Sports fandom is a complete mystery to most non-sports-fans.

What is it about watching sports that causes otherwise normal people to scream at their TVs, obsess over stats and standings, and collect an entire wardrobe in their favorite team’s colors?

And why do we get so invested in a game, when we know there’s only about a 50/50 chance that our team is going to win?

I’ve been a sports fan all my life, and I meet a lot of fans through my business, Team Colors by Carrie. While we might not all love sports for the same reasons, I have observed a few common things that might help explain our general obsession to someone who doesn’t care for sports.

One – Sports provides an instant bond to other people

Sports are a great excuse to gather with family or friends. Who doesn’t like to grab some snacks and something to drink, and sit around and chat while watching the game.

Sports always give us something to talk about. We can discuss what sports and teams we like, popular players, and who we think is going to win the championship this year.

Two – Sports gives us a place to belong

It is human nature to want to be part of something, and following a team instantly makes you part of its fan base. Whether you connect with other fans at the game or tailgate party, or find each other on social media, it feels good to know that so many other people share your interest.

Sports create an emotional connection, even with complete strangers. Here in Atlanta Falcons territory, it really makes my day when I see someone else wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt or hat, and we smile at each other and say the magic words … Go Pack Go!

Even bumping into a fan wearing an opposing team’s jersey can be fun, when you engage in a little good-natured trash talking.

Three – Sports fandom is how you were raised

Many families are as passionate about their sports teams as they are about politics or religion, so cheering on a team is part of everyday life. As adults, then, we often have fond memories of watching games together, and want that emotional feeling to continue.

Sometimes we have family traditions around sports. For example, when my kids were growing up, we travelled to my home state of Wisconsin every year at Christmas, and started taking an annual trek to Lambeau Field to see the Packers play and experience the “frozen tundra.”

Four – Watching sports is entertaining

Games are often exciting to watch, because you never know what is going to happen or who is going to win. Big plays get the heart pumping a little faster and a close game can have us sitting on the edge of our seats as the drama plays out!

Seeing outstanding athletes do what they do best is fascinating. We watch in amazement and wonder how it’s even possible to make that catch, or run that fast, or jump that high.

Some sports fans are as interested in the off-field drama of famous athletes as they are in their performances on the field. I’m not into gossip, but I know people who follow every move of their favorite athlete’s lives.

Five – Sports provides an escape from life

Life can be full of challenges (especially here in 2020), and sports is often a great distraction from your own issues.

This one might just be me, but sports can also support our procrastination tendencies. I hate house cleaning, and somehow watching a game is always more important than running the vacuum cleaner or scrubbing the toilet.

Six – There is Always Next Year

Even when things aren’t going well for our teams, we know that the next season gives us a fresh start and another chance for winning it all! We can always have hope.

So which of those reasons apply to your love of sports? I’d love to hear from you!

See you next week.

Carrie