Pro Sports - How much do you care? (1 Viewer)

[Galileo]

I see a couple people saying they care less or have less time as they get older. I've had the opposite experience. I used to go out 4-5 nights a week to bars or on dates and travel all the time on weekends and whatnot. Now that I have a wife and kids and I'm in my 40s, I'm home all the time. Watching pro sports in the evenings and going to a game every couple weeks is my primary down time activity.  And when the kids get a little order and they're staying up past the second inning/end of the first quarter it'll hopefully be something we can do together.

I always hoped that too.  My oldest son is now 14.  He plays 3 sports and follows stats and such online for football, basketball, and baseball.  We talk sports, however, he doesn't seem to have the patience, interest or desire to actually watch most games on TV.  He will watch parts of the game and then drift off to do other things. He only seems to watch the more meaningful match ups like playoffs games.  My younger son (13) doesn't give a #### about any of it.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I always hoped that too.  My oldest son is now 14.  He plays 3 sports and follows stats and such online for football, basketball, and baseball.  We talk sports, however, he doesn't seem to have the patience, interest or desire to actually watch most games on TV.  He will watch parts of the game and then drift off to do other things. He only seems to watch the more meaningful match ups like playoffs games.

Why must you crush my hopes and dreams?

Anyway, we live in the city, on the subway line that goes directly to the basketball/hockey arena and the baseball stadium.  So my plan is to bribe them into being interested with live games/stadium junk food binges/staying up late. Yes, I'm a great father.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I see a couple people saying they care less or have less time as they get older. I've had the opposite experience. I used to go out 4-5 nights a week to bars or on dates and travel all the time on weekends and whatnot. Now that I have a wife and kids and I'm in my 40s, I'm home all the time. Watching pro sports in the evenings and going to a game every couple weeks is my primary down time activity.  And when the kids get a little order and they're staying up past the second inning/end of the first quarter it'll hopefully be something we can do together.

My kids and even my wife will attend any sporting event of almost any level and have a blast and love to do it.

Watching them on TV is nothing remotely close for any of them.  And my son plays fantasy hockey and loves it.  Just never watches anything on TV.  

 

[KarmaPolice]

I see a couple people saying they care less or have less time as they get older. I've had the opposite experience. I used to go out 4-5 nights a week to bars or on dates and travel all the time on weekends and whatnot. Now that I have a wife and kids and I'm in my 40s, I'm home all the time. Watching pro sports in the evenings and going to a game every couple weeks is my primary down time activity.  And when the kids get a little order and they're staying up past the second inning/end of the first quarter it'll hopefully be something we can do together.

This is about where I am - I am probably watching more (and especially different) stuff as I get older, but I just don't "care" as much.  It's something to do on the same lines as watching a show or a movie to me. 

As far as the 'big 4' go, NHL is by far my favorite.  To me it has the most bang for my buck - pace, less commercials, etc..  I still watch NFL, but I have lost interest in that more as I have aged.  A combo of rule changes/longer games/too many commercials have made it a lot less entertaining for me. I bet as soon as Brady retires, my NFL watching will drop off even more.  MLB I will watch occasionally and have gotten a lot more into it the last couple years as my son plays and likes baseball and I have started playing MLB DFS.  I can't watch NBA at all. 

Now I have started watching other sports if they are on - soccer, MMA, LaCrosse, Rugby, etc.. and would much prefer more of them to anything of the big 4 besides NHL.

 

[tjnc09]

I was reading this article in the Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/06/will-years-of-losing-make-the-philadelphia-76ers-winners/531393/

Basically how the 76ers have been publically tanking for the last 5 years to build a great roster.  Two things struck me in this article

1. They sold more season tickets this year than ever.  After tanking for 5 straight years how can you even be a 76ers fan?  This seems like a disturbing thing to do to me.  It seems though, I see it more and more in here and elsewhere, that people have gotten to the point the sport doesn't matter anymore, it's all about their team and nothing else.

