NFL Experience
Today, I attended my first NFL game! The Indianapolis Colts versus the Tennessee Titans. It was exciting to see the Colts win their first game of the season. A pretty ugly game including 3 straight fourth down punts due to countering fouls. It was great to see Donald Brown play similarly to how he played at UConn a few (Not a couple since that would mean two) years ago.
The experience is quite unlike the college atmosphere. Without the student section, it seems the crowd in general is much less crazy and quieter. It was awkward not standing the entire game. Not only that, I seemed to be only individual hopping during third downs. Third downs seemed to be the only opportunity to actually yell and stand up besides on scoring plays. I miss standing and hopping all the time and screaming at the top of my lungs.
Another aspect that's different is the music. While they both use similar hip hop and pump out music, they is no band. There is no fight song, or school song. It may because it's a down year for the Colts, there were also no chants. The only chant I could remember is when the Colts successfully got a first down (Didn't happen very often). The college game atmosphere just seems to have a more collective feel as the stadium as a whole. In both, the fans have crazy spirit for their respective teams.
Also, my experience seemed to be more commercially enhanced than college. The Big Mac is the sandwich of the Colts. Bud Light is the official beer (Alcohol isn't allowed in NCAA games, but somehow it was attend UConn). Everything is tied with a corporate sponsor; at least in college we had the school related advertisements.
Overall it was a great experience. It was great to see a win! (I knew this game was going to be a win!) I'm 1-0 at NFL games! OH YEAH!
As I watch this, UConn is leading Baylor! Go UConn! UConn Huskies! GO! FIGHT! WIN!