This year, there has been some particularly cold weather in certain parts of the country early in the season. Many people had travel plans disrupted during the Thanksgiving week, due to wintry weather barreling across some parts of the Midwest and Eastern parts of the U.S.
While crazy weather might impact a lot of things, but it might not deter people from spending money in another way. That context would be sporting events – people will go to sporting events no matter what the weather.
This weather, and recent tornadoes close to the Chicago area (where I’m at) a few weeks ago, got me thinking about how people will go to games in bad weather and not even think twice about it. In some cases, it’s like a badge of honor.
The weather from a few weeks back had a big impact on a football game here. A rare weather delay of a pro football game actually happened, as the game between Chicago and Baltimore was delayed by over hours, after already starting. Fans were actually told to leave the stands , and were taking cover. Keep in mind that there was a forecast for bad weather.
After the game resumed, later in the game, it starting to rain heavily again. Yet, there were tons of fans still there. I’ll give it to local fans here, many people will simply not be stopped from attending a game. And will not leave once the weather gets bad.
Think about it though: people will spend big bucks to go through this!
Let’s make a ballpark estimate that after tickets, concessions ,parking, etc – that It’s costing $100 for a person to go to a game. Probably more, but let’s go with $100. For that money, there are people that will go to games in severe weather, blizzards, brutal cold…you name it.
How can that be worth it?
I actually did this once, when much younger. Back in the early 1990’s, as a kid, I went to a Bears game at the old Soldier Field. It was in December, and the temperature was in the single digits. The wind chill reading was below zero. With icy winds whipping off Lake Michigan, it was brutally cold.
Yet, my buddy and I stayed the whole way. We paid good money at that time for the tickets, just for the privilege of watching a Mike Ditka-coached team pummel some opponent (Tampa Bay, I think).
In 2 degree weather!
The whole time, my thoughts were in a repetitive loop as follows: “I can’t wait until we leave…. I can’t wait until we leave…. I can’t wait until we leave….”
However, my friend wouldn’t budge. He couldn’t imagine leaving early, for any reason whatsoever. To him, it was awesome. It was also awesome for the group of goofballs sitting near us who were crazy enough to take off their shirts and each show off a painted letter on their chests. Sitting together, it spelled “DITKA”, in honor of the coach.
Yes, clearly insane fans. And I was, reluctantly, among them on that cold day. Shirt on, though 🙂
From that day forward, I haven’t spent good money to attend a game in miserable weather. There is no badge of honor for deciding to “man up” and freeze/get drenched/get sick and pay for the privilege. At least not to me!
I know that many others see it differently, but I’d rather watch the game at home or with others for much less cost.
My Questions for You
Have you ever spent money to attend a game in terrible weather, as I once did?
Do you see it as insane, or as a badge of honor to make it through a sporting event in miserable conditions?
If I’m that big of a fan, what’s a little chilly weather?! 🙂
A little chilly weather, mixed with loads of snow or rain, and possibly high winds….what could be more fun? 🙂
I never did. I like my comfort way too much. I did drive 3 hours for a concert and then back home afterward. That was about it. Now that I’m older and have a kid, there is not much that I will put up with. Leave it to the young guys.
Yep, as a father too, I don’t have time for such stuff. Strikes me as interesting how others do.
Yay! Another Chicagoan out there! I actually knew someone at that game who remarked at how many fans actually stayed the entire five hours. But when you think about it, Bears tickets aren’t cheap. They are around $200 each and constantly sell out. If there is bad weather and no cancellation clause, I would be sticking around!
Same with concerts at the Field or Wrigley! My sister spent over $500 for tickets to Pearl Jam and that was rain delayed by 5 hours as well. She stayed until 2am for that show!
Cool, another local personal finance blogger! Yeah, those tickets aren’t exactly cheap for many folks. I totally get how a lot of people would stay if they spent that much money, as it’s not a small amount for a game. I guess I would only buy such tickets if I was truly wealthy and could afford to give away tickets to lousy weather games.
I can see how some would feel like braving the worst Mother Nature has to offer would be a thing to be proud of – but I just can’t help but think you sure do see more of the game from the comfort of your own living room and TV screen, no parkas or snow gear required!
I’m with you on this one!
Nope, can’t see it. It IS insane. Of course, I’m no way a fan of any sort so I may be prejudiced!
I’m a fan and I think it’s not a good use of time or money!
I’m not a huge sports fan so I’m definitely not going out in bad weather to watch a game! This winter has been noticeably colder so far this year where I am too. Definitely not East Coast cold, but cold enough that I want a wool coat, gloves, and a hat.