For the soccer (football) fans

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

In a previous thread I realized I have made myself extremely regionalized in the type and franchise of entertainment athletics I frequent. In other words, I'm a Homer.

Time for change. Time for input.

I am open to suggestions. What fast paced sport should I follow for the next 15 years that is not US Centric? Who has the most intense rivalries, and what teams are the most fun to root for a n00b to the event?

Comments

[malasadas.livejournal.com]

http://www.worldcurling.org

[cheezyfish.livejournal.com]

fast paced?

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

THAT

is not fast paced


*enough*

[allhatnocattle.livejournal.com]

CFL. Gridiron football just like NFL, but a bigger ball, bigger field and only 3 downs. It`s a faster paced game with fewer commercial breaks.

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

Now your talking! Is the league business solid?

Well...guess I'm going to have to get cable!

[policraticus.livejournal.com]

http://www.afl.com.au

FWIW, there is nothing wrong with being a homer. There is something suspicious about people who don't stick with their home team.

[cheezyfish.livejournal.com]

I watched the championship game back in September in Hawaii with bunch of Aussies. An odd sport, had a bit of trouble following it. Then my girlfriend made a fool of herself by going around asking them who they were "rooting" for. Apparently that means something very different than here in the US.

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

Kol has suggested I look at that league.

Generally being a homer is not bad, agreed. But in Atlanta we have NFL, NBA, NL, the Silverbacks (women football) Dream (women b-ball).
Midget wresslin' and Roller Derby (not bloody enough)

Then there is NCAA, UGA, and GA Tech both have powerful Div 1 teams. Tech is two rock throws from where I sit.

Growing up in Dallas, all we had were the Cowboys. Oh there was SMU, but the closest thing to a state competition was University of TX. The Rangers, Stars and Mavericks all came along well into my teens and adulthood, so I didn't get that youth hook.

So of course, I gravitated back the NFL. I did the arena thing for a few seasons but it didn't last here, and it was like watching the Globetrotters running fly plays all night. Ergo not only homer but one dimensional homer. With a sports rich city like Atlanta, there is not a lot for a person in my demographic (age and family status) to be getting excited about. It's all about taking the family out, family friendly environments, etc.

Hence the post. IN the AFL, who are your favorites to love or hate?

[cheezyfish.livejournal.com]

Does hockey count as non-US centric?

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

kinda...I know it was probably invented by Vikings or some one in cold regions. I could possibly get into a team outside the US.

[oportet.livejournal.com]

MMA and golf may be slightly US Centric, and also not team sports (with few exceptions), but no matter where you are you can find someone(s) from your country and root for them throughout the year.

I know it seems stupid for me to suggest golf when you ask for something fast paced - but if we're talking about watching a sport on TV, golf actually delivers more consistent action than most other sports.

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

Been to a few Memphis FedEx tournaments in the past. I can get into watching golf only because I suck so bad at long and mid swings. Chips and putts are much easier. Some golfbros back in the mid 80's convinced me to play with right hand clubs, but I am a natural leftie. So I had an unnatural slice.

Only once was I able to smash the ball right down the fairway. By the time I got to the 2nd hole, I was on my back in pain.

So yes for appreciation of the skills and no, I won't play.

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

I shall study these star maps and plot a safe course to the Event Horizon..horizon.

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzkashi

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

[lafinjack.livejournal.com]

Calvinball.

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

the rules are too rigid.

[htpcl.livejournal.com]

A game I've named "head-knocking (http://teatarnamechtite.blog.bg/zabavlenie/2013/07/06/quot-glavoblyskane-quot-pravila.1127372)", and part of a story I've written. Basically two bunches of gladiators kick a dead man's skull around a sandy arena, as if it were a soccer ball. Using all sorts of weapons to chop at each other in the process. The last one standing wins. Or the first one to score two goals without being killed. Good luck with that.

Sounds fast-paced enough for ya?

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

sounds like mounds of profit from the movie rights.

Head Games?

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

След съдийския сигнал (удар с две тухли по топките на осъден на смърт роб и последващ крясък), нападателите на двата отбора захвърлят своите оръжия и се втурват към центъра, а крайните хвъргачи напускат прикритието си и се втурват към двата края на средната линия.

This is the most memorable Final Whistle I could imagine. You sir, are brilliantly evil.

[yes-justice.livejournal.com]

You know I could link to something quite akin to that....irl...

[anfalicious.livejournal.com]

Didn't the Aztecs have a game like that?

[peamasii.livejournal.com]

Formula One hasn't seen an US team in 25 years and it's reasonably popular in Europe, unfortunately it's been dominated by the richest teams and there's no chance that an underfunded team will ever win it. It's also dreadfully boring to watch unless you're a diehard fan.

[usekh.livejournal.com]

AFL, just don't go for Collingwood :)