I’m Going To Disney World

At this very moment one year ago, I was at Dick’s Sporting Goods buying as much cold weather gear as possible. I probably spent about $100 on Under Amour alone. I was stocking up on hand warmers and clothing for a very specific reason… I was going to Super Bowl XLVIII. It was first cold weather game of its kind that was being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. And no New York was not a co-host of the event, it was being held in the beautiful, and somewhat grimy, meadowlands of the Garden State.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtbuccMi2-4

My dad and I prior to leaving for the game.

The weeks leading up to the game my dad and I were pumped to have the Vince Lombardi trophy to be in our area. A few days leading up to the biggest Sunday in football I heard my parents whispering on the phone. I didn’t think anything of it.

Until my dad came home from work and explained that with the recent dip in ticket prices, he may or may not “go for it.” With the persuasion of his coworkers, he made the impulsive move to purchase two tickets to the historic game where the Seahawks would take home their first championship. While the tickets still cost a pretty penny, it was money well spent.

This Super Bowl was dubbed the “Mass Transit Super Bowl” because there was no tailgating allowed and only select vehicles were authorized to have access to the parking lots. All ticketholders were told to take advantage of NJ Transits busses and trains. My dad and I were offered a free tailgate party through StubHub. Based out of a warehouse in Secaucus, StubHub laid out the red carpet for their customers with free food and drinks, games, prizes, and free transportation to the game.

Upon arrival at MetLife, fans could be heard chanting “Sea-Hawks” and “Let’s go Broncos” cheers. With over 3,000 security guards, 700 police officers present, and a no fly zone over the perimeter of the stadium, the fans’ anxieties were put at ease. TSA officers and volunteers helped all 82, 529 fans through the several security checkpoints. Security checkpoints were in covered, heated pavilions in case of severe cold or snowy weather. The NFL does place a heavy emphasis on safety; however, it’s in the best interest of their fans. Once past security, fans were allowed to freely walk around the stadium where they could interact with the media, participate in games, and listen to free concerts. 

Entry into the stadium was as typical as attending a Giants or Jets game, but with fans decked out in navy and orange Broncos jerseys or navy and neon green Seahawks jerseys. Broncos fans were much better represented than the Seahawks, however that did not foreshadow the blowout win by Seattle.

Myself standing outside MetLife Stadium.

While our seats were in the nosebleeds, that did not effect our overall experience. Placed on each fan’s seat was a special package, which included a seat cushion, hand warmers, lip balm, tissues, gloves, a hand muff, a radio, and an interactive hat that would allow fans to partake in the halftime show. While the NFL did help fans prepare for the cold weather, many of the hand warmers went unused, as it was balmy 49 degrees at kickoff. 

Prior to kickoff, fans and television viewers enjoyed performances by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Marching Band and the Syracuse University Marching Bands, each representing the two hosts of the event: New Jersey and New York. Queen Latifah and the New Jersey Youth Chorus sang “America the Beautiful”, prior to Renee Fleming preforming The National Anthem. Three United States Army Black Hawks, three Apache attack helicopters, and three Chinook heavy-lifters did a V-shaped military flyover, giving fans in the upper decks quite a show.

By the end of the first half, the Seahawks were winning 22-0. While Broncos fans’ anxieties grew, Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed. Fans in attendance participated in the “largest video screen in history watched by hundreds of millions of people”. The knit ski hats sported a Pepsi logo and three lights, which were all simultaneously synced during the halftime performance. The hats created a sea of white and blue flashing lights at times during the show, even creating a visual countdown to the performances.

A view of the half time show.

The second half flew by as the Seahawks scored less than a minute into the third quarter, clearly dominating the game. Denver’s Demaryius Thomas finally scored a touchdown from Peyton Manning. The Broncos went for the two-point conversion to score their only 8 points in the game. The Seahawks scored their final touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter.

