Go Team Go! The Sociology of Sporting Events

Last week I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the much-anticipated Game 3 of the NBA playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks. In the midst of a record crowd (nearly 21,000) filled with ambitious expectations, my thoughts drifted to a sociology class that I took over a decade ago. I had a terribly interesting course that identified the general sociology and associated behaviors during organized sporting events. At first glance the topic may seem quite trivial, but my energetic professor went on to explain the euphoria that envelopes a crowd of strangers huddled in team spirit.

At any given sporting event, all fans have at least one thing in common-their love of the game. Although people from all walks of life are forced to sit elbow to elbow with perfect strangers, a camaraderie is naturally formed out of the passion one feels towards a favorite team. Even though most fans don't know the players personally, they feel a sense of familiarity and comfort as if they're cheering on an old friend. Fans become fascinated with the game, the intrigue, and the awe-inspiring feats. Before long, fans become completely encapsulated and caught up in the intensity of the game. Watching the game at home is like watching a DVD in your living room. Someone is always vacuuming down the hall, walking in front of the tv, or flipping during commercials. The intensity of a live game, not to mention a playoff game, is unrivaled.