Fan Fantasies
Millions of fans across the world watch the sports games they cherish the most, some fanatics do not even miss a single game, and own all sorts of merchandises related to their favourite team or player.
Each year fans celebrate with their favourite team’s wins and losses with equal emotion as they pledge allegiance in defending their team through thick and thin. Through this stage some develop fantasies which they could only dream of and some fortunate ones actually get to live it. It could be from catching a cricket ball to getting a chance to play with their favourite athlete. Here is a list of a few things that a fan would take without any second thoughts:
To sing the national anthem:
It’s been a dream many had to sing their national anthem on a famous sporting event, getting live coverage on national TV who wouldn’t want that? From some famous celebrities like Colbie Cailat and Chris Brown to those who can’t wait to be discovered, have been given a chance to sing the National Anthem at big American sporting events like the MLB and NFL. Although an advice would be to actually sing instead of screaming like Roseanne Barr the comedienne did at 1990 baseball game, on the contrary unless you want to be a hit on YouTube.
To take half-court shot:
Every basketball enthusiast has this on his mind; I hope I get to take the Half-court shot. Even basketball players have a dream of making the half-court shot at the buzzer. Last year a man named John Schnatter was chosen out of the crowd to take the half-court shot, which ended into a good night for the man as the ball passed right through the net smoothly leaving the crowd to cheer louder than they did for their favourite team during the match. The same very shot turned into a Papa John’s pizza commercial later.
To drop the puck on ice:
This next fantasy is unlike what happens in basketball or any other game, dropping the puck. Dropping the puck has become a trend in ice hockey and is done after every break. It is especially highlighted during the playoffs as cameras are all over the court. Thanks to the National Hockey League this fantasy has been turned into reality and die-hard fans over the years have been able live it. Nothing could be better than going on the court meeting your favourite team’s centre.
To Come on national TV:
Get hold of an interesting poster, or dress up as if it was Halloween, that’s the best way to gravitate Cameras towards you. It’s a moment any fan would love to go through. Each year lots of fans get to see themselves on the stadiums big screen, making it their most narcissistic moment “Look Mom, I’m on T.V”.
To catch the ball:
Be it cricket, football, baseball, every fans dream is to catch a six, homerun or when the footballer kicks the ball out of limits. Luckily for some fans in a few sports some athletes give their equipment to their fans at the end of their triumphant game. However just make sure you catch the ball when it’s out of bounds. In 2003 a fan named Steve Bartman tried catching Luis Castillo’s foul ball during game six and was later thrown out of the stadium.
Seat upgrade:For any diehard fan is like heaven brought to them on earth. Since most people can’t afford lower level seats at big games unlike big sponsors and celebrities, The MLB has started giving a chance to fans every year by randomly selecting one or two people out of the crowd and presenting them with seats right next to the pitch. Less than a month ago a girl was given a seat amongst Founder’s Club seats, which is right next to the field, in a game between Tampa Bay Rays vs. Florida Marlins.
To meet their favourite athlete:
Last but not the least when a fan gets the honour of meeting their favourite player . Every year fans campout the stadium before and after the game hoping their favourite athlete would walk past them. Fans also pay money at the memorabilia convention to meet their beloved players. For some this fantasy is larger than life.
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