So I hear more and more people use the term "Real Fan", as in "a real fan would know about it" and "a real fan would not say something like that" and "you give real fans a bad name" etc etc.

What's a REAL fan?

Someone who loves the team/player regardless of whether they're winning or losing?

Someone who concentrates more on loving his team rather than hating its rivals?

What about attending games? is that a factor? if you only watch on TV - are you a real fan?

Here's the deal. I've got a friend who lives in L.A and is a Lakers fan. He watches every game he can, and of course he wouldnt miss a second of the playoffs. BUT he never leaves the sofa. He has only been to one Lakers game his whole life. It's not a question of money. He's not short of anything, he simply says he's enjoying it more on TV.

Is he not a real fan because of that?

And dont forget to vote!

What sort of fan are you? single choice
	I'm just a fan
	I'm a real fan
	I'm an air-conditioner
Votes accepted starting: 11/06/09 09:18 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

any cub fan should easily be considered a real fan

BAM, you may not speak much, but when you do speak - you tell the truth.

What's an air conditioner, in terms of being a sports fan?

That's the elite club of fans, of course.

Going to the games has nothing to do with being a fan. With the cost of NFL tickets, fuck if I'm going to a Colts game any time soon.

With your friend, he can stay in the comfort of his own home, not have to overpay for beer, no driving, no parking, probably a better view, hopefully cleaner and more available bathrooms, his seat his a comfy couch, and he can watch it naked if he wants. Try that at a game.

For me, if Peyton is the only Colts player you know, get outta here.

On the idea of having to physically be at a sporting event to be a fan, I'm an auto racing fan, but prices and locations for F1 events are oftentimes prohibitive. Similarly, I've gone to some NASCAR events and even in *good* seats have felt like I've missed parts of the race (mostly at road courses) and been crammed into a fishbowl of humanity.

To be honest, I don't consider myself any less of a fan simply because I enjoy watching them on TV, if only because the alternative would be crammed into a shitty bleacher with 1,000's of your "closest friends."

Not necessarily... Many a Cubs fan are actually just fans of Wrigley Field - the bleacher seats, the party atmosphere, etc. The game is just a reason for being there for these fans.

I'm with LN regarding attending games. Many of the sports venues have priced themselves out of the reach of most fans. I haven't been to the new Yankee Stadium because of that. There are some sports, however, that warrant seeing in person. Hockey is definitely one that's far more exciting to see in person, mostly because the cameras can't keep up with the rapid play. I would say that basketball is another.

As for auto racing, I've been to both Pocono and Daytona. It's fun to see once, so you can say that you've been there, but they are definitely sports that are better viewed on TV. However, if you ever want to feel thin, go to a NASCAR event. I never saw so many large women in tiny tank tops. NOT a good look.

Yes, a real fan loves the team whether they're winning or losing. A real fan's connection to the team is unconditional. I would also say that a real fan not only has a love of his team, but a love and respect for the sport, in which his team plays.

I would say that hating the rivals of your team is as natural as loving your team. The sport wants its fans to have passion whether its negative or positive. Why do the networks love to televivise the Yankees or Cowboys? Not becase they are the most popular team, but because there are far more people, who hate them and are compelled to watch to root against them.

Attending games in person is not a prerequisite to being a fan. Cost, inconvenience and weather can keep real fans home. Also, sports have never been better since big screen HD TV.