Sport in society has long been an outlet for those of us who feel like blowing off some steam and feeling the sweet nectar of victory, as well as the agony of defeat. Sport has ingrained itself into our culture like no other activity in history. Ever since the first games were played in the ancient Greek or Mayan civilizations sport has been revered above almost all other leisure activities. In America baseball used to dominate the headlines, but football has slowly crept up in its blindspot. Though baseball will probably never be beaten in overall attendance with the amount of games played, football has created more customs and traditions than almost any sport in the U.S.
Tailgating is one of the most well known traditions associated with football. The act of going to a game early and preparing a spot to relax and eat and drink with friends and family in preparation for the big game is a classic example of an activity that was born of sport.
Sport also builds a sense of community within the cities they play. The Indianapolis Colts have created a sense of community that I touched on in my last blog with their charitable work and appearances around the city. Just the sight of a player in a restaurant or the autograph after a game can make the day of the diehard fan. I am reminded of when the Colts won the Super Bowl in 2006, and though it was a blistery -10 with the wind chill the day of thousands of people came out and supported their team with a parade around the city (myself included.) To me that is sport: devotion and desire.
