Going or staying

Took a trip to the United Center Monday night for Bulls-Pistons. Fun time, especially since Detroit ended up not making the trip and they sent the DePaul Blue Demons in their place. But watching it from the 300-level made me realize something that's been on my mind for a while: sports on TV and sports live are becoming two completely different experiences.

You're most likely thinking, 'Of course it's a different experience. Who are you, Mark McGwire, finally figuring out that it's no longer the mid-90s?' And yes, it has always been a different experience. But more so than ever, watching the game from your couch and watching the game from the stadium are polar opposites. I'm not sure which is better, and really, it doesn't matter. My question is, are these two unique experiences good for sports?

Growing up, I loved the rare opportunities of going to live sporting events. I attended my first Cubs game when I was four, my first Bears game at age seven and my first Bulls game was at eight. As I grew older, the trips to the stadium increased, peaking when I started working at Wrigley Field in July 2003. Being a part of the crowd allows a fan to really connect with his or her team, to really feel like they are making a difference with their support. Siting in a stadium seat allows one to feel the moment, to experience the buzz when a team is making a rally and the explosion of joy and delight when something really good happens on the field. Seeing a game up-close (or even in bad seats) provides a sense of authenticity, because you are watching the part of the game you want to watch, not the one that the TV cameras have decided to show.

Recent innovations have made the stadium experience better than ever (Everywhere except Wrigley). Larger scoreboards, spacious concourses and special giveaways make fans remember why it is so special to attend games live. Not to mention the rare chances to overhear athletes talking, seeing a zoomed in look at the facial expressions, and the chance to witness a 'I was there when so-and-s happened' game.

But it's not all good views and joyful applause at the stadium. There's the hassle of parking, the un-comforts of sitting in rows of chairs separated by only a few inches and constant distractions from the game itself. The personalized angle a fan sees is occasionally great, but many times it pales in comparison to the multiple views shown on TV. And of course at the game, fans must deal with any obstacle mother nature throws their way, from excessive heat to pounding rain to teeth-chattering cold.

At home, things have changed as well. High-def television allows fans to see clearer than ever before, and packages like Sunday Ticket and NBA Full Court allow fans to see more than ever before. Fantasy sports revolves around tracking players from multiple teams, so going to the game to see just your favorites no longer makes sense. And DVR allows fans to schedule games on their terms, fast forward commercials and take extra looks at an instant replay. Why pay lots of money to sit in the cold and watch your team lose when you can invite your buddies over, follow all the games and not have to wait in line for the bathroom?

Now more than ever, teams need fans to attend games live. Due to the economy's current state, teams are losing money left and right. Making sure fannies are in the seats is the #1 task the teams must deal with, or at least #1B after winning games. But more and more, it's becoming a difficult choice for fans to go or stay.