Week IX: Pre-Game Ritual (Eagles Game)
November 8th, 2004
Every fan has their own pre-game ritual, a sequence of events that mentally prepares them for the game. For some it is physical, for others it is chemical. For some the ritual takes many hours, others only twenty minutes. For the average fan, tailgating consists of pre-game games and the cookout. Eating and sports are complimentary activities. But to accommodate the fanatic, the rules of spectatorship differ from regular society, requiring that the fanatic declare to the rest of the community that they will enter an altered state. This declaration comes with the outward signs of face paint, hats, wigs, tattoos, t-shirts, terrible towels, and even capes. Marking yourself as a fanatic allows you to take on a persona for a period of time, and what you do during that time will generally be accepted as the exception to your personality. This allows otherwise quiet people to feel free enough to scream and yell for their team. And the more fanatics, the more infectious the rumble of cheers can be. So spread the word and recruit for the Steeler Nation.
One thing that touched me was when Dan Rooney, Chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers, used his quick comments to thank all the Steelers fans for their support. These were the only impromptu words, and came at the end of the halftime presentation that honored the 1979 Super Bowl Champions. As far as I know the halftime wasn’t included in the national television coverage, but the message was meant for all the fans, including those watching at home. Thanks Mr. Rooney, I’m sure everyone appreciated the acknowledgement.
Final Outcome: Steelers defeat Philadelphia Eagles 27 – 3
Steelers 7-1