Navy and neon green confetti flew unto the turf at MetLife as the Seahawks won their first Vince Lombardi trophy. Malcolm Smith was named the MVP, making him the third linebacker in NFL history to earn most valuable player honors.

Despite an enjoyable and pleasant experience presented by the NFL, the New York/New Jersey Host Committee dropped the ball when it came to fans leaving the stadium. This was definitely not a “mass transit Super Bowl.” While fans were advised to take mass transit to and from the game, more than 28,000 fans strained capacity and set a record for single-day traffic through Secaucus Junction. Fans, such as myself, were left standing outside of the stadium for over two hours to even get a glimpse at an NJ Transit train. As tensions rose, fans became irritable and began pushing and shoving their way through the never-ending lines. Several fans who attended previous Super Bowls noted that this was the worst experience they’ve had leaving a stadium.

Typically, I can be heard bashing the National Football League for being greedy, selfish, and corrupt. However, after attending Super Bowl XLVII, I was surprised to experience such an elaborate show presented by the NFL. The NFL rolled out the red carpet for their fans who dished out thousands of dollars to watch the first cold weather game. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to attend.

While the price tag didn’t proved worthy of a good game, it did offer special memories that I, as a dedicated football fan, will cherish forever. My dad and I figured the only time we’d attend a Super Bowl was if the Bills made it, but since that seems unlikely, I am glad we were able to experience this. The game was a memory that I will share with my dad, and hopefully, my own children in the future.

Confetti flies as the Seahawks are present the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

Our New Social Media Relationship with Sports

            Nowadays we are all connected via our tablet device or smartphone, often blogging, tweeting, texting, or Instagramming. But has social media given sports fans an outlet to better connect with their team and players?

            Most NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB teams and players interact with their fans through social media. However, their social media goes beyond promotions, advertisements, and team updates. Social media has created an electronic bridge between fans and their team.

            It allows fans to connect with players on a personal level. Like anyone does, players tweet and Instagram about their family, friends, and daily lives. Often times, fans place professional athletes on a pedestal. However, let’s all take a moment to remember that every athlete is just like every one of us. Just like us, they’re addicted to watching Netflix and catching up on the latest Sports Center. Many current and former professional athletes have taken advantage of their social media accounts by inspiring and encouraging fans and athletes alike.

            Many football, basketball, and hockey stars can be seen tweeting among their fans and holding conversations with them. Social media has allowed athletes to form a new, more personal relationship with their fans. On any Sunday during football season, my timeline is filled with my peers tweeting at their favorite or least favorite players and teams. While some tweets are encouraging, others can be viewed as hurtful and rude. However, the power of social media allows fans to voice their opinions directly to the athlete or organization.

            Featured columnist for The Bleacher Report Amber Lee says, “Since emerging from relative obscurity and growing into one of the social media big boys, Twitter has given fans and reporters an unprecedented level of access to celebrities online… Both uniquely intimate and constrained, it allows athletes to personally interact with fans, but with an audience of millions.”

            Nevertheless social media can get the best of us. We’ve all tweeted something we wish we could erase from our digital footprint forever. Although Twitter can act as an open forum between fans and athletes, it can also fuel feuds. For example, we recently discussed how Rob Gronkowski turned to Twitter to make light of the Pat’s Deflategate situation. But a few days later the organization warned players to “chill out” about addressing the issue on online platforms.

            Social media has altered the way fans participate in sport. Instead of watching a game, fans can scroll through their Twitter to read about the latest turnovers, fumbles, and touchdowns. It has changed the way people interact with their team. A recent article from a South Jersey newspaper wrote about the growing benefits and problems social media brings to high school sports. (http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/2015/01/23/social-media-arena-explodes-high-school-sports/22231905/) High school and college athletes are placed on a pedestal. Their actions are under constant scrutiny and they are held to higher standards than the average student. Social media platforms make it more challenging for athletes to mix their private life with their academic and sport careers.

