Essay Example on The NFL: Nourishing Fans Live

NFL football games are best experienced when fans attend them in person, as the environment of live events promotes enjoyment to a greater degree in comparison to watching games at home. When viewers watch their favorite franchise on television there comes disadvantages such as having to sit through commercials. Acts of disengagement similar to or including intermissions incline fans to direct their attention to other forms of entertainment, implying the showing is no longer enjoyable. However, when present at live football games, fans are immersed in a like-minded community in which people can collectively appreciate the event on a larger scale and enjoy a more captivating experience. In-person games encourage engagement and therefore increase enjoyment as a result of a greater number of viewers, various stadium events, and through charitable offerings. 

An increase in fans at a live NFL game improves the enjoyment of the event for individuals. Fans bond with more people and share experiences over the football game in ways that cannot be done at home. Even if a fan were to host a viewing party, the amount of people that may attend is incomparable to the number of fans at an NFL game: “Most NFL stadiums hold at least 60,000 fans and some even hold over 100,000 fans. When you get that amount of people together rooting for the same team, the noise can be indescribable. When the home team makes a big play, the crowd noise can really get your adrenaline pumping” (“Are NFL Games Fun To Go To? (Tips for First NFL Game)”). Energy from the large crowd creates an inviting atmosphere. Although strangers, fans in the stadium share a connection of pride and aspiration for their favorite team to win. The spirit of fans is at an all-time high as viewers make sure to show immense support for their team. A football viewer recounts the attire of other fans who attended a game: “[Fans had] extravagant [costumes] [see figure 1], and full families in matching coloured outfits. My favourite was a Vikings fan in a sharp all-purple suit, purple glasses and a gold [tie]” (Jones). The vast amount of fans at an NFL event not only allow people to engage with the game but also allow people to engage with each other through a remarkable experience resulting from energetic and decorated fans. Games become more enjoyable when watching with a larger group of people who all share the same love for football. 

In-person games offer a wide variety of stadium events which help attendees appreciate their experience more. Fans have the opportunity to learn about their favorite players as well as the football venues. The majority of NFL stadiums host daily tours for their fans: “The first part of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium tour we explored the main seating area, the luxury suites, and the bars that are for standing room only tickets… They had a couple of jerseys that you could use to take photos inside the Dallas Cowboys locker room [see figure 2]” (Anisa). Tours allow observers to consider the stadium from a player’s perspective, deepening the connection between the player and the fan. Besides tours, fans can also meet football players at stadiums: “The Star Sports Tours Player Meet & Greet is your chance to meet current Dallas Cowboys players. Make sure you bring your favorite jersey, hat or football to get autographs and don’t forget your camera, so you can capture this once in a lifetime event and share it with all of your friends” (“Dallas Cowboys Player Meet and Greet”). When it comes to attending football games, viewers who splurge on stadium events enjoy a much more memorable experience. Having the ability to take pictures, get autographs, and engage in conversation with celebrities of the sports world is not only exciting but truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Tours and meet-and-greets enhance a fan’s level of enjoyment which would not be possible if one were to watch the game at home. 

Stadium football games also offer viewers the chance to participate in charity events, making their experience more rewarding. Fans have the ability to engage with sponsors to enter raffles and support notable organizations. The Salvation Army is one of the organizations partnered with the NFL to help fans engage in this fundraising: “50/50 raffle tickets are sold during each home game, and a drawing is held at the beginning of the 4th quarter to determine which lucky fan gets to split the total jackpot for that game with The Salvation Army! [These donations are used toward] food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children's programs” (“50/50 Raffle”). Apart from The Salvation Army fundraisers, the NFL also helps grant youth fans their wishes [see figure 3]: “Make-A-Wish® is making history by granting a record 19 wishes at Super Bowl LIV… The kids, who are all facing critical illnesses, will experience a life-changing, football-fueled weekend thanks to the generous donations of individuals and corporate supporters, including the National Football League (NFL)” (“Make A Wish celebrates at Super Bowl LIV”). In-person football games engage with the youth and audience to join a good cause. As a live viewer, charitable efforts made by the NFL and their sponsors lift spirits and promote joy. Football games are a great experience for the ailing youth, whose dreams come true, and for the donors who can see their impact in real-time. Fans walk away with a deep sense of gratitude and generosity, which would not be gained while watching a football game from home. 

Football games are best experienced when fans attend them in person, as the atmosphere of live events promotes enjoyment more so than watching the games at home. Fans have the opportunity to engage with each other as the amount of attendees increases, connect with current players through meet-and-greets for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as well as collaborate with the NFL directly while donating on acts of goodwill. The captivation of NFL stadium games provides the audience with a much more memorable experience which is incomparable to viewing televised games. Stadium attendees do not have to sit through commercials, watch games by their lonesome, or experience a lackluster atmosphere. The level of engagement with the audience at a live football game produces the greatest amount of enjoyment for fans.