There is something special about going to a stadium to watch one of your favorite sports teams compete before your very eyes. The sound of thousands of other people roaring with cheers, the smell of concession stand food in the air, it all brings an unforgettable experience that is hard to replicate. However, has convenience beat out tradition?
With the invention of the internet and live broadcasting, it is now easier than ever to watch your favorite sports teams any time you wish. With streaming platforms like YouTube around, you can replay your favorite games repeatedly from the comfort of your own home. With this level of convenience, it is no surprise that many would prefer to watch the game at home with their families rather than deal with the hassle of going to the stadium.
When you want to attend a game in person, there are several roadblocks you need to deal with first. First, you need to purchase a ticket, which is usually expensive. Then you need to travel for hours to reach the stadium and find a parking spot, which is rarely available. Assuming you can do all of that and still make it to your seat on time, you now can now watch the game from a single static point of view for the entire game, sometimes too far away to even see the ball.
In contrast, watching from home usually only costs you a subscription to a broadcaster’s service, and then you can watch the game live at home with a view you could only rival with front row seats. Additionally, watching through a broadcast allows fans from across the country to enjoy the game rather than locals who can purchase a ticket.
Personally, while I loved going to the stadium as a kid to watch my favorite baseball team, the convenience of watching a live broadcast with my friends can’t be beat.