Why Does Watching Sports in Public Places Bring People Closer Together?
By Space Coast Daily // March 30, 2022
Watching sports has always been a group event. Although many people prefer to watch their favorite game alone, you can’t help but share in the excitement when you do the same in a group.
This can be a group of friends strategizing over NHL picks based on the information they’ve gathered from sport betting guides or it can be a group of complete strangers in a local bar. Either way, when a group of people gather to watch sports, especially in public places. The atmosphere tends to improve tenfold.
Even if there are fans of opposite teams in the group, they still tend to keep the cheering to a friendly level and throw jokes at each other’s expense. With that in mind, let’s have a look at why watching sports in public places brings people closer together.
Creates a bond
Sports fans are like a tribe. You may disagree with each other on numerous topics and views but when it comes to rooting for your favorite team, everyone is on the same page. This creates a unique bond between people. You may not have much or anything at all in common but your team binds you together.
These bonds are easily forged in public places where people gather for the same purpose, which is to watch the game. Some of these brief interactions can forge long-lasting friendships and relationships because, after all, we all belong on the same side, which means we have to look after each other.
Improves the mood
You might hit a bar or a cafe because you just want to get away from everything for a little while, at least. When the game comes on people start to yell, cheer and even sing. You pick up on this energy and kind of join the crowd.
No matter how bad of a day you may have it will light your mood to watch the game with others, comment on referees being unfair and players making stupid mistakes. For a moment, you forget your problems and live in the moment where there is only the game and people around you.
A sense of belonging
As mentioned before, sports fans are basically tribal by nature. Watching a game with friends or complete strangers creates a sense of belonging. Despite differences, all of that is put aside when the game comes on.
People create a community in that very moment with a goal of cheering their favorite team. You will criticize their gameplay but defend your team’s honor when someone else does the same. This is a unique feeling that all sports fans have in common and they know how to cherish it.
Closing Words
Watching a sports game in public places is always a fun activity. It brings people closer together because there’s something they have in common. The moments when everyone is close together may be brief but they are invaluable, indeed.
