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The "Real Fans"?
Fan Commentary, by Mr. Miller
March 18, 2008
 Last Sunday, as usual, I sat up in the 300 level at the United Center for the Blackhawks, Flames game. Instead of my usual seats in 324, I was part of a group sitting in 327. Instead of $18 seats, I found myself in the less expensive $10 area. Yet somehow, the experience seemed entirely different compared to that in which I've grown accustomed.
The passion seemed higher. The decibel level clearly was too. The knowledge of the game and the implied understanding of the situations on the ice were quite apparent.
So it got me to thinking. Is there some truth to the often debated notion that only "real fans" sit up in the 300 level? That the higher you go in the stadium, the more rabid the fan? And I guess it could be asked, what is a "real fan"?
I've sat as close as the 4th row off the glass for an NHL game all the way to the proverbial nose-bleed seats of Standing Room Only (and all areas in between, including skyboxes). Die hard fans obviously exist in all areas, but there is clearly a difference in the types of fans that sit in each and the question is Why?.
From personal observation and experience, two key factors come into play: age and economics. The older you are, the more you can afford. The more you can afford, the closer you tend to sit. That doesn't necessarily make you less of a fan, of course, it just effects the way you act.
Let's face it: a 45 year old fan is going to conduct themselves in a different manner than a 20 year old. Ushers in the 100 level enforce conduct rules much more so than in the 300 level as fans actually have to wait for whistles down low and security is rarely called up to break up fights along the glass.
Some say the difference is clearly lies on alcohol consumption. Perhaps there's some truth to this, but the age factor still plays as big of a role. Older fans don't tend to drink a 12-pack during a hockey game. Older fans might have their families with them, which effects their actions and obnoxious level. Also, there are more corporate seats and fans in the 100 and 200 level.
There's an expected role, if you will, in the 100 level. The atmosphere dictates how to act in the 200 level. In the 300 level, the rules aren't thrown out - they're just not as closely enforced.
How many "Detroit Sucks" chants begin in section 111? Have you ever noticed that Tommy Hawk rarely makes an appearance in 324? Why does a waiter take your order in 223, but someone else delivers your food and drinks to your seat?
 The level of service at the UC and the way you're viewed by ushers, security, vendors and other fans directly correspond to where your sitting and how much your ticket costs. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but the tendencies are clear.
The die-hard fans in the 100 level are just as passionate and knowledgeable as those in the 300 level. The differences often lie in how they act and how they're expected to behave. The former has a set of standards to follow. The latter is virtually no-holds barred.
Neither takes away from the level in which you're a "real fan". They just merely dictate how you're viewed in the eyes of the organization and those sitting around you.
Mr. Miller
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