Have You Ever Wondered: Why Do Americans Love College Sports So Much?
While the NFL, NBA and MLB may be where the money is at, when it comes to entertainment Americans can’t seem to get enough of college sports. Perhaps it’s that sense of camaraderie. Or maybe it’s the fact that nothing really beats that sense of pride than when watching a good match played by your favorite team. Then there’s also that adrenaline rush punters feel when placing a wager, whether it’s through a sportsbook or free bets casino. Those feelings of excitement and anticipation are ever so tangible.
From the stadiums adorned in school colors to the vibrant chants echoing through the air, college sports have captured the hearts of millions of fans across the country, representing the highest level of amateur competition available. College sports have also come to embody the true power of sportsmanship, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to rally around a common cause: the love of sport. Steeped in tradition and pageantry, the playing field also provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents before hopefully going pro.
Keep reading to find out all the reasons why Americans love college sports.
Rich History
College sports first came into fruition in the 1840s, when Yale University debuted its first boat club. While today most colleges offer a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and football, the traditions established some 170 years ago are still being celebrated to this day. The rich history also lends itself to a sense of pride, enhancing the experience for many athletes as well as fans who might feel more connected to their school by supporting their teams at sporting events.
The impact of the college sporting community can even be felt once athletes have moved on with the continued support of alumni. College alumni act as powerful ambassadors for the college’s sports programs, fostering a sense of loyalty and community as they work to help their alma mater continue to shine. Alumni are also responsible for donating large sums of money each year to different athletic programs to help the colleges continue to improve their facilities and, in turn, attract a higher caliber of athletes. In fact, Penn State University holds the number one spot for networking in the United States, boasting over 742,662 alumni worldwide who help recruit athletes for the school.
New Blood
College athletes are often seen by the general public as undiscovered gems not yet corrupted by fame and money. This brings new intrigue to the games as fans are able to relate to them, and see their success as more attainable. It also helps that the players generally come from humble backgrounds, representing how hard work can truly pay off. Unfortunately, when most athletes hit it big, they tend to become more cocky and appear to be playing the sport for financial gain rather than for the love of it.
Amateur players also make the sport less predictable, making for a much more enjoyable experience as you never know which way the game will go. The inevitable player turnover also means that the spectators become more invested in the team as a whole rather than focusing on individual players, continuing to build up that loyalty.
Game Day Experience
When it comes to game day, no pro sports equivalent can compete with its college counterpart. Not only do college games tend to be held on beautiful campuses rather than stadiums surrounded by concrete car parks, but there are also unspoken traditions that spectators must engage in that add an additional element of fun, the most popular of which is tailgating.
Tailgating is a popular social activity that involves gathering in the parking lots or designated areas outside sports stadiums, particularly before football games as well as other sporting events. During tailgating, fans can set up grills, tables, and chairs to create a festive atmosphere where they can come together with friends, family, and fellow fans to build up camaraderie before the main event.
The tailgating scene tends to differ across the country, with many campuses taking on the personality of their region. For example, schools in the South, such as the University of Texas and the University of Notre Dame, tend to focus on setting up mega grills before their big games and serving out some good old southern barbecue. Some tailgates can begin several hours or even several days before the game, especially if it has national implications. While the duration of the festivities may differ, one thing remains certain: fans will come decked out in their team colors ready to cheer them on.
