Going to a professional sporting event as a youngster was special, for me it was the CFL, NHL and MLB if I was travelling. There were fewer teams. We were not flooded with television coverage as all we had was the local channel's "game of the week." Watching a game whether on TV or in person was a treat.
Going to a game meant following your favorite player and/or team. Concession and souvenir options were limited and other than a fan shooting a puck through a hole in a sheet of plywood to win a medium pizza there were no forms of entertainment or distractions. We went to the game because we loved the game, plain and simple.
Today the quality of the game is diluted because of the increased number of teams and subsequent demand for less talented players. The myriad of sports programming on cable/satellite TV makes it easy for the viewer to yawn and move on because it is just another game. Those in attendance at a game may not be fans and need noise and shiny things to keep their attention while true fans sit at home often unable to afford the egregious ticket prices. Games are more about the sizzle than the steak.
On the flip side of the coin more teams and more television exposure gives greater opportunity to develop a new/expanding fan base. More television options allow fans to follow their team if it is out of market. If you are interested in international sports they are now more readily available to watch. Haveing team ambassadors shoot t-shirts into the stands is more entertaining than watching the zamboni flood the ice.
Hats off to European soccer fans. The big time European soccer experience is more on the old-school side. Fans are in their seats while the game is on. No popcorn/soda sales people walking up and down the isles. No fans going to the bathroom during play. Concessions and souvenirs are limited. Fans are at the game to watch and cheer. While the frills are limited the passion is high.
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