Like most things, the thrills people derive from sports varies depending on the person, but negative feelings towards sports in general usually arise from watching them. After all, why would someone uninterested in sports spend their free time watching people they don't know play a sport they do not care about or may not understand? Significant others lose their other half for hours on end as they sit there in front of the tv cheering on their favorite team and hatewatching others. Date nights are third wheeled by announcers' muffled voices, friend group hangouts are ruined by the results of games hours ago, and conversations that could be about literally anything else are instead used to discuss stats and potential outcomes of future games. For the non-sports fan, sports are draining.
But for the sports fan, these moments are absolutely necessary. Many of these fans have been following their sport for decades, their favorite team being thrust upon them as soon as they were able to feel the shape of the very first ball they were given. Birthday and holiday gifts turn into team paraphernalia, and jerseys became more than a piece of clothing; they became heritage. The pride sports' fans have in their teams is not manufactured, but is instead the result of years and years of trials and tribulations, of wins and losses, of glorious wins and heart shattering losses. So outsiders may see these moments as a waste of time, but for the fans that know, these moments are history and they are just happy to be a part of it.
Sports watching is better experienced together, especially with fans with the same level of interest as you. There is nothing cooler than walking into a public space that has been decorated with your team's colors, or seeing all sorts of people decked out in jerseys from years ago. Banter with the opposition fans are usually always fun, and being there for that hard fought win means getting instant gratification in teasing the losing team. If you do happen to unfortunately be on the losing side that day, you won't suffer alone, and can drink away your sorrows with people that love the team just as much as you do. The magic of sports culminates in fan fests, where the pedestrian and fanatic can join together to support their team and feel a part of something larger. These outings are plenty fun for non-sports fans as well, as it gives them the chance to see why sports are so loved by so many and to just absorb the atmosphere. Chances are there will be at least a couple of people there that have similar feelings towards sports as well. Regardless, fan fests are excellent ways to meet people and share in the electric atmosphere only sports can bring out.
Hoover, Alabama is seeking bids from qualified vendors to help in SEC baseball fan fest production. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes February 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.