There are alot of things that are better in North America than Europe (and vice versa of course!), but one of the things which stands out most to me, is the experience of a major sporting event. Facilities, hospitality and attitudes are changing in Europe especially, but there is still some way to go to rival the event experience in NA.
The Superbowl. I know, I'm lucky and spoiled, I'm the first to admit. An experience as good, probably better, than anything I have experienced. I'm taking the sporting aspect out of the equation. It was a very good game, but there's been better. What makes it so impressive is the experience.
The first thing that smacked me in the face, and it's not the first time, was the lack of segregation among the fans - it simply wasn't necessary, and it added something to the experience. Fans enjoying banter, sometimes borderline with their wit, but generally good humoured, all of which added to the day. There was a feel good factor - everybody happy to be there, and wanting to have fun. The Saints fans celebrated quite impressively, the Colts fans went home quietly....obviously disappointed, but generally peaceful and good natured. It is a stark contrast to football in England, and many other football leagues across the world. It is inconceivable to imagine fans sitting together at a football match back home. Even now, after lord knows how many games I have been to, I am still frequently surprised at the pure anger and volatility at some football matches. It is one of the few major negative aspects of football which needs work and can be improved. I guess it is a social issue, one which requires major exploration which I'm not going to do, but it detracts from what is an amazing game, and incredibly entertaining. Maybe it is an issue largely within football rather than location, but having attended football/soccer games in NA, they get those right too. Lessons need to be learned.
Along the same lines, another feature that impressed me at the Superbowl was a message running across the LED boards throughout the game. It read "Text 'fan' and seat number to 84532 to report any unruly behaviour". I suspect it was not used and rarely is. I also suspect that it is often used incorrectly with folks pulling pranks...it crossed my mind to get my Dad ejected! But it is a fantastically discrete way to report violence, racist remarks, throwing objects etc, which most fans feel uncomfortable and intimidated about addressing physically in person. Great idea, and one which could be adopted in many other sports.
The last feature was the national anthem, and the national anthem being produced in sign language in the stadium, big screen, and on television. I am always impressed with the way the anthem is embraced in NA, and the respect it is shown. Booing anthems is not smart or cool. The feature of sign language is probably considered as a luxury and not necessary for so many regular sporting events, but should be considered for major worldwide sporting events where the aim is to reach and cater for as many people as possible.
An amazing game is generally a bonus, something you can never guarantee, but the delivery of experience is something that can be prepared and achieved, and you'll be hard pushed to find a better example of a sporting experience than the Superbowl.
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Great blog Rob, and I completely agree. My experience of sporting events in the US is limited and I certainly haven't ever made it to a Superbowl, but the whole thing is completely different. People go for a good time, things are geared towards families and there is never a hint of violence. The question is (and I'm playing devils advocate here), do you get the same passion that you get at an English league match?
ReplyDeleteMike
Mr Salisbury....my first comments Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI would say yes and no. Comparing to the SB is probably unfair. Big footy games have great passion and atmosphere, really impressive, and hard to rival in that sense. I guess NFL in comparison is mixed also in that some teams have great fans, and others don't....i won't comment on either of your teams!
The Saints fans were fantastic before and after....whereas the Colts fans were good, but had an air of 'we've been here before' feel about them. I guess that was an element. That aside, everybody just had fun.....dressed up or not, drinking or not, enjoyed the game whether their team was winning or not.
I enjoy English matches, UCL etc as much as anything....it's far from stopping me going, but I would particularly feel comfortable taking kids to them and that's a shame. The passion is fantastic for those big games.....but in the average games, if there aren't many away fans, and the referee isn't making bad calls, fans don't know where to channel their anger and frustrations.....it usually ends up being their own players if the game isn't going the right way. I guess it boils down to football being so important in some people's lives....it is important in mine, but i prefer not to spit at opposing players, throw stuff, and use the C or F word every five seconds.
We can surely be passionate without all that crap?!
Rob