Do you actually go to games at the stadiums? (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

 

[Angry Beavers]

For all of the reasons listed I would rather stay home and watch games. I do enjoy going a couple of times a year just to soak in the atmosphere and see it "live", but with kids, a wife etc. there is no realistic way to catch 8 home games, plus paying for preseason etc. Also, without season tickets I can A) just go to the couple of games a year I am interested in B) catch games in other cities that are within a few hour drive just to see other teams, players that do not visit the home stadium regularly etc. FWIW, I went twice last year and only one of those was at home. I went three times the season before that ( two at home and one away).

I am pretty confident that you are not the only person that feels this way about attending games in person.

 

[cheese]

I still strongly prefer the stadium experience to the home experience a few times a year, but I honestly just pick out the biggest games to go. My team sells single game tickets to every game so I don't have any reason to buy season tickets and pay for less exciting games and especially preseason. I find that I am also more excited for the games I go to in person if their are 2 or 3 instead of 10 each year.

I will say that the blackout works on me sometimes though. I hate not seeing my team play and if the game is blacked out, I sometimes go down and see how cheap I can get into the game for last minute.

FWIW, this is at least partially affected by the fact that I'm a season ticket holder for college (Bearcats) so some weekends tailgating back to back days is kinda tough logistically.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

For all of the reasons listed I would rather stay home and watch games. I do enjoy going a couple of times a year just to soak in the atmosphere and see it "live", but with kids, a wife etc. there is no realistic way to catch 8 home games, plus paying for preseason etc. Also, without season tickets I can A) just go to the couple of games a year I am interested in B) catch games in other cities that are within a few hour drive just to see other teams, players that do not visit the home stadium regularly etc. FWIW, I went twice last year and only one of those was at home. I went three times the season before that ( two at home and one away). I am pretty confident that you are not the only person that feels this way about attending games in person.

Exactly, I can go to 1-2 Miami games and soak it in like you said. You can usually score fix cheap as the Dolphins stink, most cannot sell the fix for even face value.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I still strongly prefer the stadium experience to the home experience a few times a year, but I honestly just pick out the biggest games to go. My team sells single game tickets to every game so I don't have any reason to buy season tickets and pay for less exciting games and especially preseason. I find that I am also more excited for the games I go to in person if their are 2 or 3 instead of 10 each year.I will say that the blackout works on me sometimes though. I hate not seeing my team play and if the game is blacked out, I sometimes go down and see how cheap I can get into the game for last minute.FWIW, this is at least partially affected by the fact that I'm a season ticket holder for college (Bearcats) so some weekends tailgating back to back days is kinda tough logistically.

Same with college, I can go to the UM games int he same stadium for almost nothing.

 

[Angry Beavers]

For all of the reasons listed I would rather stay home and watch games. I do enjoy going a couple of times a year just to soak in the atmosphere and see it "live", but with kids, a wife etc. there is no realistic way to catch 8 home games, plus paying for preseason etc. Also, without season tickets I can A) just go to the couple of games a year I am interested in B) catch games in other cities that are within a few hour drive just to see other teams, players that do not visit the home stadium regularly etc. FWIW, I went twice last year and only one of those was at home. I went three times the season before that ( two at home and one away). I am pretty confident that you are not the only person that feels this way about attending games in person.

Exactly, I can go to 1-2 Miami games and soak it in like you said. You can usually score fix cheap as the Dolphins stink, most cannot sell the fix for even face value.

Yea, Browns tickets are not hard to come by and with Detroit, Cincy, Pittburgh, and Indy all within a couple to 5 at most hours away, there are options out there........

 

[Leroy Hoard]

One game a year per sport just so I don't lose touch.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I go to about one (Dolphins) game per year. Every year I find more and more that on those days I kind of wish I were at home on my couch with air conditioning and 8 games on TV in front of me.

Meanwhile, I try to make about 6-8 college games per year and wouldn't trade those for the home experience. Being at a college game is just such a different beast and TV just doesn't compare (though, at almost 30 years old I'm finally starting to feel like a bit of a creeper in the student's section where all the fun is).

