How Fun is (or isn't) That?

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I know that most of you are in some way, in some sport, a fan.  But if not, I think you can understand my point in this post.

I remember that as a kid, my Dad took me to Shea Stadium to watch baseball.  Later, I made a pretty good habit to take my family to Dodger Stadium, and the Rose Bowl,  Later, I attended the summer games during the LA Olympics, football and dirt track racing at the L.A. Colosseum, and horse racing at Santa Anita and auto racing in Pomona, CA.  And all were Fun Times.

But today, these events seem different to me.  Some I continue to attend at the venue, while others I watch on TV at home, or with friends at their house or in a public setting. And for the most part, the atmosphere is the same.

Noe days it seems fans arrive  prior to game for tailgating parties dressed in bizarre ways from ridiculous make up, to bizarre wigs and clothing (or lack of clothing.)  For many, theses fan leave home with the intention of acting like a fool, getting drunk, or provoking a fight with opposing fans.  And once at the venue they do exactly that.  For hours, the suds flow freely, conduct grows increasingly obscene, and tensions grow.

A few days ago, my wife and I visited Levi Stadium near San Francisco to see  a college football conference championship game.  What a thrill it was for us to see a live game of that caliber.  Kind of equivalent to seeing a divisional playoff at Dodge stadium, I guess.

The first clue that things were going to be different for us came as we were leaving the motel for the game.  We noticed a group of guys dressed in their quacky game attire enter a van in the parking lot. The driver blew into a breathalizer tube connected to the ignition to get it to start while the others in the van were guzzling beer as if there were no tomorrow.

Then a $35 parking fee gave access to the tailgaters.  Making our way through the drunken crowds, we reached the entrance to the stadium.  Following a TSA style search, were were rejected and forced to return to our car to off load 2 bottled waters, and my wife's purse as only clear carrying bags were allowed.  But eventually were made it inside and found our seats.

Soon we realized the era of visiting a ball park with your family, having a great time with tickets, food and drink for under $100 are over.  Beyond our travel, and inflated lodging and ticketing expenses came the reality of $12 draft beer, $5 bottled water (8oz.) restaurants for backyard bbq style food.

As the game progressed, the fans became drank even more and grew increasingly obnoxious. Screams of "Kill him!" were routine during tackles.  No one remained, so the stadium,s big screen was my only way to see most of the games.  Fans screamed so loudly that the noise pierced through the Harley Davidson ear plugs I wore.  Tensions rose between opposing fans and fights began.  And soon the thrilling experience I expected to enjoy was gone.

I guess I can only blame the change of American culture throughout our country for what happened there, that day.  Like places elsewhere in the world were will soon be lynching referees over a disputed calls.  We already have fans being murdered by other fans, and football players trying to hurt one another severely.

So are we headed thee?  No me.  Because I'll watch the game on TV.  How fun is that!  Go Ducks!!
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