2010 January 18 | Thetelevisionista.com

Archive for January 18th, 2010

Soccer: Bottom of the American Sports Food Chain, But Rising

Monday, January 18th, 2010 | Television | No Comments

While soccer may only be considered a secondary sport, at best, in the U.S., in almost every other corner of the globe it is the sport. In fact, the FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. For the 2006 final, an estimated 750 million viewers were tuned in.

Although the majority of Americans pay soccer little to no attention in comparison to other sports, it is gaining in popularity. This could be attributed to the influx of Latin American immigrants – a large portion of which come from soccer-obsessed countries – over the better part of the last half century. Or perhaps its star is rising due to the hard push by the MLS (Major League Soccer) to bring attention to the sport – i.e., the recent stateside stint played by one of soccer’s most internationally recognizable names, David Beckham.

Another factor helping to improve soccer’s popularity is that the U.S. national team has improved tremendously over the last few decades. At the time of publication, it is ranked 14th in the world and first in all of North and Central America. Having survived the qualification rounds, the U.S. will take part in the World Cup, which is to be held this summer in South Africa.

For those interested in watching the U.S.’s games, they will be shown on regular television. However, if you are interested in catching the action of other teams, you may not be so lucky. To catch non-U.S. games you may have to turn to satellite TV. Not only does satellite offer tons of sporting channels, but you can pick up broadcast networks from different countries around the world – ones which will undoubtedly be showing their respective team’s games.

Also, a lot can be learned from watching a soccer game. If you have a young child who plays soccer, watching a game is a great way to learn more about the sport for yourself. The same goes for those who simply want to explore a new sport. One can also learn about the cultures of the countries going head-to-head. Often, the sportscasters will serve up tidbits of cultural information. Many times there will even be a video clip that tells a little bit about each country playing. So, enjoy the competition and learn a thing or two.

Sports have a magical way of bringing together people of all ages, shapes, sizes and colors. This holds particularly true for soccer. What other reason would cause 750 million people from all over the world to gather around their TV sets to simultaneously watch the 2006 World Cup final?

So, why is it that Americans neglect a sport that has the rest of the world so captivated? Even to this day, many MLS games are hard to find on cable. For now, it looks like it’s satellite TV or bust. However, if soccer’s popularity continues to increase, perhaps we will see more of the “world game” or “beautiful game,” as it is often called, on American TV.

Whether you are a soccer newbie or long-time fanatic, direct tv satellite can set you up with more soccer than you can handle. direct TV packages will give you information on deals and special sports packages.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/soccer-bottom-of-the-american-sports-food-chain-but-rising-1736744.html

The Ultimate Sports Fan: NFL Edition

Monday, January 18th, 2010 | Television | No Comments

For many Americans, football is a holier Sunday tradition than going to church. There’s something about the clash of helmets and flinging of the pigskin that keeps people strapped to the TV on Sundays and Monday night.

A true NFL fan can tell you where every player on his favorite team went to college, what year said player was drafted, and remembers scores and plays from every game watched since childhood. Some might call such a sports addiction an incurable sickness. They might be right, but as long as you are sick you might as well make the best of it. Frank, a Denver native and diehard Broncos fan, might be a candidate for the ultimate NFL fan. You be the judge.

Frank spends his Sundays in the “man cave,” the upstairs bonus room of his house that was converted into a Broncos temple-like media room since the day Frank and his family moved in. The walls are lined with framed autographed jerseys. The shelves are filled with pictures of Frank and his favorite players, such as John Elway. Glass cases contain exact miniature replicas of the famous Mile High stadium and replicas of Super Bowl trophies. He even has special-made Denver Broncos carpeting and curtains.

However, despite all the novelties in Frank’s shrine, the crown jewel is a set of identical, side-by-side HD TVs. Once inside the cave – if lucky enough to be allowed entrance – most are surprised to see only one chair, Frank’s trusty leather recliner. That’s because Frank does not allow friends or family in on game days. His chair is positioned directly in the middle of the room in front of the sparkling, crystal-clear TVs.

Of course, every Monday night is spent in the man cave. On the other hand, only Sundays in which the Broncos do not have a home game are spent there. Frank’s two TVs come in handy on these Sundays, allowing him to watch more than four games at once through split-screen technology. The NFL Sunday Ticket provides access to practically every single NFL game nationwide. Frank, like other fanatics, lives and dies by his team, but also watches every minute of every other game available.

No viewing experience is complete, however, without the amenities. Frank has a mini-fridge that is always stocked full of a wide arrange of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. There’s also a street vender-like popcorn machine and a microwave for heating up frozen Buffalo wings. And what does he do when he has to use the bathroom and there’s no commercial in sight? Simple. He goes to the bathroom he had built inside the bonus room, and continues watching the game from the smaller, yet still crystal-clear, bathroom HD TV.

Frank is not alone. There are many NFL fanatics across the country. However, Frank seems to be in serious contention for the title of “ultimate fan.” For Frank, the Denver Broncos and NFL football are a way of life. In case you doubt Frank’s fanaticism, keep in mind that his dream is to be buried at Mile High stadium.

To get on Frank’s level you will need the help of DIRECTV. Learn more about the NFL Sunday Ticket and other promotions from direct TV promotions.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/the-ultimate-sports-fan-nfl-edition-1736751.html

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