A Life Without Fans

 A Life Without Fans

    Covid-19 has effected the world in a multitude of ways, but the most significant hit that it took on students from this class is the world of sports. By now, we have all seen a game or at least watched highlights of a sporting event without fans. 

    It's weird.

    Fans add a whole different element to the world of sports creating the atmosphere that the players enjoy so much. The momentum that comes from the roar of a crowd after a big goal or a late-game touchdown is like no other. It may not be something that you notice all the time, but during the pandemic the affect that fans have on games has become much more apparent.

    Now instead of relying on their home town fans, teams are expected to bring their own energy. As a player myself I can promise you that can be very difficult at times. I imagine inter-squad scrimmages being a similar type of energy. A high level of competition, but it can be difficult to rally your team back when down a few goals.

    Though it can be argued that NHL games and NBA games were just as exciting this year as any other, that's impossible to say for college sports. These big organizations have a ton of money that they were able to put into their bubbled arenas to make the atmospheres unique. 

    The NBA had fans present virtually which made it more exciting. Also, both the NBA and NHL had fake fan noise to make it seem more normal.

    The issue here is that most low level college teams do not have the resources to do things like this. So, how normal will college sports like lacrosse and soccer look and sound? It is really hard to say, but likely very silent.

    Who knows what will happen going into the spring season, but lets hope HPU can have fans present.