NIU is known for many things. One of them is the variety of sports in our athletics department.
NIU is a Division 1 school, meaning the university competes in the highest tier of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). However, many times when these sporting events happen, the stands are almost empty.
For example, compared to the remaining 135 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, NIU football ranked sixth-last in average attendance throughout the 2024 season.
Unlike elsewhere, it seems the only NIU athletic events that attract mass attention are those of American football because certain traditions such as Homecoming revolve around this sport.
But that does not mean it is right to leave those who represent us at the state or national level without our support. Often underrated, the fans of athletics teams play an important role in the game, even when away.
There are some sports such as tennis where the public by tradition must remain silent or at least maintain composure despite what is happening on the pitch. But there are others sports like boxing, football or where scores are varied depending on whether you played local or away, considering the pressure that the team could suffer from the crowd.
If you have seen “Rocky IV” you will understand what I mean. Despite being a fiction film, it somewhat reflects the role of the “house.” However, there is a more recent example than a movie from the 80s.
This summer, from June 14 to July 13, the FIFA Club World Cup was played. The Club World Cup is a newly inaugurated event that defines the best club team in the world. Championed by Chelsea FC in the last Club World Cup, 32 teams from five continents participated, some of them with more than 100 years of history in the sport.
Notable clubs include Real Madrid C.F., Paris Saint-Germain, SL Benfica, Al Hilal, FC Bayern de Munchen, Manchester City, CR Flamengo, CA River Plate and CA Boca Juniors among others.
In addition to the many postcards and surprises left by the event, much of the media attention was focused on the loyalty and passion of the South American fans, who made a great effort to accompany their teams. Several of the rivals that played against River Plate, Flamengo, Fluminense and especially against Boca Juniors admitted to feeling intimidated by seeing the tide of rival fans who encouraged their team and generated pressure on them.
The Boca Juniors’ “barra brava” — hooligans — is called “The No. 12 Player,” meaning the fans are an extension of the 11 players on the field. As the sport progressed, special rules were applied to balance the home-court advantage, such as away goals.
It is important to go to events and encourage the team you feel like is yours. Now, setting the example to our specific case, students don’t even have to pay to go to NIU games. If we can do something to have good sports results and increase the prestige of the university, then we should.
We could consider the benefits of going to games, how it can be a relaxing and distracting activity from the stress of a monotonous life that academic responsibilities give us. Going to see a game can be a date or a good way to see friends.
Even if it may take some effort, like a 15 minute walk to a stadium, we have to think beyond ourselves to support our own.
Be assured that all students who are in sports will certainly thank you for your attendance.