Playoff NFL games are much more comparable to the NFL experience. Since the Fins haven't made a trip to the playoffs in a while this past year I went ahead and made the trip to a random playoff game just for the fun of it and had a blast. It was much more like being at a college game with everyone standing and going nuts.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I go one game a year at Ford Field.

The reason I dont like going is missing the redzone channel and keeping up on stats for FF.

Used to take a road trip to a different city/stadium every year, now kids/wife have gotten in the way of that cost

 

[KellysHeroes]

I was priced out yrs ago

 

[joey]

Reason #2 in the OP (surrounded ignorant "sports fans"), plus now with wife and 2 kids...I haven't been to a live football game in around 5 years and don't miss them at all. Much prefer watching at home with iPad in lap, pausable TiVo, etc.

 

[Buckna]

I loved my season tickets to Texans games but eventually gave them up due to cost. Plus I am lucky in that my brother has 4 seats, parents have 4 seats and friends have 4 seats. Between those folks I get to go to 4~5 games a year still.

I still love to go, but I can't imagine going to an outdoor stadium game in Florida or something. Houston in September/October can still be in the 90's and high humidity, would be brutal out in the parking lot tailgating sometimes, can't imagine inside. Actually I can, the year after the hurricane here the stadium was open week 3 and on. Some really uncomfortable games early in the season, but much nicer in the later part. I actually wish they would open the roof more often in Nov/Dec.

Other than that I loved going, despite all the negatives: traffic leaving, high prices, and the worst was just dumb, dumb fans. Always reminds me of the Bud Light Presents Real Men of Genius radio commercials.

 

[Badgers Fan]

I don't like the live games because it is more difficult for me to follow. I actually like the play by play announcers (some of them), and how they break everything down (all though the color commentator is normally a moron you feel you know more than). I find myself bored at the "live" games. Many seats at games give you crap angles and you can't see everything. On TV, you'll see EVERYTHING, and have it replayed a bunch of times. Add in the fact that you can channel flip and follow your fantasy team easier at home, and there in itself gives me a better experience than going to the game. However, if I lived in Wisconsin, I'd go to at least 4 Badger's games.

 

[BigDave]

Cowboys Fan

I've gone to one pre season game in the new stadium.

Took my 11 year old son so he could get the experience.

Pro's

Beautiful Stadium

BIG screen

Cheerleaders

Dallas women

Cons

Cost of tickets,parking,food & beverages

Distance of parking from stadium

Traffic to get there

One time was enough for me. I'm watching in HD at home and enjoying it as much if not more.

 

[FavreCo]

I have better seats at home and can watch every game.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I've mentioned this in another thread but anyone else heard that the NFL is thinking of showing games with at least a few minute delay? Supposed to enhance the "live experience" (and keep ticket sales going of course). Not sure if that would make any kind of dent with so many people DVRing these days.

 

[massraider]

I don't live near my team, but I suspect even if I did, I'd watch from home most of the time.

Having said that, almost all of my experiences going to games have been pretty great. I attended the Snow Bowl (Raiders/Pats), and could have seen the action better and stayed warmer at home. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything (except a Raider win).

Going with a crew that tailgates correctly, and whose company you enjoy seems pretty vital to me. Otherwise, I can talk myself out of the expense.

I would say no matter what, I'd rather attend a playoff game than watch it on TV.

 

[packseasontix]

Packers season ticket holder, wouldn't give it up for anything. I do sell tickets every year though just to make some money back, plus selling Packers tickets allows you to actually make a little money on tickets to have extra money to for future games.

Plus -

Lambeau can get pretty crazy

Tailgate with 100,000 people

Free Parking on city streets

Easy-in and Easy-out with so many ways to get out of town

No bad seat but can't speak for luxury box area

Seeing the guys that I normally only see for a couple hours every few weeks between Sept and Jan

Negatives -

The drive (3 hours with no snow)

Getting back late Sunday night and going to work the next day

Hotel costs on Packer weekend if you want to stay

Neutral -

Prices 78 for the end zones and 95ish for sidelines

Food but who doesnt tailgate anyways so who needs it

Crowds but then again they have huge walkways so not too much of a problem

Packer losses is sucks alot worse when they lose live then when your at home...

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Same with college, I can go to the UM games int he same stadium for almost nothing.

Same with that college.

