At significant sporting events, a table is often set aside filled with different types of clothing and swag gear. They all have various designs and logos based on the event the athlete is competing in. These draw in crowds and are mainly the most appealing to teens.
Many do not see the appeal of buying this “overpriced” apparel. They question why getting this gear is so tempting or necessary and whether the quality is really “all that.”
To others, it is more than having incredible apparel or something to keep them warm. It is like a token to show off where they have been.
“I like the merch because it gives a reason to show off and tell people where you have been,” Elizabeth Duce said.
Duce does cheer for Lakeland High School and said that she almost always gets a sweatshirt for every competition they go to.
“I just really like sweatshirts,” Duce said.
While many athletes buy this merchandise, parents and spectators making their purchases are not rare. The apparel is not just for players but for everyone to customize and enjoy.
“I like getting the sweatshirts at wrestling meets even though I do not wrestle,” Natuasha Hollis said. “Some of them have pretty cool designs, or I just want a memory of the place.”
While Hollis no longer plays sports, she still gets a thrill from buying sports apparel. She believes that purchasing a sweatshirt or other merchandise from these tournaments is a way to show off the places she has visited.
While I agree with Duce and Hollis, buying this apparel is more than having a comfy piece of clothing or a new sticker for your water bottle.
This merchandise is like souvenirs of places you have visited and certain things you have competed in. If athletes are proud of a tournament or want to hang on to that memory, they will likely buy souvenirs to remember this extraordinary time.
I get a sweatshirt or other piece of clothing at almost every tournament I go to. I like being able to customize my selection of clothing and show it off. It also holds memories I do not want to forget or would like to look back on later.
At some tournaments, the winners are given shirts or hoodies with the word “champions” on the back. These are also kept for the memories and to relive the moment occasionally.
While some people still see this apparel as a waste of money or something, they could do it themselves at home. It is based more on the feeling and memories than the actual quality.
