Is it Really Football that Makes Friday Nights Special?

Friday Night Lights are a classic, a true American high school staple. However, despite being the quintessential sporting event for teens, football games couldn’t be more different from almost every other sport. 

Especially in my junior and senior years, my support for our sports teams has grown stronger. I’ve made an effort to make it to as many games as possible, whether it be soccer, basketball, volleyball, and even managing lacrosse, although no one really came to watch the games. Going to more and more Needham High events has made me realize how unique football games are because no one goes to a football game to actually watch football. If I go to a soccer game, I obviously talk with friends, but the focal point of our attention is the game, with the same applying to volleyball and basketball games. The game is the main reason why people attend these events, though the same cannot be said for football.

Although last year’s team was much, much more successful than this one, even then, I never really paid attention to the games. When I asked  my friends about this, most of them shared the same opinion: instead of really watching the games, we socialize. The gameplay isn't the main focus, the people are; the student section is there for the students, not the players. College gameday and NFL Sundays are where football enjoyers get their fill, so what is it really that makes Friday night football so special: the game or the people?