The view from the bleachers
Collage by Easton Clark, Photo Editor
Sports are one of the greatest forms of entertainment. As fans, we might not compete physically, but that doesn’t diminish our dedication to the game and loyalty to our teams. Whether watching from our homes through a television screen or at the venue witnessing the action unfold before our very eyes, the cheers and emotions are all the same. It feels like we’re rooting for something more than just a team.
It is the spirit of connection that separates sports from simple entertainment.
“They're rooting for community. They're rooting for their people to go and win something,” sophomore public relations, advertising and entertainment marketing major Milana Yanev said. “That's what I imagine most people are connected to.”
That community and sense of belonging is what keeps most people devoted and loyal to their teams. So much so that some wear the colors of their jerseys like it’s their second skin. When a goal is scored or a basket is made, it doesn’t really matter if we’re surrounded by friends or strangers. We’re all celebrating the same moment of magic.
Some people may feel that their team is a defining aspect of their identity, that being a fan is what makes them who they are. Finding this passion for the game may even reveal a door we never bothered opening.
“We didn't watch sports in my house, but the main reason why I joined CSBN (Chapman Sports Broadcast Network) was because I liked watching soccer because of Arsenal,” junior writing for film and television major Alex Dorr said. “Now I want to go into sports as a career, so it's definitely like one of the main parts of my identity.”
Those who have found a calling in the wonderful world of sports are no strangers to that lifelong love. It feels like that thrill may never falter.
“The first time that I stepped into the media center on Monday afternoon of Super Bowl week, I felt the same surge of excitement that I felt back in 2003,” NFL Network analyst and Chapman guest lecturer Adam Rank said. “So I hope that never goes away.”
For most, it doesn’t. That’s how we pass on the tradition of supporting our favorite teams from generation to generation. However, somewhere along the way, we may stray from “our” team and find ourselves drawn to a new allegiance.
It may be a player that catches our eye, or even an underdog team that shocks the world. However it happens, that casual interest can turn into a real attachment, breaking tradition but also reshaping our sense of loyalty.
“Sports are such a unique method of storytelling without it being like a movie where you know what's going to happen,” junior film and television production major Cole Miller said. “So people just get connected to these sports teams because there's a lot of heart involved in it.”
So when a team wins, we feel like we’ve won as well. Every cheer and every heartbreak strengthens the bond that makes the game feel so personal. That is exactly what makes being a fan so addicting.