Fanaticism in sport is very similar to gambling because it is also based on passion and devotion. Like a gambler, a sports fan is acutely affected by the successes and failures during a game. For him, victory is a great joy, and defeat is always a tragic disappointment. Moreover, finding your favorite club is just as hard as choosing a reliable instant withdrawal casino that will pay out money and bonuses quickly. And in the stands, just like in the casinos, people can find the right space to express their feelings. But what to do if the basketball season is over and you could not think about something else? Here we will talk about the most common activities for true fans of the game.
Why do people become basketball fans?
Like any mass sport, basketball has its devotees, who never miss a game, and also ordinary viewers, who enjoy the beauty, aesthetics, and inexpressible emotions of a particular sport. But they have something in common: the level of commitment, self-identification with a particular team, and the desire to follow it.
And here we can outline a certain range of activity that separates the ordinary spectator from the fan. For the spectator, a sporting event, especially one in which the favorite team or athlete participates, is just an episode of interest and bright emotions. And for the real true fan, a favorite team is the whole life. So how do fan activities help people? Here are a few examples:
Emotional release
Scientists say that those who watch sporting events experience a huge hormonal release. Fans of the losing team have a dramatic rise of cortisol in their bodies. But winners release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects feelings of pleasure and gives satisfaction. In addition to dopamine, other "happiness" hormones are produced: endorphin, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Unity
The sensation of unity with their athletes helps fans feel like they are a part of a special community. This can be experienced during visits to stadiums and while speaking to other fans. Many people find new friends and maintain social ties in this way.
Free merch
Many basketball teams periodically give away T-shirts and scarves to their fans. That is not a big deal, but it can be a really nice gift, and most importantly, it is given for free. In this case, fans begin to identify themselves with the team even more and feel belonging to the crowd.
Getting out of the routine
Sporting events appeal to passion, excitement, intrigue, and other emotions that brighten up our ordinary lives. It is a kind of pastime that is beyond our daily routine.
Top Interesting Activities for Basketball Fans
Now let's talk about activities that basketball fans can try outside of the game. This question frequently comes up during breaks between games or seasons. And here are a few options to consider:
Collecting sports things
Sports collecting is something that can be done by people of all ages, regardless of their occupation. Today, many young people with great passion create huge and diverse collections. And the subject of collecting can be anything.
Sports items are not just limited to basketball cards, this can include photos, balls, jerseys, etc. Of course, many people see it also as a kind of investment. Seemingly ordinary items from sports, after a while, can be worth a fortune.
Networking in fan communities
Every basketball team has a fan base. Members often meet to celebrate club victories or to cheer for the players in the stands. Joining a community like this can help you find like-minded people and make new friends. Moreover, such connections can be useful in the future.
Playing streetball
The classic basketball game is more than a hundred years old. It has its own traditions and rules set by the NBA and FIBA federations. Ans streetball is a relatively young sport. Though mostly played by amateurs and fans on neighborhood basketball courts, streetball is also presented at various tournaments and contests.
Every basketball fan can find a local streetball team and join it. If you don't have one, you can easily gather like-minded people and create your own group. This way you can try yourself as a player and also improve your physical condition.
Trying themed casino games
If a fan does not have the energy or time to play in the real world, he can easily join a virtual casino session. Today, many themed slots about basketball can be found on almost every gambling website. They are styled after famous teams and tournaments, and some machines even tell the stories of legendary players. Everyone will be interested to relax and dive into the basketball atmosphere. But users have to be careful and follow the rules of responsible gaming.
Watching legendary games
Just like any other sport, basketball has its hall of fame. There is also an entire history of epic contests full of tears, victories, and dramatic defeats. For every fan, it can be a great adventure to rewatch old games and get a taste of the golden basketball era.
Conclusion
For decades basketball has been one of the most popular games in the world. The number of its fans is also growing every year. There are plenty of diverse activities that can be interesting for basketball fans. Some of them require a certain resource, others just need a bit of motivation and enthusiasm. But most importantly — all fans can find something for themselves.