Knowing the play-makers is great. But a true fan needs to know more than the offensive players. They need to know what’s going on on both sides of the ball. [1] X Research source Not every fan follows what goes on behind the scenes so cut them some slack if they don’t know the athletic trainer or the newest draft picks.
Their knowledge should go beyond stats for the star player or the team’s record. They should be able to discuss the teams status as if they were commentators for ESPN, because it is both informative and entertaining for real fans.
Many fans will also have personal stories associated with the team. For example, they’ll know exactly where they were when the Houston Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Many bandwagon fans only follow teams who have been successful over the last few years and will not know history that stretches beyond the team’s current winning streak. [3] X Research source
In different sports, there are rules about teams you cannot support at the same time. For example, in baseball, you can’t root for both the Yankees and the Mets. In hockey you can’t cheer for both the Maple Leafs and the Senators [5] X Research source In football, you can’t cheer for both the Texans and the Cowboys.
For example, reasons such as liking the team logo, having a boyfriend or girlfriend that supports the team, or picking the team are not viable reasons. If your favorite team relocates to a different city then it is your choice to turn back on them or not. If you grew up in a city that didn’t have a team for a specific sport, you’re then able to pick a team (with good reason of course). If your team eventually gets a new franchise, it is your choice to stick with your current team, or start to follow the new one. [7] X Research source
For example, it’s perfectly acceptable to support the New England Patriots and their success. But to support them, the Boston Red Sox, the Golden State Warriors, and the Washington Capitals at the same time is a sign of being a bandwagon fan. [8] X Research source
Going to a game takes more effort and more money. Bandwagon fans don’t want to invest either if the team isn’t doing well. The same is true of watching games on television.
Bandwagon fans often miss out on some of the best comebacks in sports because they choose to walk out during tough times. For example, in the 2013 NBA Finals in game six when the Miami Heat were down against the San Antonio Spurs, fans left early and missed out on a comeback. Also, in the NFC Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, they trailed so fans left the game early and missed out on an amazing onside kick recovery to eventually win the game and go to Super Bowl XLIX. [10] X Research source
Some bandwagon fans will attend a game or two just to be able to say that they have. They are unlikely to attend games that aren’t convenient. For example, when the weather is bad, when the tickets are too pricey, or when the game falls on a workday.
Playoff games occur after the regular season and are tournament style games that lead up to the championship. [12] X Research source Playoffs also bring out bandwagon fans whose “first choice” didn’t make the playoffs. In order to have someone to root for, they will choose a team randomly and only for that season. [13] X Research source
On the contrary, bandwagon fans typically purchase team gear that represents the more modern logos, colors, and players. True fans are also more likely to spend big bucks on team gear and throwbacks are usually more authentic and costly.
For example, it’s fine to appreciate great players like Peyton Manning but if you’re a New England Patriots fan you support Tom Brady first. Additionally, if you have players who are on your fantasy football team but are not on your favorite football team, you can support them only as far as it doesn’t interfere with your favorite team’s success. [17] X Research source