 

[GregR]

Positives:

1) There is no substitute for the atmosphere of 70,000 fans screaming for your team during a big game.

2) I can watch any part of the play that I want. I can watch the routes develop downfield if I want rather than just getting to see the QB and line until he throws the ball.

3) Am lucky enough to have a great group of people in the seats around me, and we've all been sitting together for 8+ years now. Our section has become a little community who talk and email about the team outside of games. Even the people in the concession stand closest to our seats (who use the games to raise money for their church) have been manning the same spot the whole time I have had tickets, and they can pretty much predict what I'm going to order when I walk up. It's very much a little community in the same fashion as a bar you frequent regularly.

4) Enjoy tailgating before the game, at least after things cool off around the end of September. How much we tailgate has changed over the years, but for several years it was a chance to get together a lot of friends who weren't seeing each other as much due to marriages and starting up families. Even when we don't have a big group tailgating, it's still a great event to use to drag out a friend who I haven't gotten to see much of late.

And I'll add... I can and do record the game and watch it on TV later. So the only thing that I've missed out on for not watching it at home is that I when I see the TV broadcast I already know the outcome. But I'm not missing out on any insights from the broadcasters or getting to see replay angles to tell what really happened.

Sure there are downsides... the cost being the biggest, and seats are kind of narrow, the heat early in the season is bad outside the stadium (but roof closed so fine actually watching the game), etc. But at this point in my life it's very worth it and I'm glad to have been able to watch so many games live.

 

[johnadams]

Gave up my niners season tickets before last year. With a three (now four) year old, it became tough as a football game is an all day event. Plus, after a few years going to every home game, dealing with the hassles became overwhelming. I took the bus to most games, so parking and traffic weren't a major concern and I made quite a few friends asking to grill my brats on their grill with beer in tow. Really, tailgating is the main draw for me in going to the games. The actual game experience is pretty cool as well, but with lines for absolutely everything, it felt like making more than one concession stand or pisser run meant missing big parts of the game. Nothing like waiting in line for twenty minutes to get a beer only to hear the crowd roar. Of course, part of the problem is that Candlestick is the biggest ####hole in the NFL. I'll get to one or two a year from now on and be happy.

 

[Premier]

Blackouts worked on me in Tampa. I've attended every game the past two years. All the pros and cons listed above apply, but I like seeing my team play.

 

[TheGrimReaper]

Gave up my niners season tickets before last year. With a three (now four) year old, it became tough as a football game is an all day event. Plus, after a few years going to every home game, dealing with the hassles became overwhelming. I took the bus to most games, so parking and traffic weren't a major concern and I made quite a few friends asking to grill my brats on their grill with beer in tow. Really, tailgating is the main draw for me in going to the games. The actual game experience is pretty cool as well, but with lines for absolutely everything, it felt like making more than one concession stand or pisser run meant missing big parts of the game. Nothing like waiting in line for twenty minutes to get a beer only to hear the crowd roar. Of course, part of the problem is that Candlestick is the biggest ####hole in the NFL. I'll get to one or two a year from now on and be happy.

That about nails it. I come from Santa Clara Co, and factoring in the drive, parking, time to get home on sunday evening (especially thru scenic "Hunters Point"), ect.....cant justify it, especially with three kids at home who are active in sports on the weekends as well. Even when the stadium is finished down here in SC, I will be priced out anyway. Better to take the kids to CAL or STANFORD games for the atmosphere and just watch the Sunday games at home. I have fortunately never had to pay for tix (friends/ families w/season tickets for decades. Still, give me the couch and a nice TV set-up at home anyday.

 

[Jeremy]

I'd love to go to all the games. I think it's a blast. It's just not in the budget.

 

[johnnyboy8102]

One game a year per sport just so I don't lose touch.

Same here with me.

 

[TheWick]

Rams games at the convention center do not appeal to me. I try and make it up the Pittsburgh for a game every year...those games are worth going to.

