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Two-thirds of sports fans are superstitious when it comes to game day, according to new research.
From wearing a specific jersey every time their team plays (50%) — with some not washing it until the end of the season (44%) — to sitting in a specific spot (42%), sports fans aren’t willing to take any chances.
The survey of 2,400 Americans who regularly watch and/or attend sporting events found 62% have even blamed themselves for their team’s loss — as they weren’t wearing the right shirt or had moved from their spot on the couch during the game.
And these superstitions go beyond respondents themselves: 38% feel someone in their family is “bad luck,” and of those, 84% have asked them to leave the room when the game is on.
Eight in 10 respondents (81%) said it’s “tradition” to watch or attend sporting events during Thanksgiving weekend — and the same number said sports are more exciting when they experience them with other people.
Not only is it more exciting, but 71% also feel the “stakes” of the game are higher when they’re watching with friends and family members.
Part of that might be who they’re watching with: 74% believe it’s more fun to watch and attend sporting events with rival fans — and 67% admit to purposely antagonizing their loved ones who support a rival team.
Results also found 59% have made friendly “bets” with loved ones while watching a game.
This includes everything from making the loser of the bet pay the tab at the bar, having to wear the other team’s jersey or colors — and even getting a weird haircut or shaving their hair.
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Most people surveyed (74%) believe watching and attending sporting events is more exciting when they have “skin in the game” — whether that’s money, a friendly bet or their pride.
However, people are still worried about sports superstitions while they’re betting: 55% of those who’ve participated in sports betting said it’s bad luck if they’re told “you can’t lose” or “it’s a lock.”
Similarly, 54% of those believe it’s actually bad luck to be wished “good luck.”
source: people.com
