by sports writer Matt Mcgouran
Junior Danial Ali wakes up on Sunday morning and walks over to his television. He flips through the channels and is disappointed to find out that his favorite NFL team, the New Orleans Saints, are not on and he will have to go out if he wants to watch the game.
Whether it is because they moved away, have a family member on the team or they just like the colors, it is common to see fans of professional teams outside the state of Texas.
“I like the Saints because I remember going to one of their games when I was six,” Ali said. “They have been my favorite team ever since.”
Because there are multiple military bases around San Antonio, people from all over are moved to the Alamo City. Most of the time, their allegiances to their favorite teams stick with them.
“I used to live in South Carolina but my favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals because my cousin is wide receiver AJ Green,” junior Justin Parker said. “I loved hanging out with him but I can barely do that anymore because he is so far away,”
Unless you have a package like NFL Sunday ticket or an NBA league pass, it is very difficult to watch a team out of the market at home. Many people who do not have these packages go out to watch the games in places where they are shown.
“Usually, I go to my friends house and watch the games because he has Sunday ticket,” Ali said. “We also have a barbecue, it is a lot of fun.”
Not living near your favorite team is frustrating. It often takes out the ability to record the game in case you can not be home or prevents from going to the stadium to watch the game.
“I hate living far away from my team because I do not get to experience the excitement of watching them live,” Parker said. “It takes away the possibility of meeting the players and getting autographs.”
Although it is hard, most fans usually find a way to watch their team, even if it is not games. Television shows about training camp help fans follow their team right from the beginning of the season.
“I watch the Bengals every Sunday and my dad even orders hard knocks on HBO so we can watch training camp during the summer,” Parker said.
Although some fans are able to watch their favorite team play each week, not living near them still takes away from the excitement. But, watching the games helps ease the pain.
“It is very irritating living so far away from the Saints,” Ali said. “But, watching them every Sunday does make me feel a lot better.”
Although many fans live far away from their teams they will still support them no matter how they play, whether it is good or bad.
“It is frustrating living so far away from my team and my cousin, Parker said,” but me and my family support him and the team as much as we can,”