            However, it also gives athletes the opportunity to share their political and societal beliefs. Whereas a decade ago it would be more difficult for professionals to voice their opinions, now it is simply a few clicks away. For example, during the Ferguson and Mike Brown cases, players used the power of social media to support the two causes. Their opinions came under fire about whether or not personal life should interfere in a professional work environment. That didn’t stop NBA superstars Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose from wearing their “I Can’t Breath” shirts during warmups. (http://www.sporttechie.com/2015/01/21/social-media-gives-professional-athletes-powerful-platform/)

            The following link (https://au.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/26014778/the-most-popular-athletes-on-social-media/) shows a recent report of the most popular athletes on social media. Being that it was dependent on worldwide statistics, no American football players topped the list. A majority of the athletes were soccer and tennis players. No surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo had a landslide victory over Lionel Messi for being the most popular.

            While social media can have its pros and cons, the ever-growing popularity of these online outlets defines a new relationship between fans and their sport.

I'm the son and daughter you always wanted...

Being my dad’s only child, I’m the son and daughter he always wanted.

I was that kid on the soccer field who would stop running midfield arguing I needed a water break. I pretended to be too shy to play aggressively on the basketball court. The only time I ever hit the softball was when my coach bribed me with an ice cream sundae. I tried figure skating, but failed the class three times for refusing to skate backwards. 

Remember the days in elementary school when your parents would sign you up for every sport and activity possible? They were trying to help you discover your one passion or hobby that you could enjoy and learn valuable lessons from. Every sport I tried, I quit. I was your average slightly chubby child. It wasn’t that I didn’t like being active. Challenge me to a race on your bike or hula-hoop competition and I’d have you beat.

Believe it or not, my parents did a pretty good job of allowing me to find that passion.

In the eighth grade at the height of my awkwardness, I developed a fascination with the Winter Olympics in Vancouver that ultimately led me to live the crazy lifestyle of a sports fanatic today. I mean after watching Sidney Crosby’s OT goal against Ryan Miller that won Canada the gold medal, who wouldn’t love sports.  

I’m not your casual fan who has a general idea of the game and occasionally catches a game on television. My daily routine is determined by which game I’m watching that day. I will gladly go out to dinner with my friends, so long as there’s a television for me to glance at.

My dad grew up in Buffalo, New York and blessed me with my love for all crappy sports teams (Go Bills, Go Sabres!). I like to think that my love for losing teams proves my dedication as a fan.

Being a female sports fan isn’t all fun and games. I refuse to wear pink jerseys and bedazzled hats to games. Don’t get me wrong, I love the color and sparkles, but there’s a time and place for that and it’s not at the game. When it comes to sports, I boast whatever color my team proudly wears.

While I would like to convince myself that we live in an accepting society, it’s not so. I never fully believed how little females weren’t accepted in sports until just a few years ago. One day I was getting ready to go to a football game. I was decked out in my jersey and hat pumped for the game. Then I heard a male in my group ask, “Should I put on some eye paint? Or would that be too girly and sissy?” I stood there shocked. My normally loud mouth self was left speechless, which is very rare feat. I was appalled that eye paint was categorized as a “girly” thing to do. The man that said this was someone who I always respected. I put my feelings aside for then, but to this day I’m still mystified by the situation.

When I went to college, I was hoping to find other girls like me who shared a passion for sports. Maybe I’m looking in the wrong places, but I haven’t had much luck. This blog acts as a community for sports fans to congregate and share their love for the game. Whether gal or guy, any fan is accepted here. Because what kind of feminist would I be if I didn’t believe in equality.

If you take away anything from my ranting blog posts, it’s that (I hope) you gain a better acceptance of females in sports. We don’t just watch games to stare at athlete’s bodies (it’s only an added bonus).

So if any of you readers out there, don’t believe that I know sports I strongly encourage you to keep reading and find out for yourself… that you’re wrong.

Now excuse me, I need to get ready for the Green Bay Seattle playoff game.

“When you’ve got something to prove, there’s nothing greater than a challenge.”

– Terry Bradshaw