I was looking around on my Google Drive the other day, and came across a document that has all of the events I attended. Call it a virtual ticket keeper if you will. See, I like to document the places I've been and the seats I've sat in. Since 2013, I have spent over $1300 attending WWE, MLB, and NCAA events. I've been to 4 collegiate football games, 2 MLB games, over 15 WWE events, a concert, a Broadway play, theme parks, and numerous NCAA basketball games. I always hear people telling me that I am wasting money. Now often times I hear people ask me how I afford this. I am a full time student only working part time, and most of these events I have been at are 2+ hours away from the starting destination. I always say, "Where there is a will, there is a way." I have always found a way to attend that event that I want to attend, with the exception of WWE Wrestlemania because traveling 10+ hours is something that I do call unrealistic.
This has actually been proven. A study by Harris Group found that 72 percent of millennials prefer to spend more money on experiences than on material things. Millennials view ownership differently than previous generations did. While young adults have traditionally placed high value in a car and home, many are now seeing them as major commitments. The trend predates millennials but is accelerating: Since 1987, Harris group found that the share of consumer spending on live experiences and events relative to total U.S. consumer spending increased 70 percent. I have compiled 2 big reasons why I feel that experiences are better than things.
1. Time
That car I want? It will be there tomorrow. The event won't. Sure, I can watch in on replay or TV after the fact, but the chance to relive an upset like #2 Ohio State losing to Penn State in Happy Valley (I was there!) is never there. The fact that I can always purchase that car next month means it can wait.
2. Happiness
It has always been a saying to do what makes you happy. I do just that. I just made the decision last week to attend a WWE RAW event in Buffalo that is 2 weeks away. Ticket prices are reasonable and I have also been wanting to revisit Niagara Falls prior to the show. The feeling of joy I get when sitting in the arena surrounded by 10,000+ fellow fans is something that many people will not understand. The large crowd scene is something that I have always been very fond of.
Now I completely understand that some people have a big difference of opinion. Many people have a bucket list of cars they want to own, while some like me have a bucket list of things they want to do. Seeing the Oklahoma City Thunder play in person, and watching the Miami Dolphins in person are the top 2 on my list. I expect to fulfill the Penguins hockey game this year. To me, it isn't about having enough money to do it. I will find a way to make it work even after breaking my bank. There is always that friend, seller, or website that will give you a deal that you cannot pass up. As I approach graduation in the coming months, the time I have to do these things may very quickly dwindle. Adult life sets in, and bills come in the mail. I am taking every chance I have now to do these things with the goal of being able to continue this list my whole life!
