Sporting events: America's favorite pastime. Whether it is watching the game at home, in a bar, or even attending the event itself, sports possess this certain ability to bring out the inner child in many fanatics. Like a child, you are filled with excitement when your favorite team excels during the season and you are devastated when they miss the game-winning goal; one could liken this disappointment to a kid finding out that there is no such thing as Santa Claus. Sorry if I just ruined your childhood, but in all honesty, why do Americans have such an obsession with sports? And I'm not just talking about football; soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, and heck, even NASCAR; the list is endless.

The big question is why. Why do you take the time to watch other people throw a ball around a field or hurl themselves down a ski slope? Why do you congregate with others in a crowded bar, the frigid cold, or the sweltering heat for hours on end to only watch the sport? Why?

Now, it may seem like I am criticizing the whole notion of sports and their respective fans, but that is incorrect. I grew up watching football every weekend; college football on Saturdays and professional football on Sundays after church. We would always and even still do, have mini family tailgates around our kitchen table with all our favorite food. We attended many college football games and partook in the traditional pregame activities. During the Olympics, we recorded all of our favorite events just so we wouldn't miss a single dive, sprint, or ski jump. As a member of my university's marching band program, I attend football games and basketball games frequently. So like I said, I'm not criticizing the concept of playing a sport or being an energetic spectator. I am only posing the question: why are you a sports fan?

Humans have a innate desire to feel as though we belong. Whether that "belonging" is in one's family, friend group, team, or even social status, there is a great longing for continuity and seamless belonging. Being a sports fan allows one to be a part of something that is bigger than themselves. They are drawn to the idea of sharing the same interests and hobbies with others and do so by rooting for the same team. They feel as though they belong. Some are sports fans because they love watching the game. They obtain joy when they watch someone accomplish something great, whether that's completing a difficult bar routine or hitting a game-winning home run.

I personally love watching amazing athletes achieve their dream. Their joy and happiness is contagious and their love of their sport is clearly seen in their hard work and dedication. So I ask the question again. Why are you a sports fan? In addition: why do you watch the sport or sports that you do? What is your favorite part of the game? Take some time to think about these questions; I found my own answers quite interesting.