Sports are one of the largest sectors of entertainment in the United States. From youth to professional levels, very few people can avoid witnessing some aspect of sports in their immediate environment. Sports-related advertisements are found everywhere- from grocery stores to drug stores to restaurants. While pro sports rake in the most money for cities and the country as a whole, college athletics breed a different type of following.
College sports create an unmatchable atmosphere in countless arenas and stadiums across the country. Different regions boast distinct features and aspects for conferences and teams. Fans remain loyal to colleges and universities for various reasons. Almost every college sports enthusiast can attest to how special college athletics truly are.
College Athletics Allegiances
Whether someone roots for their alma mater, cheers for their local team, or becomes a fan for any other reason, the loyalty in college athletics typically runs deeper than virtually any other level of competitive sports. Professional sports are conducted like businesses. Anything below college athletics does not have enough skill to keep a lasting interest for people not directly related or closely tied to players.
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) major sports have just the right combination of skill and heart that make the world of college athletics unique. Fans everywhere stick with their teams through the thick and thin which makes winning and championships mean so much more in the collegiate level.
Fans everywhere rep their favorite teams no matter where in the country or even world they might find themselves. Most mid to large sized colleges and universities have an alumni network than expands outside of the campus and the surrounding area. College sports fans typically don’t find themselves as a lone supporter and can usually find other fans not too far away.
Heated and Historical Rivalries
In the twentieth century, most current professional sports teams were founded. However, a few were created in the mid to late nineteenth century. Many colleges and universities across the country were founded in the 1700s and 1800s with some of the oldest dating back to the seventeenth century. Obviously sports were not a main concern at the immediate existence of these higher educational institutions. However, many schools picked up on sports like football and baseball for students to enjoy and provide entertainment to countless spectators. Some of the oldest rivalries in the nation are between colleges and universities that have been around far longer than any most professional sports organization.
According to the NCAA, the first ever college football game was played in 1869. Not long after, rivalries started to become a staple in college athletics. Yale and Princeton is the oldest rivalry in college football dating back to 1873 (CITE). My grandfather’s alma mater, Lafayette, holds the seventh oldest rivalry in college football with Lehigh which started in 1884. Rivalries are intense because many of them date back to before most fans today were even born. The roots especially in college football run deep and provide historical backing for why so many schools and fans look forward to rivalry week every season.
For the Love of the Game
Amateur sports draw in fans for numerous reasons. One is that players typically play with more heart and for the love of the game. They don’t have to constantly think about performing for a check or always worrying about their public image. Collegiate sports typically breed a greater love for the game without the constant pressure of performing for monetary value (although college sports are trending more towards professionalism as NIL deals increase). Fans all around the country have a harder time relating to a professional athlete who is constantly in the public eye and does not appear to be as relatable as a college athlete.
Another is the fact that college athletics provide a unique environment that allows fans to feel “closer” to players. Many alumni can relate to being a student at a particular school and some can even recount their days of being a student athlete. Professional players are often seen as celebrities while college players are viewed as college kids who excel at their respected sport. Almost everyone can understand a college kid better than a celebrity who might seem out of touch with the public.
College athletics is the last level of sports that shows pure love for the game. When athletes are making tens of millions of dollars, it is easy for fans to question players’ motives. The love either stems from checks that come from the game or the game itself. Many people cannot relate to a professional athlete who might appear to be playingas if they are part of a business rather than a team player. Egos are constantly an issue in pro sports. College student athletes generally appear to be humble and therefore more relatable .
The Future of College Athletics
The future of college athletics is already experiencing a major shift. Scholarships and guaranteed playing time are no longer enough to gain the top recruits in the country. NIL deals draw in athletes who are looking to capitalize off of their image. College sports are becoming more business like, and more similar to professional sports.
The scope of college athletics is changing drastically. Amateur sports now refer to levels below college athletics. NIL deals bring a complicated dimension to countless NCAA programs across the country. Money hungry programs will unanimously overpower opponents; ultimately, a more efficient system of checks and balances is essential.
Ultimately, college athletics are essentially becoming pay to play. Major market teams will dominate their respected conferences for years to come. Mid to smaller market schools will parallel similar markets in professional leagues with limited payrolls. Hopefully, there is a change to keep college sports from evolving completely into more professional leagues. College athletics need the pure love for the game to stay for the long run.
Source
NCAA.com, Molly Sequin |. “The 19 Oldest Rivalries in College Football.” NCAA.com, NCAA.com, 22 Nov. 2022, https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-11-22/19-oldest-rivalries-college-football.
