by Lundberg - May 21, 2010 - - 2 Comments »
Major League Baseball attendance is down for 20 teams in the league. Many small market NBA teams are struggling to fill out arenas. The economy has a lot to do with this, yes, but there is another major factor. It can simply be more enjoyable to watch a game at home.
With the advent of better and better technology and picture quality, sports on television has never been better. HD makes the old school viewing style its bitch. And I, like many people, now wonder, why should I pay to go to a game? You have to travel, deal with trains or traffic, sit in mediocre seats (unless you’re a baller), and eat overpriced and gross food. I’d rather eat my pubic hair than most stadium food. And my pubic hair doesn’t cost twenty dollars.
Also, if you are really interested in watching every aspect of the game, TV provides the best opportunity to do so. At the game you may have an obstructed view and you don’t get a clear explanation on what is taking place in certain situations (where a ball is placed, a foul call, etc.). At home you can sit in comfort, come and go as you please and benefit from the expanded coverage you get from major network broadcasts.
Don’t get me wrong, going to a game can still be a fun experience. Something to do with your buddies every now and again. And there is also nothing like catching a special athlete and environment in person. I have a Knicks credential, do you think I’m not in the Garden when LeBron or Kobe is in town? It’s also impossible to replicate the feeling of an arena shaking and coming together as one. But when you weigh out all the factors, TV comes out on top. Fairly easily.
Don’t agree with me? Then why do the two most recent and top notch stadiums (Cowboys and Yankees) feature giant HD television screens. Even when you’re at the game, it’s sometimes better to watch it on TV.
I think it depends on which sport we’re talking about- baseball i absolutely love live. There’s nothing better than going to a day game midweek and skipping out on work a little early, if you ask me. But, say, football, I have absolutely no interest in seeing live. Basketball and Hockey are also great live, but not always worth the price. I can go to a baseball game at Citi Field for 10 bucks and hang out on the field level and see the game.
agreed 100% ive been invited to like 5 yankee games this season and declined everytime simply cuz i dont feel like making the trip from suffolk county