This past week I attended my first European football game. Although I am not usually a sports fan, I was excited to have the opportunity to see Sevilla FC play Slavia Praha in person and experience the high energy of the Spanish sports arena. Upon entering the stadium, I noticed some interesting cultural differences between American and Spanish game day culture.
Fanatic Singing
In America, it is common to have occasional stinging during a sports game. For example, before a sports game, it is common practice to sing the national anthem, and for special events, such as the super bowl, there will be halftime shows performed by celebrities. In Spain, singing is an integral part of the game day experience. Dedicated fans will proudly belt out predetermined traditionally Spanish songs to show their unwavering support for their favorite team. Although I didn’t know the words, I found myself clapping along to the infectious energy of the dedicated fans.
Drinking culture
Another distinct difference between game day culture in Spain in America has to do with the cultural tie between sporting events and alcohol consumption. In America, alcohol and sporting events go hand and hand. It is rare to find a sports fanatic of legal drinking age without a beer in their hand during a big sporting game. Many big alcohol companies even sponsor sports arenas and specific players. As a result of this cultural norm, I expected to be able to buy an alcoholic beverage inside the Sevilla FC stadium. However, upon entering the stadium, I was informed that the only beer sold inside the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium was “sin alcohol” meaning that they were non-alcoholic beverages. After additional research, I learned that alcohol is banned inside the stadium to discourage fans from becoming too rowdy.
Halftime Traditions
When the whistle blows for half time during a Sevillian football game, you will not see children dragging their parents to buy them a hot dog or a large soda as you would expect at an American sporting event. Instead, it is typical of European culture to bring a “bocadillo” or a sandwich that they brought from home to enjoy during the game. When I arrived at the stadium, I was not aware of this tradition, and I was disappointed by the lack of food available within the walls of the stadium. If you are planning on visiting a football game any time soon, I would highly recommend packing yourself a snack to consume during the break.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my first time at a European sporting event. The energy of the crowd was infectious, and the game was fast-paced and exciting. Now that I am aware of the cultural differences between American and Spanish sporting events, I believe I will have a better appreciation for Sevilla football if I get the opportunity to attend another game.
Tripping with Maddie 