 

[shredhead]

Packers season ticket holder, wouldn't give it up for anything. I do sell tickets every year though just to make some money back, plus selling Packers tickets allows you to actually make a little money on tickets to have extra money to for future games.Plus -Lambeau can get pretty crazyTailgate with 100,000 peopleFree Parking on city streetsEasy-in and Easy-out with so many ways to get out of townNo bad seat but can't speak for luxury box areaSeeing the guys that I normally only see for a couple hours every few weeks between Sept and JanNegatives -The drive (3 hours with no snow)Getting back late Sunday night and going to work the next dayHotel costs on Packer weekend if you want to stayNeutral -Prices 78 for the end zones and 95ish for sidelinesFood but who doesnt tailgate anyways so who needs itCrowds but then again they have huge walkways so not too much of a problemPacker losses is sucks alot worse when they lose live then when your at home...

I was fortunate enough to visit Lambeau Field last season as a fan of the visiting team. Best. Experience. Ever!!!!! Even dressed in enemy garb, I was treated with respect by the locals I think every football fan should experience a game in Lambeau!

 

[Garrett]

One game a year per sport just so I don't lose touch.

That's a solid formula.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I go one game a year at Ford Field.

The reason I dont like going is missing the redzone channel and keeping up on stats for FF.

Used to take a road trip to a different city/stadium every year, now kids/wife have gotten in are more important than the cost

 

[Mr Rodgers neighborhood]

I went to a pre-season game between the Broncos and Cowboys last year at the death star. Parking in the Cowboys parking lot was $60-90. I ended up having to pay $25 to park 1.2 miles away from the Death Star at a Taco Bueno. The parking situation out there is absolutely horrific. The only way I'll go back is

A. If the tickets are free.

B. The Packers are playing.

 

[rizzler]

I ain't dropping a dookie in a urine pool that these stadiums call a restroom.

And with the amount of beer and food I consume on any given Sunday, I am dropping dookie.

Hell, even if I wasn't... standing in line 10mins to piss, while standing in piss, and absorbing the odor of piss.. has become a massive turnoff.

I just had to be real.

 

[massraider]

IParking in the Cowboys parking lot was $60-90.

That is offensive.

 

[Matt-X3]

I live about 20 miles outside of Green Bay. We are ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS sold out with something like a 40 year long waiting list for season tickets. I try to make a game every year, but it's not cheap. Due to the stadium tax, those who live in Brown county can go into a lottery to get tickets, but I live just outside of Brown county, and am ineligible. So I get my tickets through friends or online. Packer games are electric. The energy and the passion is like a 3 hour high. Here in Northern Wisconsin there is nothing greater than the Packers, and watching the game at home is fine, but there is nothing like being at Lambeau Field.

 

[Easy Money]

I've only been to one saints game wife surprised me with tickets for my birthday. It was a blast but lost track with my fantasy team for the day and I'm pretty sure we sat next to the biggest a hole in the whole stadium. Not saying I wouldn't go to a game a year just don't really have the urge to go to more than one.

On another note I drive to Houston once a year from Baton Rouge to go see the Astros at minute maid and love it. Enjoy eating a hotdog drinking a beer and watching baseball live. Can't really get into watching the baseball games on tv.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I guess I'm lucky. The Bills are the cheapest in the league, although not making the playoffs in over a decade doesnt help, I've gone to every home game for the past 7 years and one or two away teams a year. (Cleveland, Pittsburgh,Miami, Cinci, Carolina) and this year is Cleveland and Indy.

I do like the break of relaxing at home and watching during away games.

 

[GregR]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

Found myself wondering, how do you think this general topic compares with going to music concerts? They are also crowded, they have don't have couches, everything costs a lot, and the quality of music produced live is seldom as good as is made in a studio with unlimited time to get it perfect. And a lot of the bigger concerts will come out on DVD so you could even see that version in the comfort of your home.

 

[cobalt_27]

I love going to Cowboys games, usually twice a year from Boston. As much #### as Jerry gets, he's made it an enjoyable place to watch a football game. Also helps to have decent seats.

Go to Pats games once a year, as well. Not nearly as fun or accessible...crappy replay, hardly anywhere to monitor updates, and a pretty uptight crowd.

 

[joey]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

Found myself wondering, how do you think this general topic compares with going to music concerts? They are also crowded, they have don't have couches, everything costs a lot, and the quality of music produced live is seldom as good as is made in a studio with unlimited time to get it perfect. And a lot of the bigger concerts will come out on DVD so you could even see that version in the comfort of your home.