2. The comment that you can't win in the NBA without a superstar.  It's one of the reasons I won't watch baseball or the nba because it's true.  It's also one of the reason I watch the nfl because of the parity (which at some point will end I predict).  On the other hand the moment the NFL had britney spears as the half time show a decade ago I stopped caring so much.  You go into the NBA season or MLB season and 90% of teams know they have zero chance.  

So it got me thinking that everyone in here is sports fans more or less so it's a good group to ask.  What do you think of the evolution of pro sports?  Does it make you watch it more or less?

You go into the NBA season or MLB season and 90% of teams know they have zero chance.

MLB? Really?   

 

[Steve Tasker]

I find that I probably watch as much as I did when I was younger, maybe a little less, but that it's mostly focused on specific sports rather than a broad spectrum like when I was younger.  I find that I just don't have the attention span that I used to.  I'll watch a full Bills game as appointment viewing.  But other than that, the vast majority of my sports viewing consists of soccer (no stoppages), college football (stoppages but I can flip around to 8 different games at a given time so there's no downtime for me), boxing (45 second stoppages every few minutes are palatable), e-sports (virtually no stoppages).

I haven't watched an NBA game or an MLB game, save for going to a handful of baseball games over the years, in probably 10+ years now.  Absolutely no desire to watch either sport on TV.  I'll watch hockey on occasion, but to be honest if the Sabres weren't a team, I'd probably never watch that either.  I can count on 1 hand the number of non-Sabres games I've watched in recent years.

 

[swirvenirvin]

Give me a break, you are either young or you're being difficult.  If you can't see the difference between the halftime shows 20 years ago and the halftime shows now you either weren't watching or you are just being dumb for the sake of it.  

You sound old and grumpy

 

[swirvenirvin]

I was reading this article in the Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/06/will-years-of-losing-make-the-philadelphia-76ers-winners/531393/

Basically how the 76ers have been publically tanking for the last 5 years to build a great roster.  Two things struck me in this article

1. They sold more season tickets this year than ever.  After tanking for 5 straight years how can you even be a 76ers fan?  This seems like a disturbing thing to do to me.  It seems though, I see it more and more in here and elsewhere, that people have gotten to the point the sport doesn't matter anymore, it's all about their team and nothing else.

2. The comment that you can't win in the NBA without a superstar.  It's one of the reasons I won't watch baseball or the nba because it's true.  It's also one of the reason I watch the nfl because of the parity (which at some point will end I predict).  On the other hand the moment the NFL had britney spears as the half time show a decade ago I stopped caring so much.  You go into the NBA season or MLB season and 90% of teams know they have zero chance.  

So it got me thinking that everyone in here is sports fans more or less so it's a good group to ask.  What do you think of the evolution of pro sports?  Does it make you watch it more or less?

also 90% of MLB have zero chance?  Wow

 

[NewlyRetired]

I probably watch as much as I used but the distribution is significantly different

NBA: I watch less, just follow a little the local team and playoffs

NHL: ditto

MLB: I went from watching a lot as a kid to not sitting through a inning in probably 10+ years.

NFL: Watch less but still a decent amount

College Hoop: Watch much much much less.  Not from not enjoying it, but simply does not seem to find anyway to get time to my eyes

MMA: Watch more than I did boxing as a kid

Soccer: Watch significantly more simply because so much more is available.

 

[belljr]

IS THIS NOT ENTERTAINMENT???

1967 halftime

Performers: University of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band & Grambling State University Marching Band, Al Hirt, Anaheim High School Drill Team and Flag Girls

1979

Performers: Ken Hamilton, various Caribbean bands including Grammacks out of Dominica

1987

Theme: Salute to Hollywood's 100th Anniversary - The World of Make Believe

Performers: George Burns, Mickey Rooney, Grambling State University and USC Marching Bands, Disney characters, Southern California-area high school drill teams and dancers

WAIT THERE'S MORE

1993

Performer: Michael Jackson

 

[belljr]

i don't watch much any more because of time.   Out at the field 5 nights a week

 

