A Different kind of Sunday night Football

There is something about sports that regardless of what culture you are in, they bring people together. Whether it’s the group chants or the shared feeling of joy when your team scores, sports allows people to put away differences to watch their favorite teams play. One thing I miss back home is being able to watch American football every Sunday, and although it is a minute absence, it is still a bit of a culture shock. I was able to forget about some of what I was missing when I went to the game Sunday night because whether I’m watching a football game in the US or a fútbol game in Spain, it’s an exciting environment. Being there allowed me to feel comfort, which is why sports are special. There are always the overaggressive fans that sometimes forget to hold their tongue, or the little kids excited to see their favorite player. That being said there were some differences I noticed while at the game. One of the big things was the arena itself. It was very different from back home, where you are able to find your seat easily and safely. Here the numbers were confusing to me, and there is little room for you to walk and get to your seat. Also, back in my state sports means having a beer in your hand, but in this arena, they did not serve alcohol. I figured this out when I saw an American ask if they served beer and the vendor looked shocked. This shows a difference in culture and how the environment we grow up in influences our actions and norms, like having a beer at a sports event. At the end of the day, even with the differences, I am glad I got to experience a new type of sporting event in a different culture.