of your loved ones who hate venturing within ten feet of a busy stadium. Children are at the top of the list since they stand to gain the most from it. Who doesn’t enjoy free tickets, food, and listening to adults cuss with impunity?
Unfortunately, keeping a watchful eye on a child is easier said than done when there are thousands of people in the vicinity. A parent’s worst nightmare is to lose their son or daughter at a game, which is why some prefer to stay at home. It’s hard to get lost in a house. Hard, but not impossible…
You can completely understand people’s reservations. You have them all the time because the fear of anything happening on your watch is intense. However, you can take control to stop it from happening. For one thing, having more adults in the stadium makes it easier to watch the kids. For another, you can teach them what to do in an emergency.
For example, tell them to look for a security guard if they get lost and tell them their name and address. Also, make sure their phone is charged and they know how to contact you if they are unsure. Children can be blase and ignore the risks. Still, this doesn’t mean something bad is inevitable. If you are prepared, they will be too.
The Game
Finally, the game might not be any good. There’s no guaranteeing it will be an instant classic. It depends on if the players turn up on the day. When you spend all that money and go through all the hassle, it can feel like a massive letdown.
However, that’s part of the experience. There will be occasions when people wished they stayed at home, and they would have been better off if they did. But, there will be periods when you didn’t go to a sporting event and missed a breathtaking spectacle.
The bottom line is – the more you go, the more incredible memories you will carry with you for the rest of your life. The same applies to everyone else in the stadium. It’s this logic that should change peoples’ minds because no one will think it sucks when they see history in the making in real-time.
Are you someone who thinks sporting events suck? Do you know someone who does? Hopefully, this will change when the world gets back to normal. Until then, stay safe.