I think a live music experience is totally different than sports. First of all, a sporting event is the same exact event, whether seen in person or at home on tv. So then it's just a matter of how you would prefer to view that event. Some like the live experience while other prefer the conveniences of home with TiVo, instant replay, "best seat in the house'for every play, etc. For a concert, it is NOT the same experience as listening to a CD. It is a unique performance that only those in attendance will experience. There's something much more magically about a live music experience than a live sporting event, for me at least (I'm a musician on the side, so that probably slants things). Also, not every concert ends up being released as a live DVD, so either you want to see the band live, or you don't. It's not like you can say "I'll just watch it from home instead".

 

[chiefs2929]

I like Sunday NFL Ticket too much

I also like to go bowhunting in the morning or evening to get a break from the TV

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Packers season ticket holder, wouldn't give it up for anything. I do sell tickets every year though just to make some money back, plus selling Packers tickets allows you to actually make a little money on tickets to have extra money to for future games.Plus -Lambeau can get pretty crazyTailgate with 100,000 peopleFree Parking on city streetsEasy-in and Easy-out with so many ways to get out of townNo bad seat but can't speak for luxury box areaSeeing the guys that I normally only see for a couple hours every few weeks between Sept and JanNegatives -The drive (3 hours with no snow)Getting back late Sunday night and going to work the next dayHotel costs on Packer weekend if you want to stayNeutral -Prices 78 for the end zones and 95ish for sidelinesFood but who doesnt tailgate anyways so who needs itCrowds but then again they have huge walkways so not too much of a problemPacker losses is sucks alot worse when they lose live then when your at home...

Solid post. I've been going to Packer games since I was 5 years old. Season tickets passed down since 1959. Same seats the whole time -- we have gameday friends who we've never seen outside Lambeau Field. Absolutely love the experience and don't ever plan to give it up. My father goes to almost every home game....I go to probably 3 games per year. (young kids at home, we live near Chicago, blah blah blah) Also go on a roadtrip each year with a bunch of buddies to see the Packers. Goal is to visit every stadium. Honestly, for me the biggest negative of being in a stadium is the ESPN-like atmosphere they try to create. I miss "the old days" of just going to a stadium where they play ####ty country music, the scoreboard is small, there is no BS multi-media to compete with the at-home product. It used to be all about football and beer - at least in Green Bay. Now there is too much nonsense. Still, I'll keep going to Packer games forever....and when my kids turn 5 in another year or so, they'll go to their first game too.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

Found myself wondering, how do you think this general topic compares with going to music concerts? They are also crowded, they have don't have couches, everything costs a lot, and the quality of music produced live is seldom as good as is made in a studio with unlimited time to get it perfect. And a lot of the bigger concerts will come out on DVD so you could even see that version in the comfort of your home.

I don't attend a lot of concerts and I refuse to pay scalp price for seats which usually are in the $250-$500 range down here in Miami. I loved going to festivals when I was younger and you saw 100 bands for $50 or whatever but now the cost just keeps me away. I can go buy the new album, Blu Ray concert, and repeat that process 4 or 5 times for what it would cost to attend the shows.

That said there are a few bands or groups that I would pay more to see.

 

[Crash and Walk Away]

My wife and I are season ticket holders to the Colts games. When we first dipped our foot in the water, I thought she would go to a game or two, and then fade away. I was very wrong. She enjoys going and we'll continue to pay for the tickets as long as she does.

Some of the previous posters have touched on the pros and cons for us.

A) Getting to watch any part of the game I want. Several years ago, I spent the entire first half watching Darrel Rivas shadow Reggie Wayne. Gives you a better appreciation for the skills of the players at the top of their game.

B) Atmosphere is terrific. And don't think it's just because of the success the Colts have experienced this past decade. While nothing will top the home playoff wins, or the Belichick 4th down gamble win; last year's come from behind win over the Texans in the last minute of the game ... a win that might have jeopardized the #1 draft slot ... was quite electric. This was not a fan base that wanted to suck for Luck; they were cheering for the win. Nothing quite like seeing the look of aghast on Steeler fans this past season when they needed a walk-off field goal for the win.

