The Monday Mommy: Hey NFL, Why Should I Get Off My Couch?
“Technology aside, today’s world is a more comfortable one. People’s living rooms and man caves have gotten so cushy and ample that it’s tough to leave it for the confines of a stadium.”
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I grew up loving the NFL stadium experience. My father was a Miami Dolphin original season ticket holder and still remains one to this day. My childhood memories include countless Sundays spent at the old Orange Bowl screaming our heads off and loving every minute of it.
I used to revel in the feeling I would get while at a game: the sounds, the smells and yes, even the wave. To be fair, I was a kid, the wave is awesome when you’re eight. In the interest of full disclosure, I was petrified of the fights. There used to be so many drunken yahoos going to blows and as a young kid I just didn’t comprehend it and was worried someone was going to punch my dad.
Idiots aside, going to Dolphin games was something I looked forward to every season and cherished as amazing quality time spent with my dad and sister. The majority of our section was made up of season ticket holders and remained the same folks year after year: a football family of sorts.
I am not so sure that same feeling exists in today’s NFL stadium. While it is a different era and the world has changed, it still saddens me that my son and the next generation of football fans may not have the same experience.
For one, the NFL has made it more difficult to get off our own couches and go to live games. Prices are astronomical, with a family of four having to practically take out a second mortgage for admission and a trip to the concession stand.
The widespread availability of HD and 3D television is a tough competitor as well. Being able to see the blades of grass move with each step on a play trumps the view from one’s binoculars every single time. The new technology in Sports Authority Field is at least making an attempt to combat the replay issues; however there is always a better shot of that big hit or awful penalty call from your own television.
I wrote an article about the new NFL bag policy earlier this summer on this site, so I won’t go too much into detail here, however it does need to be mentioned. The fact that people can no longer bring in their personal belongings unless it is contained in a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag no larger than 12”x 6”x12” is a pretty big deterrent for some. Families with young children might opt to stay home rather than try to get everything they need for the day into the NFL’s ridiculous bag parameters.
Technology aside, today’s world is a more comfortable one. People’s living rooms and man caves have gotten so cushy and ample that it’s tough to leave it for the confines of a stadium. Dealing with the restrooms alone is a reason to stay put. Not only is there a minimal line at your own home, but cleanliness is also a factor. Say you don’t want to miss a play; the ability to pull the game up on the ol’ Smartphone and bring it with you to the bathroom can be done with ease. At the stadium, you risk your phone touching something vile or god forbid it falling into a urinal or even the floor.
People’s culinary needs have changed with the times as well. We are no longer satisfied paying $12 for a crappy burger when we can have a full spread of snacks and main dishes at our disposal. Being able to fire up the grill at half time or throw something into the oven on a commercial break is a huge advantage over the stadium’s dining options. While some stadiums have stepped up the level and quality of food offered, having your own kitchen still wins.
The recent crackdown of on-field celebrations takes away from the game experience as well. If the Broncos are no longer allowed to do the Mile-High Salute after a touchdown, some of the fun of being there has been taken away. Without sack dances and revelry after a big play, it limits the fans involvement in the experience of being there. What’s next, banning IN-COM-PLETE?
Some have taken to calling the NFL the No Fun League in recent years. While I do disagree with that term and still love the game as much as I did as a kid, it is going to take some changes on their part to get me back to the stadium as a fan.
I love my NFL ticket, my bathroom and my kitchen too much to give it up for the live experience.
