Before the subtitle of this article sets off my sports-loving friends, allow me to preface my point of view.
I am not a sportsy-gal. I didn’t participate in sports growing up. I was never particularly interested in following any sports, and overall, they just don’t really pique my interest.
That is, until you add in a rivalry.
The Anchor-Bone classic is one of the few times that I really get excited to watch a football game. I can’t explain why, maybe there is some weird, primal part of my brain left over that enjoys the idea of two teams “fighting,” but football rivalry (and any other sport for that matter) makes it far more worth my time.
The energy is electric – everyone is excited, or nervous or anxiously anticipating what will happen during the game.
I also love the social aspect of the rivalry.
The tailgates are bigger, filled with current students and alumni.
Part of my love for rivalry comes from my family – my sister graduated from the University of Michigan, and my brother graduated from Michigan State University.
Growing up, the Michigan vs. Michigan State game was always a big day in my household. My dad, wanting to support both of his kids, usually wore a hat with one logo on it and a sweatshirt with another (although he eventually abandoned this tactic and just went with whatever team was doing better throughout the season).
Some would argue you don’t need rivalry to enjoy the game and you are probably right. But for someone like me who needs a little more motivation to get involved and watch, that rivalry adds another layer of interest.
This year, I will be enjoying the Anchor-Bone classic on my phone from the MSU tailgate, where I will be watching the Michigan vs. Michigan State game.