C) We're lucky that we can get decent seats for $69/ticket, and the concession costs are comparable to other live events you might go to. We choose to do most of our eating and drinking away from the stadium, so not an issue.

(D) We also have climate controlled games. Several of the posters have touched upon too hot or cold being an issue. And parking is close enough that you can walk to that climate control without a coat in all but the most severe conditions.

(E) We live a little more than an hour away from the stadium, which can be a nuisance in bad weather, but not a deterrent. Others have touched up game day being an all-day experience anyway. Only issue at night, especially Monday night games ... something we don't have to worry about this year.

(F) The cell coverage in Lucas is problematic at times, a deterrent to following my fantasy teams; and the lack of Red Zone is certainly missed ... missed more so this season with all 1pm home games.

 

[Mentos]

Darrel Rivas?

 

[Fensalk]

My personality is such that, on a scale from 0-100, where 0 is completely introverted, and 100 is completely extroverted, I'm a 100. I love being around people. Love going to packed movie theaters. Love crowds. Love a packed stadium. I go to games to be around tons of people as much as the games themselves. There's just a sort of electricity about it that I guess introverts can never understand.

 

[packseasontix]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

Found myself wondering, how do you think this general topic compares with going to music concerts? They are also crowded, they have don't have couches, everything costs a lot, and the quality of music produced live is seldom as good as is made in a studio with unlimited time to get it perfect. And a lot of the bigger concerts will come out on DVD so you could even see that version in the comfort of your home.

I think a live music experience is totally different than sports. First of all, a sporting event is the same exact event, whether seen in person or at home on tv. So then it's just a matter of how you would prefer to view that event. Some like the live experience while other prefer the conveniences of home with TiVo, instant replay, "best seat in the house'for every play, etc. For a concert, it is NOT the same experience as listening to a CD. It is a unique performance that only those in attendance will experience. There's something much more magically about a live music experience than a live sporting event, for me at least (I'm a musician on the side, so that probably slants things). Also, not every concert ends up being released as a live DVD, so either you want to see the band live, or you don't. It's not like you can say "I'll just watch it from home instead".

Ya I really hate when I have crisp flawless sound with nobody screaming over top of the music. Live music concerts I just don't get at all, it is like going to the football game but half the game people are blocking your view of even seeing the game.Understandable its not exactly the same but for instance Brewers games I just get a high for the rest of the night when I walk away from my seats behind home plate with "I just win" playing over the loud speaker after a win and nothing worse than a teams loss. What happens at the end of the concert? People cheer they do the encore and then you go home with a cool experience but not feeling like you made a difference in their playing like you do with sports when shouting defense.

 

[menobrown]

I prefer to watch from home and here are a few random responses from several items I saw brought up:

1. I'm in the Dallas area and try to hit one game each year for the Cowboys, Mavs and Rangers. Some of you have mentioned you do this as well, just a way of staying in touch. Most of the time when I go it's almost against my will, like I'm forcing myself to go and I usually end up wishing I had not. But sometimes it's ends up just being more of a blast and an experience than you would ever get at home and you start to think maybe I should be doing this more often. One such time was when I had friend come into town and gave me free tickets with some passes to get in some high society type areas at Cowboys stadium for a game against the Chargers. I did not want to go but felt like felt like I had to so I went. I ended up in Jerry Jones suite the last few minutes of the game and hung out in it for awhile after the game and got to see places of the stadium I'll probably never see again. So a great experience I basically had to prodded into doing.

2. Sometime mentioned the hot women at Cowboys games which is also true of most sporting events in Dallas. True. This is both a negative and positive. It's great to see them but it's also an issue for me as they dominate my attention and I find myself watching the crowd more than the game far to often.

3.Someone mentioned they are extroverted and just need or want to watch around people. I'm the opposite but most of my friends fall into the extrovert category. In college when a big game was coming my friends would also ask me where was a I going to watch the game at and I was always puzzled by this constant question. For them a big game had to be watched at a bar, a big get together at someones house or in person. I always liked watching by myself or with a friend or two. Any more and I get distracted.

