Sport as a Spectacle

Whether reminiscing about one’s glory days or discussing the upcoming showdown against the cross-town rival, football is something heavily and passionately discussed in South Texas. Incredible athletic performances combined with the overall atmosphere of the game encapsulate all that is Texas football, and while the athleticism of the participants does not go unnoticed, everything surrounding the actual competition itself arguably makes the sporting event what it is. It is nearly impossible to imagine attending a football game in which there is no pre-game, timeout, or halftime entertainment, and the absence of cheerleaders, dancers, various “cams”, or music seems borderline sinful. This is rooted in the desire for all aspects of sport to be a spectacle, requiring complete and total entertainment from those putting on the event.