Why Bother?
Andy Buss
Issue date: 9/24/09 Section: Sports
I traveled 14 hours in my Buick Regal. I spent almost 300 U.S. dollars on the ticket, gas and food. I woke up at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning just to arrive early enough to "soak in" the pregame ambience. I waited in line at the pro shop only to spend more American currency on a souvenir sweatshirt. I did my part. My beloved Packers would do theirs-no doubt in my mind. Everything was green, gold and beautiful. Lambeau Field shone in all its glory and the fans were as passionate as ever. It was the ideal setting for the perfect memory. The absolute last thing I was afraid of was the Cincinnati Bengals, the downtrodden, 20-year laughing stock of the NFL. Oops.
Somehow, Green Bay came out and played like Detroit. Somehow the Cincinnati came out and… well, won. It was beyond disappointing. The tight finish and idiotic penalty that threw the game away for the Pack didn't help. I was in disbelief, shocked, devastated.
But, despite my vows to never watch football again and exclamations of bankruptcy immediately following the game, never was I regretful.
Why? What is it that empties our bank accounts, snatches our voices, tugs on our heartstrings, inevitably lets us down and always leaves us wanting more? Fandom. Not "phantom"-though its attributes are similar. We can't explain it. It's abstract but very real. And if you've ever been to Lambeau, or any other classic venue, and experienced the over-zealous drunkard behind you, you know it can be spooky. Fandom is special. Not everyone has it or even understands it. Maybe no one understands it. Especially after this past weekend, I sure can't. But I do know I wouldn't give it up for the world.
My childhood is measured by great Packer moments: Favre's first game, the signing of Reggie White and, of course, Super Bowl XXXI. I can't imagine looking back at my youth without those memorable instances of elation.
This is all not to mention the role fandom plays in relationships. My dad, my grandpa, my cousins, my uncles-we all share a deep love of Wisconsin sports teams. That love gives us conversations, fun, countless memories and epic debates. Of course our family would get along just fine without the Packers and Badgers, but… well, we'd rather not have to cross that bridge.
The bottom line is fandom is worth it. It's worth the slight, short bouts of depression, the occasional lightening of the wallet and definitely worth the 14-hour drives. When it all comes together and your team lobs the hail Mary deep to win at the last second or wins game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals in sudden-death overtime, all is forgiven and forgotten. My suggestion to you all is grab a team and hold on tight. It's a wild ride.
Somehow, Green Bay came out and played like Detroit. Somehow the Cincinnati came out and… well, won. It was beyond disappointing. The tight finish and idiotic penalty that threw the game away for the Pack didn't help. I was in disbelief, shocked, devastated.
But, despite my vows to never watch football again and exclamations of bankruptcy immediately following the game, never was I regretful.
Why? What is it that empties our bank accounts, snatches our voices, tugs on our heartstrings, inevitably lets us down and always leaves us wanting more? Fandom. Not "phantom"-though its attributes are similar. We can't explain it. It's abstract but very real. And if you've ever been to Lambeau, or any other classic venue, and experienced the over-zealous drunkard behind you, you know it can be spooky. Fandom is special. Not everyone has it or even understands it. Maybe no one understands it. Especially after this past weekend, I sure can't. But I do know I wouldn't give it up for the world.
My childhood is measured by great Packer moments: Favre's first game, the signing of Reggie White and, of course, Super Bowl XXXI. I can't imagine looking back at my youth without those memorable instances of elation.
This is all not to mention the role fandom plays in relationships. My dad, my grandpa, my cousins, my uncles-we all share a deep love of Wisconsin sports teams. That love gives us conversations, fun, countless memories and epic debates. Of course our family would get along just fine without the Packers and Badgers, but… well, we'd rather not have to cross that bridge.
The bottom line is fandom is worth it. It's worth the slight, short bouts of depression, the occasional lightening of the wallet and definitely worth the 14-hour drives. When it all comes together and your team lobs the hail Mary deep to win at the last second or wins game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals in sudden-death overtime, all is forgiven and forgotten. My suggestion to you all is grab a team and hold on tight. It's a wild ride.
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