Fall-ing into Sports

It’s almost fall. I’m not entirely convinced that we’ve seen the last of summer. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to wake up to another 90 degree day here in DC, but yesterday’s high in the 60s was for sure a sign that cooler weather is on the way. I will say that I’m a fan of Fall. Crisp evenings, apple pie, school supplies, boots, pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider. Love it.

I took advantage of the cooler weather last night and walked back to my apartment instead of taking the metro, and on my walk listened to one of the podcasts I check out regularly called Radiolab. The title of their most recent episode was “Games,” and it discussed what is it about games that we love so much, why we become fans, why we might root for an underdog, how we play with the rules, and why a game can be something we get so invested in. You can check it out here:



Fall is the time of year when baseball is winding down, football is gearing up, and for one reason or another, sports in general seem to be more on my mind than usual. I have to admit I was never a huge sports person growing up, possibly because I wasn’t ever very good at sports. In my twenties I’ve become much more of a sports fan, possibly because I’m not in danger of being the last one chosen at recess for a team. Regardless, these days I just love a good evening at the ballpark or crowding into a friend’s living room to watch a football game. My inner-artsy 13 year old’s jaw would most likely drop, but hey, its fun, and I'm not one to question what's fun.

Listening to the podcast last night got me thinking about the idea behind games. In the episode when asked why he believes “sports fandom” carries almost immeasurable value, guest Stephen Dubner very succinctly says:

“It’s a proxy for real life but better; you know, it renews itself; its constantly happening in real time; there are conflicts that seem to carry real consequences, but at the end of the day don’t; its war where nobody dies; it’s a proxy for all our emotions and desires and hopes; I mean heck, what’s not to like about sports?”

Really a lovely way to put it. I will also add, at least for myself, that I have some very fond memories of nights spent with my college friends drinking beer, eating chicken, and using sports metaphors to explain our love lives. I also love how sports are an occasion for friends and/or family to come together to hang out or play like they were kids again; an occasion to kick back and share a pitcher and wings while watching a game even if the company you are with is rooting for the opposing team. It's an occasion to have fun, and hey, if it's that alone that makes a game important to you, it's more than enough.

I'm a Little More Country Than That

 Confession #1: I’m a girl who grew up in Connecticut, and I love country music. 

Not exactly the norm. When I tell people that I love country music, they ask where I’m from and then look stunned when they find out I’m a Yankee. But yes, it’s true. On top of that, ironically, a few of my best friends from growing up all separately somehow found their way to loving country music as well. When we realized that we now all had this shared interest, four of us decided to make our way to Nashville this past weekend for the 40th Annual CMA Music Festival.

 

Confession #2: I adore outdoor summer concerts.

There is just something so great about sitting outside on a warm night, with friends, a beer in hand and listening to fantastic music. Lawn seats, real seats, picnic blanket; wherever you may be, its always a great way to spend your time. The CMA fest was no exception as it was four full days and nights of outdoor summer concerts in Nashville; Disney World for country music fans. I got to see some of my favorites; Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, The Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban. I also got to discover new favorites like Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner, Easton Corbin, Randy Rogers Band, James Wesley, and Jason Michael Carroll. There was live music everywhere. If it got too hot outside during the day at one of the four stages set up by the festival, we’d just pop into an air conditioned bar and got to listen to some more music inside.  (My itunes bill will be extensive for the next month or so as I gather all of the great new stuff I heard.)   I also must mention how great the people were there.  Everyone was there to have a good time, there to party, there to enjoy the music; and by extension everyone had a fantastic time.  Can’t tell you how much fun it was to be in a stadium full of people all singing along to their favorite music.

Confession #3: I love beer and I love barbecue.

Beer is great. Hot summer day, country music playing in the background and a beer in hand. Nothing better. Or wait, add some barbecue to that, and it just got better. That’s what we had in Nashville. Along with the music, beer and barbecue was also everywhere. There was one day that we went to lunch at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant. None of us were super hungry, but we figured we should probably eat lunch as the day was getting on. The minute we stepped through the door, the scent of barbecue that infused the whole place wafted over us and we were immediately starving. Pulled pork was had by all; accompanied by local beer in mason jars. I’d found out about the local Nashville brewery, Yazoo, from some friends of mine who’d been to there before. They sold it everywhere around town, so on Saturday we went to the brewery to check out the tap room and take a tour. Really good beer. Really wish they distributed further than Tennessee and Kentucky. (Fantastic that they had a taco food truck parked outside for afterward)  Guess it will just be something I can look forward to the next time I go back to Nashville, though I did take a growler home to remember the experience.

Confession #4: I love my friends.

We could have been anywhere, at a big event like the CMA fest or just sitting around drinking a beer or having coffee, and still have a fantastic time. Lucky for us we got to be in Nashville, but honestly I feel so lucky to have such incredible friends. We’ve already talked about going back again next year because of how much fun we had, and I really hope that we get to. I will, without a doubt, have my cowboy hat, boots and very best “Yeehaw!” ready and waiting for this time next year.