[Galileo]

i don't watch much any more because of time.   Out at the field 5 nights a week

yeah, that contributes, but I am usually home in time to catch the last few innings of the Indians game...or all of it if they are on the road out west.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Something about it has been turning me off lately. I think it's a bunch of things combined- concussions and their impact in football, players who seems to care less and less about their city and the fans, the way sports is covered now (few highlights, all arguing and #### like Lavar Ball), the ridiculous contracts, etc. could you imagine if we took all the money we spent on stadiums and player salaries and threw it at world hunger or cancer research? Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox. Regardless of the above, I still pay a decent amount of attention because it helps binds us locally, and I do still care some:

MLB- have hung onto my Twins tickets because they are so cheap, and enjoy being outside even though the team hasn't been great lately. Watch late innings on tv quite a bit.

NFL- have always been a Vikings fan and fantasy nut, so I do still watch a ton of football. In recent years I do find myself watching a little less, like skipping the Monday game or golfing after the Vikings game is over. Still glued to the Sunday ticket a lot though.

NBA- passive Wolves fan, but I struggle with getting excited about a team that has no chance to win a title (like about 25 other fan bases). Will watch a 4th quarter here and there, but not much)

NHL- like hockey and go to a few games a year. Think it translates good to tv. Regular season means so little though. Probably watch more than I should.

Bottom line, I guess it gets ingrained into you, and it's something to discuss with friends. Logically I know we're rooting for laundry, but I can't let it go.

 

[kface]

also 90% of MLB have zero chance?  Wow

Thanks for adding so much to what is a good conversation

 

[MattFancy]

I was reading this article in the Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/06/will-years-of-losing-make-the-philadelphia-76ers-winners/531393/

Basically how the 76ers have been publically tanking for the last 5 years to build a great roster.  Two things struck me in this article

1. They sold more season tickets this year than ever.  After tanking for 5 straight years how can you even be a 76ers fan?  This seems like a disturbing thing to do to me.  It seems though, I see it more and more in here and elsewhere, that people have gotten to the point the sport doesn't matter anymore, it's all about their team and nothing else.

2. The comment that you can't win in the NBA without a superstar.  It's one of the reasons I won't watch baseball or the nba because it's true.  It's also one of the reason I watch the nfl because of the parity (which at some point will end I predict).  On the other hand the moment the NFL had britney spears as the half time show a decade ago I stopped caring so much.  You go into the NBA season or MLB season and 90% of teams know they have zero chance.  

So it got me thinking that everyone in here is sports fans more or less so it's a good group to ask.  What do you think of the evolution of pro sports?  Does it make you watch it more or less?

Couple of things here:

1) You don't need a superstar in baseball to win. Mike Trout and Bryce Harper are the 2 biggest and best players in baseball. They have a combined 0 WS rings. Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher of this generation, 0 WS Rings.

2) The NFL has no more parity than any of the other sports. The AFC has been represented by Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, or Peyton Manning 13 of the last 15 Super Bowls. The Patriots have played in 6 of 15 Super Bowls. There have been 10 different Super Bowl winners and 17 different teams appeared in the Super Bowl. In baseball, over the last 15 years, they also have 10 different World Series winners. 18 different teams have appeared in the World Series over the last 15 seasons.

If I was a Sixers fan, I would be okay with what they were doing. I'd rather suffer through a few bad seasons knowing they have a plan going forward than to have ownership continually think they are just a player or 2 away every season and continue to be mediocre.

 

[B Maverick]

Growing up I watched a lot of MLB since it was the most accessible.  Now, I still love going to games and if it was broadcast in LA would put it on tv if nothing better was on or for background while doing other things.  But I do pay attention to what is going on with the Dodgers and keep up with it.  Will watch playoffs.

Didnt get into NFL as much as a kid outside of an occasional game here and there until I got into FF in college.  For several years watched religiously every sunday and Monday.  Now if I am home I will turn it on.  Try to watch the Chargers if its on but no longer is must see tv.  Playoffs and SB games I will make more effort to watch.

