It’s playoff season in the NBA and NHL, and the passion of those fans whose team qualified for the postseason has escalated into the stratosphere. The roar of the crowd, the sea of team colors, the elaborate costumes – for those outside the fervent world of die-hard sports fans, the intensity surrounding the major professional leagues, especially at playoff time, can seem, well, a little over the top. We understand the jerseys, caps, and hoodies as a subtle nod of support. But the painted face and all exposed skin, the dyed hair in the team colors, the Stanley Cup or slab of cheese perched precariously as a hat – this level of dedication often raises the question: what drives this seemingly all-consuming devotion in otherwise rational adults? After all, it’s only a game.
Although its original meaning is obscure and debatable “fan” is, according to many historians, rooted in “fanatic,” and religious zealots were saddled with this pejorative. It is this connection that offers insight when talking about faithful followers of “My team.” For these individuals, their chosen team transcends mere entertainment; it becomes deeply intertwined with their sense of identity and a feeling of belonging. Social Identity Theory provides a powerful framework for understanding this phenomenon. Humans derive a big part of their identity from the groups they identify with. For the intensely devoted fan, their team becomes a pillar of their public persona. The team’s triumphs are their triumphs, their defeats are felt with a personal sting, with the occasional “Fire the coach; he’s lost the room” during a lengthy slump. Donning team colors, engaging in rituals, and passionately supporting their players is a visible declaration of this deeply held affiliation.
This fervent support also fosters a powerful sense of community. Game days become shared experiences, uniting friends and strangers in the stands from different backgrounds under a common banner. The elaborate displays of fandom – the face paint, the costumes, the cheese hats – serve as visual markers of this shared identity, strengthening the bonds between fellow fans. Whether at the arena, a local sports bar, or even online communities, these outward expressions create a sense of solidarity, a feeling of being part of something larger than oneself. The collective energy and shared emotional rollercoaster of a season forge strong connections among the faithful. Watch the local team win a playoff series from the local bar, and it’s Mardi Gras, watch them lose, and the air goes out of the place, with the silence deafening.
Tradition plays a major role in maintaining this intense level of fandom. The specific jerseys worn on game day, the pre-game routines, the chants, and cheers – these become ingrained practices, passed down through generations of fans who remember the team’s last dynasty twenty years ago as if it were yesterday and could probably name every player from the glory years. These actions provide a sense of continuity and connection to the team’s history and legacy, reinforcing the fan’s identity as a long-standing and dedicated supporter. Think of the tailgating parties in the NFL or the specific cheers and songs that reverberate through hockey arenas – these are more than just customs; they are integral parts of the fan experience.
Sports fandom provides a powerful outlet for emotional release and catharsis. The highs of a crucial victory and the lows of a heartbreaking loss evoke strong emotions. For the deeply invested fan, these outward displays of support – the enthusiastic cheering, the frustrated groans, even the seemingly aggressive act of pounding the glass – serve as a way to process and release these powerful feelings. The shared emotional experience, whether elation or disappointment, further strengthens the bonds within the fan community.
Let’s not underestimate the element of escapism and entertainment. Immersing oneself in the world of their favorite team, complete with the associated passionate displays, can provide a welcome distraction from the everyday stresses of life. It’s a chance to fully embrace something they love and to lose themselves in the drama and excitement of the game. The elaborate costumes and face paint can be seen as a form of playful self-expression, adding to the overall enjoyment of the experience.
The concept of “Basking in Reflected Glory” (BIRGing) also contributes to this phenomenon. When a beloved team achieves success, fans often experience a boost in their self-esteem through association. Displaying team colors prominently, celebrating victories with fellow fans, and even boasting about their team’s accomplishments can be a way to vicariously share in that glory and enhance their sense of self-worth.
Ultimately, while the painted faces and Stanley Cup hats might seem extreme to the more subdued fan or detached observer, they represent a deeply personal and often socially enriching experience for the rabid fan. It’s a visible manifestation of their loyalty, their sense of community, and their emotional investment in something they care about deeply. As long as their passion doesn’t turn to verbal abuse or violence against a fan wearing the opposing team’s jersey, it’s harmless fun and a vibrant and sometimes quirky expression of the human desire to belong, to celebrate, and to embrace something that brings them joy and connection. The intensity doesn’t resonate with everyone, but for those who “bleed the colors,” it’s an integral and meaningful part of their lives.
John Berkovich Talks 