I am finding the older I get, the less excited I am about going to live sporting events. So I axe ya....How do you all feel about this? Please indicate your age so I can make this as scientific as possible without really caring or trying
Same here. More and more I like putting my feet up, being served snacks by my wife and watching the game.
Me too. My 60'' HD tv with kick ass surround sound, comfy couch, beer and snacks is more appealing to me than dealing with parking, expensive beer/snacks, uncomfortable seats, jack ass fans, etc. etc. Age 35-40.
As I have gotten older it has been less important. I think though that has to do with a) being married (wife not such a fan of live sports); b) being busier in life (it's a chore to go to the game); c) cost -- dude for real that beer costs $10; d) more responsibilities = less discretionary income; and e) my friends are less into it too. Why go to the event when we can just go to a bar or BBQ and watch it at home? For me it all depends on the sport. Live baseball -- meh -- I go to like 1 or 2 games a year and call it good and mostly I just go if family or friends are in town and want to see some baseball. Live basketball? It's fun, but just as good on TV. Live football? Yes, please sign me up. Only sport I would consider getting season tickets for is football. The atmosphere, the impact that the fans have on the game, the comraderie at the games, it is 100X better in person. Live hockey -- definitely better in person. You just don't appreciate how fast the game is on TV. With the exception of college football or NFL, I'm with you. I'm 36.
Arenas know this as well, so they are starting to install equipment that will allow you to watch all the replays and angles you want on your smart phone while you're at the game.
I think the biggest thing hurting live sporting events is the 60" plasma tvs with kick ass stereo systems and the numerous replay angles you can get sitting at home. Not to mention for the price of a dog and a beer at the game, I can order a pizza and get a 12 pack. I do agree it comes down to the sport you're watching as well: Baseball- Love going to the park, the game doesn't translate nearly as well to tv. Something about being in the sun and watching all the nuances of the game. Basketball- I enjoy watching live but don't have to. Hockey- Live is really the only way to go. NFL- I have no desire to ever attend NFL games. Would much rather sit at home where it's comfortable, I can click around through every game, they charge a crazy amount for EVERYTHING at those games and you have to sit through a timeout every 10 minutes with nothing to do ... BORING! College FB- nothing like it! The pageantry of traditions, the college campuses, the coeds, everything about it is awesome in person.
Age has not been a factor for me. I've always loved watching baseball at the park. The ultimate American sports experience. Not as much on tv. I've always preferred basketball on tv, but back when we had a good team (last century) playoff games were fun in person. Football has always bored me to tears live or on tv, but is completely unwatchable on tv due to the snail's pace and the morons talking over the action.
I don't like going to games because the age that I am is not the demographic they aim for, and the age I was when they started aiming towards the youth market (hip hop, loud music, etc) I was too old for that even then. It's about the game, not the concert.
I watch Blazer games live as much as I can (whenever I'm in Portland, whenever they are here playing the Clippers...still won't go to L*ker games because of the poor opposing fans). I actually get more into the game on TV though as I scream and act out more. I like going to Dodger games, just getting there is a bitch. I won't really watch the games on TV though. 35.
Totally agree about baseball (and soccer & hockey) that it really needs to be in person. I'm talking football & basketball is made for TV & good wings.
I've watched a few MMA fights up close, those are fun to watch live. on TV, I am not into it as much. dunno, the adrenaline in the air gets to you. I've also seen 2 (or maybe 3, i forget) Tyson fights live, those were fucking amazing. just the atmopshere in the stadium hypes you up like a mofo. If Paquiao fights Mayweather, I'm watching it live (provided its in vegas..or hell, in the USA).