It was my first time in the US when I arrived in Boulder last fall. I had never been to a football game, nor a basketball game, baseball game or hockey game. Of course I had seen some college movies, and watched some parts of the famous Super Bowl on television. Nevertheless, I had not even entered Sport Authority Field in Denver for the CU Buffaloes' kick off game against CSU Rams, when I realized my perception and image of American sport was far from the reality. I remember I turned to my Norwegian roommate and said: "Welcome to America, the country where sport is so much more than just sport".
In addition to being one of the world's leading sport nations in sports like athletics, swimming, tennis and golf, the US is especially known for the four "typical" American sports; football, basketball, baseball and hockey. These sports and their stars are known to sports fans all over the world, as Hollywood is to movie lovers, or as New York for fashion lovers. In other words; sport is important and has high participation rates. But what characteristics does these sports shear? Why are they so popular?
(Photo: brotherjonsalehouse.com)
Firstly, the four major American sports are all team sports, which unfolds in big stadiums. The fact that the sports are played in a stadiums makes it audience-friendly, which probably is one of the more important reasons why they are so popular. Every big city or region has their own team, and the locals feel a lot of pride through their team. In other words, sports creates cohesion and identity - in America sport can make you feel like you are a part of something bigger.
I remember a Friday I asked the American girls on my team if they wanted to go Denver for shopping the upcoming Sunday.They looked at me with a funny expression and answered: "Are you joking? It is game day!". I was confused. The game did not start until 6pm, we had plenty of time for shopping before the game? No, you see, in America, a typical game day will start almost before the sun rises, and does for sure not end until it has went down again. Cheerleaders, bands, dancers, mascots, barbecuing in the parking lot, recognition and honor of important people in the community, food, commercial, community, pride, dress ups, national song - a game day is a big celebration in the US. It is a big social event, and an opportunity for friends and family to meet, bound and have a good time. In my opinion values as team spirit, community and pride is essential in American sport. I remember putting on the CU Buffaloes t-shirt for the first time: I was proud, and made fun of the CSU Ram's fans, in spite of that I did not even know the rules! Pretty amazing if you ask me.
CU vs CSU last fall. As you can tell from this picture there are more than just football players on the field during a game (Photo: private)
Not only does the sport create community and identity in the US, it is also a big "money machine". With millions of supporters, fans and audience, the male part of the sports get a lot of TV coverage, both national and international. Sport is first of all entertainment! Even college games can be watched from the couch! For instance, the television network CBS paid $2.3 million per thirty second (!) for the broadcasting rights to the 2004 Super Bowl (Eitzen 2). By the way, if you did not know, Super Bowl is the most watched television event worldwide. Sponsors and commercial are also a important part of the American sport. Companies will pay many millions to ensure the best teams are wearing their brand, eating their food, drinking their energy drink and so on. Why? Because their fans and supporters will do the same, and thereby contribute to increasing sales.
In addition to being one of the world's leading sport nations in sports like athletics, swimming, tennis and golf, the US is especially known for the four "typical" American sports; football, basketball, baseball and hockey. These sports and their stars are known to sports fans all over the world, as Hollywood is to movie lovers, or as New York for fashion lovers. In other words; sport is important and has high participation rates. But what characteristics does these sports shear? Why are they so popular?
Firstly, the four major American sports are all team sports, which unfolds in big stadiums. The fact that the sports are played in a stadiums makes it audience-friendly, which probably is one of the more important reasons why they are so popular. Every big city or region has their own team, and the locals feel a lot of pride through their team. In other words, sports creates cohesion and identity - in America sport can make you feel like you are a part of something bigger.
I remember a Friday I asked the American girls on my team if they wanted to go Denver for shopping the upcoming Sunday.They looked at me with a funny expression and answered: "Are you joking? It is game day!". I was confused. The game did not start until 6pm, we had plenty of time for shopping before the game? No, you see, in America, a typical game day will start almost before the sun rises, and does for sure not end until it has went down again. Cheerleaders, bands, dancers, mascots, barbecuing in the parking lot, recognition and honor of important people in the community, food, commercial, community, pride, dress ups, national song - a game day is a big celebration in the US. It is a big social event, and an opportunity for friends and family to meet, bound and have a good time. In my opinion values as team spirit, community and pride is essential in American sport. I remember putting on the CU Buffaloes t-shirt for the first time: I was proud, and made fun of the CSU Ram's fans, in spite of that I did not even know the rules! Pretty amazing if you ask me.
CU vs CSU last fall. As you can tell from this picture there are more than just football players on the field during a game (Photo: private)
Not only does the sport create community and identity in the US, it is also a big "money machine". With millions of supporters, fans and audience, the male part of the sports get a lot of TV coverage, both national and international. Sport is first of all entertainment! Even college games can be watched from the couch! For instance, the television network CBS paid $2.3 million per thirty second (!) for the broadcasting rights to the 2004 Super Bowl (Eitzen 2). By the way, if you did not know, Super Bowl is the most watched television event worldwide. Sponsors and commercial are also a important part of the American sport. Companies will pay many millions to ensure the best teams are wearing their brand, eating their food, drinking their energy drink and so on. Why? Because their fans and supporters will do the same, and thereby contribute to increasing sales.
(Photo: Blackathelte.net)
Though the four major sports are team sports, Coakley claims the American sport ideology is more directed towards individual performance and success (Oakley 21). Winning, story lines (make the American dream come true), sacrifices, good leadership and the ability to keep going though you are tired or injured is what Americans usually will characterizes as a successful athlete. It is also important as a famous athlete to give something back to his or hers community. We have all heard the heartbreaking stories of famous athletes fulfilling a cancer diagnosed child's biggest wish by making a visit to the hospital and sign a shirt or a football. In other words, successful athletes shows gratitude by taking care of those who are less fortunate.
References:
Coakley, Jay. Sports in Society. 10th Ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2009. Print
Eitzen. Fair & Foul.
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