4. One big difference that might exist for me. I live in the Dallas area but I did not grow up here and pledge no allegiance to any of the teams. When I go to their games I'm usually watching as an interested bystander but not a passionate fan. This is a big difference really and why I tend to get distracted by things like hot chicks. I did not grow up anyplace near Pittsburgh either but I'm a huge Steeler fan and when I go to their games it's a completely different experience. I'm focused on the game and completely enjoy rooting for the Steeler's with other Steeler fans. So not sure how many of you are transplants or just not huge fans of your local teams but to me it makes a big difference.

3. So sometimes I think I should go to games more. Maybe I'll regret it half the time but there are experiences and a camaraderie that you'll never know you missed unless you make an attempt. But it's cheaper at home, you see more, I pay attention to the game more, I'm able to follow other games, bathroom is close and no line, full bar and smoke on hand, no long lines which turns a 3 hour football game into a 5-6 hour block of your day. It's hard to give that up on the hope of a great experience when the only thing that is guaranteed is a fairly expensive day with traffic and long lines.

 

[GregR]

Freeman

A good article talking about the technology and comfort of home and why there is no incentive to go to the stadium. IMO, if you have a successful team or a team that makes the playoffs every 2-3 years, you likely have a lot more incentive to go in person to the games. I'll be honest about why I don't support the Miami Dolphins much at the stadium the last several years.

1. The product is not worth paying $150-$250 for a ticket in the lower bowl. Again, IMO if you cannot sit close or at least between the 40s in the upper level, not much reason to go to the game. I'm not shelling out $2,000 for a season ticket or $4k if I bring a friend, $30 parking per game, at least $100 a game for food and beer. It ain't cheap.

2. People People People...no offense but I really don't like crowds to begin with but the fans that tend to show up at games for whatever reason don't seem to know all that much about football. Things being screamed during the games would make most of us cringe. It's bad enough at the local watering hole, multiply that out by 70,000 fans.

3. It typically is about 100 degrees in September down here in Florida. The Dolphins need to play 1:00 games to gain an advantage...can't wait to play Oakland for our 1st home game. But the fans are about ready to pass out by the 3rd Q if not sooner. It is insanity how hot it is in that stadium.

No couches at the stadium for most, everything costs a lot, product doesn't inspire to buy tickets.

Do you attend the games? If so or if not, explanations appreciated.

Found myself wondering, how do you think this general topic compares with going to music concerts? They are also crowded, they have don't have couches, everything costs a lot, and the quality of music produced live is seldom as good as is made in a studio with unlimited time to get it perfect. And a lot of the bigger concerts will come out on DVD so you could even see that version in the comfort of your home.

I think a live music experience is totally different than sports. First of all, a sporting event is the same exact event, whether seen in person or at home on tv. So then it's just a matter of how you would prefer to view that event. Some like the live experience while other prefer the conveniences of home with TiVo, instant replay, "best seat in the house'for every play, etc. For a concert, it is NOT the same experience as listening to a CD. It is a unique performance that only those in attendance will experience. There's something much more magically about a live music experience than a live sporting event, for me at least (I'm a musician on the side, so that probably slants things). Also, not every concert ends up being released as a live DVD, so either you want to see the band live, or you don't. It's not like you can say "I'll just watch it from home instead".

We differ in that you think only concerts have unique aspects that can only be experienced live, while I think both sports and concerts have that.I've probably watched thousands of football games from my couch. I can say with confidence I've never had any influence at all on events on the field in any such game I watched. That's not the case when I attend a game, as my normally hoarse voice after games can attest to.

I come home from an NFL game emotionally drained because of how much I invest into it. While I'm invested in every Texans game, TV or not... watching it on TV falls far short of the live experience.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Go for the kids...but don't like the ignorance of most fans...I just don't enjoy it (other than watching the boys being in awe!!).

 

[kutta]

I've been a Cardinals season ticket holder for years. I love going to the stadium. I've been through the horrible years and the great year(s), and even in bad times it's still fun. I think the most fun I've had was during the Cards Superbowl run. Two home playoff games and a trip to Tampa for the Superbowl with my buddies. Nothing better.

I also enjoy watching games at home, but for me, nothing replaces the atmosphere and the energy in the building during a live stadium game.

 

[griff321]

I go to games in a toilet called the metrodome, so I'm not sure vikings fans are the best to consult regarding stadium conditions.

The party is a blast though.