Born and raised in Wisconsin, I have always been a big fan of all Wisconsin sports team, especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Now that I’m in college in Chicago, it's been an unusual experience being constantly surrounded by Bears and Cubs fans. Here are a few signs you know you are a sports fan living in rival territory.
1. When you meet someone who is also a fan of your team, you instantly become best friends
Something else to look forward to: meeting someone who supports another rival team to the new city
you now live in and bonding over your mutual hatred for the local team. (Shout-out
to St. Louis Cardinals fans.)
2. If you are wearing your team’s gear, and you see someone else also in your team’s sports apparel, you will often give each other the nod or give a cheer
For me, hearing “Go Pack Go!” on game day from a stranger gets me even more pumped for the game.
3. Or the opposite might happen where you and the stranger in rival colors stare each other down
True story: Two of my older sisters, who are also Packers fans living in Chicago, were wearing their Packers jerseys on game day, tried to get on a bus only for the bus driver to open the doors, look at them, shake his head no, close the doors, and then drive away.
4. You miss seeing people in you team’s colors on game day
Instead, you get sick of seeing your rivals’ colors and flags everywhere you go, even in stores (I’m talking about you, Trader Joe’s).
5. You miss being able to talk to anyone about the game, and they would understand and share your feelings on the outcome
After a tough loss or an exciting win, you miss being able to wallow or celebrate with fellow fans.
6. You are used to rude remarks or comments from strangers wherever you are if you’re wearing your team’s colors
This experience is even more hyped when your team is playing the local team.
7. If your team loses, your friends who know you’re a fan of them will constantly bring it up and rub it in your face
This is especially bad if they are fans of your rivals.
8. Having to find a place to watch the game, because local TV stations don’t always show the games
If you live in a smaller town, you will have an even more difficult time finding a bar that supports your team and shows all their games.
9. Despite these hardships, nothing will ever change your love for your team
No one can convince you to change sides, and though you love your team, you also love your new city.
