Sports in the States: when the show beats the game

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Something to do when you are in the US, whether it is for a longer time or not, is going to a sports game. Because going to 'a game' in the States is quite the experience. Not only do they have plenty of sports to choose from, they also make everything highly entertaining. When the game stops for an injured player, a time out, or some other reason, the show must still go on. From shooting a sequence for 'America's got Talent' at the New York Knicks game, to visitors winning thousands of dollars at the Coyotes half time show. It just never gets boring. Well, unless you are watching FC Tucson play soccer against Phoenix Rising. Let's just say that their 'hooligans' were the best part of the whole evening (they call themselves the 'Cactus Pricks'!!).

Talking about fans: they basically all support their team like we do in Europe. People wear the team shirts, caps and flags, and they boo when the referee makes a stupid decision. But still it's a whole different kind of cheering. Because the fans don't fight when their team looses or call each other names, they don't ruin ancient fountains in Rome, or vandalize city centers. Yes, there is a little bit of yelling and some angry faces, but in the end the best team wins and they respect that. When the other team scores a beautiful goal, it is okay to show your appreciation.

It all starts with having to sing the national anthem together before every game. Something I found a little weird at first and really have to get used to still. I just can't imagine my local soccer club back in Europe playing the rival town, only after singing the national anthem. It seems overly nationalistic. Especially when they also bring in not only the national flag, but also the flags of the different branches of the military. And only after they bring the soldiers present a salute, the game can start. As a foreigner this seems out of place. But important here is that they stand united for a second, and that is exactly what we lack in Europe when it comes to sports.

Then back to the show. The fun and games during the breaks of the different events, where people can sometimes win a lot of money, are always something to look forward too. And let me tell you, they do have a lot of those. Playing football, for example, means kicking the ball once and then calling for a time-out. So they have time to fill, and they are good at that!

A couple of years ago we were at the New York Knicks basketball game, and they filmed a scene of the tv show 'America's got talent' during half time. Followed by a challenge to win a thousand dollars cash or a brand new car. Like it's nothing. And for a moment you forget you are actually there to watch a basketball game. Another example of where the show beats the game is the famous Superbowl Halftime Show, where the biggest stars in music perform each year, millions of americans watching for just that. It's not about the football anymore (boring anyway), it's about the performance of the year. A live rock band performed during a break of the ice hockey game of the Arizona Coyotes, and they were throwing 'Domino's for life' giftcards in the audience (I prefer the cash, really). Then let's not forget the infamous kiss cam, where two people sitting next to each other are encouraged to kiss (can be extremely awkward entertainment), the who-is-only-watching-his-phone-and-not-noticing-that-his-face-is-on-the-big-screen-cam and last, but not least, the where-is-that-celebrity-sitting-cam (my favorite). But there is also the little kids playing a short match during the FC Tucson break, and people in weird costumes having to run around the field. Everything for a good show.

And when it actually comes down to the sport itself? To my surprise, I found the ice hockey games of the Arizona Coyotes the most fun to attend. It is a game at a high pace, without the hundred-something breaks they have during football. It is also a slightly aggressive, which makes it fun to watch. I know, that sounds wrong. But eh, who said aggression in sports can't be entertaining either?