Hello, my fellow bandwagon sports fans! It's alright... I'm right there with you. It's about time we stop feeling left out of all the fun and start pretending to know what we're talking about! Here is your step-by-step guide to finally becoming a part of the sports community:
1. Do your research. Know your stuff.
If you're running into the problem where you absolutely cannot understand the game in itself, do some research! Look up local sports teams and their stats, as well as the popular teams across the nation. Understanding the simple logistics of the game will help in those intimidating one-on-one confrontations about the sport.
Knowing the "big names" of sports will also improve your confidence level when you attend your next watch party. For example, the NBA Finals are this week. LeBron James and Steph Curry are two names that are drilled into everyone's brains. Know the players, who they play for and why they are so popular.
2. Pick your favorites.
Now that you've done your research and have gained knowledge on the sport and its MVPs, you can pick your favorites. The safe bet is to stick close to home and side with the majority of your peers. As a bandwagon fan, it's more fun this way anyways. Fan merchandise will always be available for the home city teams and, well, people simply won't judge you for rooting for the competition. Even better: you can avoid arguments on sports topics you really know nothing about! Trust me on this one... pick the safe side.
3. Buy your sport gear.
Oh, the best part! Sports gear. The more merchandise you have, the more you look like you've been a fan all along. Again, by picking a home team to root for you can typically find fan clothing, etc., at any Wal-Mart, Target, or drug store closest to home. Convenient, eh? Stack up on t-shirts, hoodies, hats and even ridiculous fan boxers! Find jerseys with your 'new fav' players on them and wear them on days the team is playing.
When you're out and about with friends or family, wearing your sports gear can come in handy. Whether you're at the beach, mall or the park, someone else is bound to be wearing a similar t-shirt or jersey to yours. Give them a shoutout! Better yet, they may give you one. What better way to feel a part of something than a stranger giving you a high five for your choice in team?
4. Social media is your friend. Best friend.
It's time to let your followers know that you are totally excited to watch the game tonight. Post a picture with your friends in your newly bought sports attire on Instagram. Use the caption to root for your team... "Go Cavs!" Announce on Twitter your overwhelming excitement, and then retweet as many tweets regarding the game that you can. During the game, you can use your recently obtained knowledge to tweet or FaceBook updates on how you're feeling about players, points, injuries, etc. Use social media to your benefit. Eventually people will just assume you've been a fan all along and won't question your loyalty to the sport.
5. Get excited!
If you take the steps listed above seriously, you are ready to be the ultimate (bandwagon) sports fan! Now it's time to watch the game with as much enthusiasm as your dad does. Scream at the TV, cuss out the players on the opposing teams and cheer when your team scores! Wear your sports pride on your sleeves (literally) and watch with utmost zeal.
You're now equipped enough to attend your friends' watch parties or even throw some of your own. Buy some chips and beer and invite your closest sports pals over to watch the big game.
But remember... you really aren't fooling anybody but yourself. Embrace your bandwagon-ness and entertain your friends with your attempts to understand what the hell is going on on the court. Keep trying!
Go Cavs!
