Is Chicago home to the most passionate sports fans on the planet? There’s no definitive study on the subject, but it’s easy to assume they are. In a 2013 study, 4,100 Chicagoans were asked if they attended Bears games. 57 percent answered yes. 7 percent attended games, and 15 percent listened to them on the radio. That’s a heck of a lot of fandom.
Here’s a breakdown of the professional sports teams that represent Chicago, and a look at why their fans are so dedicated.
The Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have consistently demonstrated their ability to be successful. Winners breed fandom, and the people of Chicago are passionate about their hockey team. Once again, the Blackhawks will be a prominent fixture in the upcoming NHL playoffs, and they’ve won five Stanley Cup championships. Here’s hoping they land themselves another win this year.
There are many things that factor into a team’s ability to be successful, not the least of which is the team’s ability to remain consistent on the ice; especially when facing circumstances that would make them crumble, such as when the last game was ever played in the legendary Chicago Stadium and Tony Amonte scored the final game-winning goal.
The Bears
Chicago’s football fans are dedicated, so there hasn’t been a bit of strife concerning the Bears’ recent losses. While it’s true that the Bears have struggled the last few years, there’s no doubt that this is going to be a year to remember for the city’s NFL team; and fans are sure they’ll turn it around.
It’s the glimmers of brilliance that keep fandom alive, such as in 2001 when Shane Matthews threw a hail-Mary pass to James Allen and forced a game against Cleveland into overtime. It’s moments like these that go down in sports history, and inspire generations of dedicated fandom.
The Cubs
The Cubs have received more than their fair share of success, and they’ve experienced some disappointments too. Baseball season started on April 6 2015, and The Cubs have had a nice season start with a two run win over The Cardinals. The team has high hopes for this season; and there’s every reason to believe they’ll be able to turn things around.
Don’t Miss a Game
True fandom can be measured in viewership. Chicago’s stadium seats are filled every season, and the city’s residents are broadcasting. Not every fan can watch their team play in person, but that’s not how fandom works. Besides, who needs to be there when you can watch Jay Cutler throw a pass on a high-definition television with NFL Sunday Ticket from Direct TV?
The truth is that Chicago’s fans and sports teams are the beating heart of the city. The spirit of fandom can be recognized and measured in their expressions of caring (the jerseys they sport, and the games they attend). While it’s true many other cities can claim extreme and dedicated fandom to their own professional teams, how many of those cities had a long-running sketch on SNL? Bill Swerski’s Super Fans: Da Bears; Da Bulls
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