Why 12PM College Football games should be banned
Let's face it, no one likes kickoffs that are at noon on a Saturday. Some of us are just getting into bed after a long night out at the bars, next thing you know it's 7AM and you have to go set up everything up for the tailgate. The tradition of college football is steeped in ritual, from the tailgates to the final whistle, but one aspect of this tradition, the scheduling of games before 12 PM, has come under scrutiny for various compelling reasons. Here's an in-depth look at why these early games might be due for a ban
1. Player Health and Safety
- Heat Exposure: Early games, particularly in late summer and early fall, often coincide with peak heat hours. Playing in high temperatures increases the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. These conditions can be life-threatening and are exacerbated by the physical exertion of football.
- Injury Risk: The combination of heat and the physical nature of football can lead to higher injury rates. Early games might not allow players sufficient time to warm up properly, potentially increasing the risk of muscle strains, sprains, and more severe injuries.
2. Fan Experience
- Tailgating Tradition: College football is as much about the pre-game as the game itself. Early kickoffs can disrupt the tailgating culture, which is not just about drinking but about community, food, and festivity. Early games means less time tailgating and no one wants that. Fans might miss out on this experience, affecting the overall atmosphere and spirit of game day.
- Game Attendance: For fans traveling from different time zones or even within the same state, an early game might mean waking up at ungodly hours or missing the game altogether. This can lead to lower attendance, impacting the stadium atmosphere and the economic benefits to local businesses.
3. Television and Broadcasting Rights
- Viewership: Early games might not attract the same viewership as those scheduled later in the day or at night. This affects advertising revenue, which is crucial for the financial health of college sports programs. Networks prefer prime time slots for higher ratings, which early games inherently cannot offer.
- Global Audience: With college football's growing international fanbase, early games can be inconvenient or unwatchable for viewers in different time zones, potentially stunting the sport's global growth.
4. Academic and Social Impact
- Student Life: For student-athletes, early games might mean missing out on academic activities or social events, which are integral parts of the college experience. Balancing sports with education becomes even more challenging when games start before noon.
- Community Engagement: Night games often engage the community more effectively, with families and non-students more likely to attend. Early games might exclude a segment of the community, reducing the sport's role in community bonding.
5. Economic Considerations
- Local Economy: Tailgating, game-day merchandise sales, and related activities significantly boost local economies. Early games might reduce this economic impact as fans might not spend as much time or money before the game.
- Travel and Accommodation: For fans traveling from afar, early games might mean additional overnight stays, increasing costs and potentially reducing the frequency of game attendance.
Counterarguments
- Tradition: Some argue that early games are part of college football's charm, offering a different experience compared to professional sports. The tradition of early kickoffs, especially on crisp autumn mornings, holds sentimental value for many.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Early games can help in scheduling, allowing for more games in a day or accommodating different time zones for national broadcasts.
Conclusion
The debate over banning college football games before 12 PM isn't just about convenience but touches on health, safety, economic impacts, and the essence of what college football represents in American culture. While tradition is a powerful argument, the evolving landscape of sports, with a greater emphasis on player welfare, fan experience, and economic considerations, suggests that a reevaluation of game times could benefit all stakeholders involved. Moving games to later times could not only enhance the health and safety of players but also enrich the overall experience for fans, communities, and the sport's global audience, ensuring that college football continues to thrive and evolve. NO MORE NOON KICKOFFS.