I go to a lot of movies. I even go by myself sometimes. I like seeing them on the big screen and I almost always buy collector's editions. Have a conversation with me and I will unwittingly throw in a reference or classic quote from some movie. Although I do not consider myself to be a sports fan, I have been to a number of sporting events. That being said there is a big difference between the movies and sports. Most notably is the behavior of attendees. Before anything starts it's quite similar. You're with friends or family. You buy a ticket. You buy overpriced snacks that taste bad. You sit down in your seat and try to take both arm rests before you're left without either. The floor is sticky and gross. And you know you'll be there for the next three hours.
Once things get underway however, movies and sports become polar opposites. The silver screen has a hypnotic power over the audience. The theater is the only place where you can take a random crowd and they will graciously sit still and be quiet for hours. This makes me question the importance of seeing a movie as a group. You're not going to talk to your friends during the movie. You really only want to talk to them after it's over. You could see the movie separately and meet up for dinner later.
Sports on the other hand are completely different. At a game it is guaranteed that a complete stranger will yell in your face. Instead of being quiet, you are encouraged to shout and participate in chants. Day-ay-o! In fact you should make as much of a raucous as possible to demonstrate how committed to your team you are. Nobody wears face paint to see Shrek.
I guess it goes back to the ancient traditions. Movies are modern day opera and sports are modern day gladiators. Order vs. chaos. White collar vs. blue collar. I'm sure it would be inappropriate to bring a spear to see Medea. Don't believe me? Watch the commercials. Movies advertise performances by the Met. Sports: bad beer.
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