Sports

The Thrill of Being a Sports Fan

By Debbie

Posted on December 26, 2021

The thrill of being a sports fan!

I’m not going to lie; one of my favorite places to be is a soccer stadium. I call it, “Our Happy Place.” There’s a whole thing about getting together before hand for a little eating and drinking, then finding our way to the stadium on the train with all the other fans in their fan clothing, like “Hey, I got you!”.

It’s community, it’s like we’re in on something together. Will we win or will we lose? There’s chanting and yelling and getting excited and getting mad. It’s expressing, wondering, hoping, and so many other emotions.

The thrill of being a sports fan is a world where joy is not just an emotion but a tangible, pulsating force—welcome to the enchanting realm of attending sports events. Whether it’s the thunderous cheers of the crowd, the heart-stopping moments of victory, or the collective energy that electrifies the air, the thrill of being a sports fan is unparalleled in its ability to evoke pure happiness.

The stadium becomes a stage for shared excitement, where the highs and lows of the game are mirrored in the collective emotions of the fans and the thrill of being a sports fan. From the camaraderie among fellow spectators to the sheer thrill of witnessing athletic prowess, attending sports events isn’t just about witnessing a match; it’s about immersing yourself in a symphony of happiness that lingers long after the final whistle. Join the chorus of cheers, embrace the jubilation, and unlock the unparalleled joy that awaits in the heart of every sports event.

The thrill of being a sports fan is like no other level of happiness.

Sports Connects Families

There is also this great connection with my son as he is an adult now, and this is a thing that we mutually enjoy. And, well, aside from that, I’m not sure what we would get together to do that we both naturally enjoy except maybe going out to dinner. So that’s cool because with soccer we have a thing we go do that we both love! Taking my son to school and soccer practice/games are the two things that filled up most of his childhood. Those were precious times that I miss, but we get to continue doing it in a different way. I love that.

10 Reasons Why the Thrill of Being a Sports Fan Makes Us Happy

Emotional Connection: Watching sports allows us to emotionally connect with our favorite teams and fans, creating a sense of belonging and unity.
Thrilling Entertainment: The excitement and unpredictability of sports provide thrilling entertainment, keeping us engaged and on the edge of our seats.
Sense of Community: Being part of a sports community, whether in the stadium or online, fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Celebration of Skill and Talent: Watching skilled athletes perform at their best is awe-inspiring and brings a sense of appreciation for talent and hard work.
Shared Experiences: Watching sports with friends and family creates shared experiences, fostering bonds and creating lasting memories.
Escapism: Sports offer a temporary escape from daily stress and routine, providing a welcome distraction and source of enjoyment.
Euphoria of Victory: Celebrating the victories of our favorite teams induces a natural high, boosting our mood and creating a sense of accomplishment.
Heroes and Role Models: Sports stars often serve as heroes and role models, and their achievements can inspire and uplift fans.
Healthy Distraction: Engaging in sports fandom provides a healthy and positive distraction, promoting mental well-being.
Sense of Pride: Supporting a team or athlete gives fans a sense of pride, contributing to their overall happiness as they share in the successes of their chosen sports entities.

The thrill of being a sports fan is a feeling like no other.

What the Experts Say

Read Psychology Today, Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. She refers to a thing called BIRG which, “applies to the phenomenon when your team is doing well, you feel great. Research shows that on the day after a team’s win, people feel better about themselves. They say “we” won, and by “we,” they don’t mean themselves, personally. The closer you identify with the team, the more likely you are to BIRG. People who BIRG also are more likely to wear their team’s regalia on the day after a victory.” Read More.

Leading sports fan psychologist, Daniel Wann, says in the Columbia Journal Review, “People like sports because they get self-esteem benefits from it. People like sports because they have money on it. People like sports because their boyfriend or girlfriend or family member likes sports. People like sports because it’s exciting. People like sports because it’s aesthetically pleasing. People like sports because, like the theater, it is a venue for emotional expression. People like sports because it provides a sense of belonging, a connection to a wider world.” Read More.

In, “This is Your Brain on Sports, the Science Behind the Game,” sports journalist, Le Anne Schreiber, described a phenomenon in each of us where our brains are truly receiving the information as if we are actually the player. “Some of the same motor neurons that fire when a monkey performs an action were also firing when he watched someone else perform that action.” They called these mirror neurons. Read More.

Why Do We Obsess Over Sports?

On the Other Hand

“Can Watching Sports Be Bad For Your Health?” Robert Schmerling, MD, published in Harvard Health, “The problems can be more serious. In fact, studies have shown that watching sports — whether live at the stadium or on television — can have dire health consequences.” These risks are more likely in people who already have health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Read More.