Since I grew up watching sports, I have grown to love them, especially the sport of football. Since it is currently football season, I am excited and anxious to see who wins the Super Bowl. Being born and raised in Colorado, I grew up watching the Denver Broncos. Having a local team is an exciting thing for many people, and I have witnessed firsthand the love and affection the people of Colorado have for the Broncos. The locals are die-hard fans that bleed orange and blue. I couldn't imagine what the state would be like without the Broncos.
While I am not directly affected with the latest phenomenon of my team relocating, I can see how hard it may be for those who have a local team that is moving cities. I was watching ESPN the other day when I realized that football is a game that is facing many changes. Recently the NFL moved the Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles, not thinking about the fan base they left behind. So what happens when a team leaves and the city is left with a stadium to remind them of what used to be?
Sure, the Rams had moved from LA to St. Louis years ago, but that doesn’t mean that one can just up and leave a city without people being affected. Not only are the Rams being moved, but they will have to share their home field with another potential team. At the time, it is unknown whether the Raiders or the Chargers will be joining them in LA or not. Therefore, not only will there be one unused stadium but maybe another one where the Chargers play in San Diego or a construction zone in Oakland. What the people in charge don’t notice is how a football team brings the city together. St. Louis is left with a baseball team to cheer for, but what about the handful of months without baseball where football was the entertainment? Even though half the games are played somewhere else, the fans knew they were coming home in a certain number of weeks. As a football fan, I feel bad for them. I have been lucky to have a local team that doesn't appear to be leaving anytime soon.
Having a local team makes watching football that much better. It also improves the vibe in a city and unites people from different backgrounds for one common cause. I feel sorry for the Rams fans that are losing their local team. The vibe of the city will surely change.
As I leave, I want to say one thing to those on top. Sports teams mean something to fans, so when they are moved and traded like cards, memories and traditions are broken. It is true that new doors are open but the old ones were never closed, they are left wide open.