NBA, grew up in the era of Magic v Larry when it was a team game and fun to watch.  Now I can't stand the refs, superstar treatment, home court advantage and the asinine foul rules.  If a buddy wants to hit a bar for the game and drinks during playoffs? Sure.  But not going out of my way to go.

NHL, love going to games, dont go out of my way to go or to watch.

Soccer is where I do care.  Wasnt on while growing up.  Now I watch all Manchester United games (even on an iPad at work) and make sure to work schedule around it.  Must see tv.  USMNT WC games and qualifiers are must watch.  Champions League finals, etc.

As for the OP, it sucks watching your team suck, especially when it may be intentional.  Its a dangerous road for Philly to go down since the players you select still have to come good.  A few bad seasons could turn into a decade if you dont hit on your picks, plan or no plan.

 

[shadyridr]

I also dont get the 76ers complaint. OP admits you need a superstar in NBA to win and 76ers tanked several seasons in order to get said superstar.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Thanks for adding so much to what is a good conversation

There's a nicer way to phrase it, but think it's fair for people to point out that one of your three reasons for not watching as much pro sports is flawed We're coming up on the halfway point of the MLB season and IMO a third of the league is very clearly in the mix for the championship (NYY BOS CLE HOU WAS MIL CHC LAD ARI COL) with probably 6 or 7 other teams still holding on to some hope.

 

[swirvenirvin]

Thanks for adding so much to what is a good conversation

it was such a ridiculous statement the only thing I could bring was laughter.

Who is going to win it this yr?

 

[AAABatteries]

I had trouble sleeping the night of the Super Bowl - I guess I care some.

 

[kface]

There's a nicer way to phrase it, but think it's fair for people to point out that one of your three reasons for not watching as much pro sports is flawed We're coming up on the halfway point of the MLB season and IMO a third of the league is very clearly in the mix for the championship (NYY BOS CLE HOU WAS MIL CHC LAD ARI COL) with probably 6 or 7 other teams still holding on to some hope.

This is a little more interesting of a year that is for sure.  

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I don't watch pro sports as much as I used to because I got older and several things come into play:

1) time - I have less of it

2) perspective, priorities - I just find other things more important 

3) whereas you might have had sort of a wish fulfillment/fantasy thing going on when you're younger about being able to do those things the guys are doing, you now absolutely, positively know you can't -- you can't even put on socks, as Louis CK would say

The tanking doesn't bother me as much as some, but sports and the way they are covered are a little different than they once were. It seems more salacious, more personal, more branded (not that it always wasn't, it just seems more so these days)

It really has become less highlights/discussion of action that actually happened and more TMZ style crap that has almost nothing to do with the games themselves.

 

[Spin]

I see a couple people saying they care less or have less time as they get older. I've had the opposite experience. I used to go out 4-5 nights a week to bars or on dates and travel all the time on weekends and whatnot. Now that I have a wife and kids and I'm in my 40s, I'm home all the time. Watching pro sports in the evenings and going to a game every couple weeks is my primary down time activity.  And when the kids get a little order and they're staying up past the second inning/end of the first quarter it'll hopefully be something we can do together.

This reason is 100% the why I'm as big of a Preds fan now, as I am.  I used to keep up with them, watch a few games, could name most of the players, but my now 5 y/o became obssessed with the Preds two seasons ago.  Now we're season ticket holders and go to just about every game.  When we can't make it, we're watching it on TV together, and he watches every minute, only gets off the couch for commercials or in between periods.  He has a hat with every player's autograph on it, that he's collected from going to various practices/games.  We're going to a NHL draft party the Pred's are hosting tonight so he can skate on the ice, as well as their rookie game next week.  He memorizes the roster, and can tell you every players' number, which teams they used to play for, and how many points they had last season, etc.  He's actually obsessed with it.  But the bonding time I get to spend with my son watching the Preds is incredible.  Going to the games with him is one of the highlights of my day and the thing I look forward to the most.  

