Call me a homesick southern girl and you’ve got it right, but I just can’t help myself these days. This weekend Chris and I decided to go out to watch the Saints game on Sunday (we usually watch it at home because it’s never broadcasted up here) since they were playing the Patriots, hence a local game that would actually be broadcasted with sound. When we got to the place, we were surprised to see that there were a lot of empty, available tables and not a lot of fans (Patriots fans that is…the local team). Although we shouldn’t have been as surprised since we quickly noticed the mixed fan base up here (everyone wearing a random football jersey on game days), it still threw us completely off. I couldn’t help but compare the football scene here to how it is down south.
If you walk around New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, everybody, and I mean everybody is wearing their Saints gear- wether it be a jersey, t-shirt, hat… something! And this isn’t just to the game or to the bar to watch the game, this includes grocery shopping, running errands, etc. It’s even a common occurrence during the offseason. And you for sure will not see any other team logo, unless they’re fans from the visiting team of course. You see the spirit. You hear it. It’s in the air. We live and breathe it.
You can walk into any given bar or restaurant and be assured that it’s going to be full with fans cheering, even if we are losing. Sure, not everybody may choose to watch the game at a bar, but like I said, you still hear and see the spirit because it’s all around you. That’s just how it is and that’s the Who Dat nation for ya! The same goes for LSU game days on Saturday.
But up here where I am in New England, something is just missing. I saw one person wearing a Pats jersey yesterday and maybe about two or three wearing a shirt. No one seemed to really be into the game. The spirit was missing. It was just off. And my experience was no different than a few other times as well (like the time I counted 12 other team jerseys in a bar.. what?!). Sure, the fans exist or else the games wouldn’t sell out, but it’s just much more prevalent and all around you where I’m from. Maybe it’s because football is more of a southern thing, who knows. But I just didn’t get it. I miss the all around fun we have in New Orleans, the constant reasons for celebrations, and the never ending excuses to throw a party. We celebrate everything and even if it’s just a normal Sunday football game, it will probably be more fun than a year in advance planned celebration up here. Some may disagree, but that’s how I see it. Read the end of this post to know what I mean.
We still made the best of the situation and indulged in wings, mac n cheese, beer, and mojitos. Life is good y’all, even if the Saints didn’t win 😉
How did you spend your weekend? Link up w/ Sami and share! Also, are there any southerners living in the north that get me on this one?
Maddie~The Whimsy One says
So I agree but then disagree. College football yes, the south tramples the north, but for example, my husband grew up a mile from Gillette stadium(well, it was Foxboro stadium at the time) He doesn't wear Pats gear on game day because he thinks it is a jinx, but I have never met anyone who is a bigger fan of their team than my husband. And I mean no one. His high school football coach played for the Patriots, when Ty Law was on the Pats, he was my in-laws neighbor. It was just part of his life. He played college football and pro before he was injured. We are members of the Patriots fan club in North Carolina and there is over 850 members. they rent out two bars every week and almost all of the people are from New England.I have never seen anything like it. I think the difference is that almost 90% of the population up there watches the games at home and has parties because the games are always on tv. But college football, not even close. They can never get it;)
Maddie~The Whimsy One says
and going to NO for the first time in years, tips please;) I promise to write no more novels as a comment.
Kate at Green Fashionista says
Pats fans are no joke! They were probably all at the game. And the end of that game was super frustrating. I was so upset the Saints are no longer undefeated.
How did a NOLA girl end up in "Baw-ston"? Is it a permanent move?
Kelly Louise says
that's odd. Boston sports teams fans are some of the most dedicated, devoted and hardcore fans in the country. where were you?
mmm and now i wan't wings and mac & cheese and it's not even 10am here haha
jess says
Yeah, I agree, that is strange. My boyfriend is from Boston and he, along with his whole family, are pretty much rabid Pats (and anything else Boston) fans. Three years in and they're still hassling me about being from New York (not that it matters, as I have recent Super Bowls on my side, not to mention, the fact that they keep wasting their money on various Pats paraphernalia that I never wear is highly amusing to me). Seriously, no one is even allowed to call or talk to my Boyfriend's mother (or grandmother!) when the Pats are on tv.
Maybe it's because of what Maddie said – we Northeasters do a lot of football watching and partying at home, indoors, where it's a lot warmer! Maybe you just haven't met the right football fans to party with yet 😛
jess
Quaintrelle
Helene in Between says
as a Dallas girl (and new orleans Lover) i can see how that would be hard. In dallas is seems everyone's wearing something to support their team but in New orleans it's saint's stuff (or occasional LSU stuff) EVERYWHERE! I love that.
According to Jax says
Found you through the linkup!! Loved finding your blog and super cute picture!!
Hope you stop by and say hi! (www.jaxandmarbles.blogspot.com)
Tiffany Khyla says
I hate that the Saints lost, but yeaaaa there's ALWAYS Saints lovin on game days, and even not on game days.
Crumbs and Curls says
The football culture in the south is so awesome. I am a born & raised northern, but have always admired that part of the south. Sometimes when I see my friends who go to southern schools on game day, I wish I had gone to one a little bit, it just seems so fun!
Kristin
Crumbs and Curls
Robin Hardeman says
You are so right, we take our football very seriously in the south. This is a great opportunity for you to start some new sports traditions in your new town!
http://www.robincharmagne.com/blog