My youngest is turning 3 in October, and loves going to the games with us, but he fades in and out, especially watching it at home.  He'll watch some of it at home, mainly just comes running in the room if we cheer that the Preds scored so he can sing the "I like it, I love it" song. But he's slowly becoming a bigger and bigger fan, too.

I'm sure you'll get to experience it with your kids, too.  It's incredible. 

 

[Spin]

I used to be 100% NFL, but over the last few years, especially the last two, it's more of a 50/50 between NHL and NFL for my "favorite" sport to watch.  It's probably leaning more towards hockey now, as the NHL playoffs are amazing.  I watch every game that I can, even non-Pred's games.

NFL: 49ers fan.  I'll watch every game, and go to at least one in person.  Tennessee didn't have a team, and got hooked on the 9ers.  Titans are my 1b.  I hope my kids become Titans fans, as there's something awesome about being a fan of the home team, and getting to go to the games. 

NHL: Preds all the way.  Season ticket holder, and watch every game.  Easily my favorite sport atm, mainly because of my post above, but my son is obsessed, and my wife is a big fan, too.  

NBA: I liked the Lakers when Kobe was there, mainly cause I started collecting cards in 5th grade, and my first rookie card I pulled was a Kobe Bryant card.  I rarely follow the NBA anymore, though.  Might have watched an hour of the finals all together.

MLB: Just can't get into it.

 

[-OZ-]

I care about the Titans and my Jayhawks (obviously college). Otherwise not so much although hockey is fun to watch. 

 

[-OZ-]

I used to be 100% NFL, but over the last few years, especially the last two, it's more of a 50/50 between NHL and NFL for my "favorite" sport to watch.  It's probably leaning more towards hockey now, as the NHL playoffs are amazing.  I watch every game that I can, even non-Pred's games.

NFL: 49ers fan.  I'll watch every game, and go to at least one in person.  Tennessee didn't have a team, and got hooked on the 9ers.  Titans are my 1b.  I hope my kids become Titans fans, as there's something awesome about being a fan of the home team, and getting to go to the games. 

NHL: Preds all the way.  Season ticket holder, and watch every game.  Easily my favorite sport atm, mainly because of my post above, but my son is obsessed, and my wife is a big fan, too.  

NBA: I liked the Lakers when Kobe was there, mainly cause I started collecting cards in 5th grade, and my first rookie card I pulled was a Kobe Bryant card.  I rarely follow the NBA anymore, though.  Might have watched an hour of the finals all together.

MLB: Just can't get into it.

Mariota should help here. 

 

[GregR]

Some people behave like football is a matter of life and death.

I assure you, it's much more important than that.

 

[MAC_32]

Yes, but not nearly as much as 10-20 years ago. I still have a hard time rallying after Sep/Oct Detroit Tigers and Michigan football loses. Hopefully lump the Browns back in there some day, but let's be real. 

 

[captain_amazing]

I'm a Pats fan, so I'm already celebrating the 2017 season and looking at the 2018 season.  

 

[DallasDMac]

MLB - Used to love it. Lost interest after the strike season and never went back. CLEV and HOU fan, so I will check the standings on Sunday since they are doing well. But I haven't watched an inning of a game in years.

NFL - Occassional background noise. But for the most part, have way better things to do with my Sundays (and Mondays, and holidays, and Thursdays, and....) Went from all day in front of the TV as a young 'un to probably watching less than 8 quarters total last year. Being a CLEV and WASH fan hasn't helped. But can't stand the delays for replays, never-ending commercial breaks, etc.

NBA - Big Spurs fan. But watch less and less. The "buy a ring" circus the league has become (thanks LeBron and Kevin) has pretty much killed it for me and the wife. When you know the final contestants before the season tips off, it seems pretty pointless. And yes, deep down, we went in to last season thinking exactly two teams had a shot. We were right. That's ludicrous, and I can't see how it doesn't kill viewership. Bigger bandwagons I guess.

NHL and Soccer -  Don't care, don't watch.

So I would say, over the past 20 years, my sports viewership has dropped 80%-90% or so.