Alcohol and football are two things that often go hand-in-hand. For many, the football experience wouldn’t be complete without cheering for their favorite team, enjoying some good food, and partaking in one of the most common rituals: drinking. Whether it’s during a game at home, at a bar, or even in the stadium parking lot, alcohol has become a staple of the football experience. But why is drinking so intertwined with football culture, especially in the NFL, and what are the potential impacts of this relationship?
This blog isn’t about labeling football fans as alcoholics. Many people enjoy the game with a drink or two, and that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s worth taking a closer look at why drinking has become such a common part of football culture and how this cultural norm can sometimes encourage unhealthy drinking behaviors.
The Role of Alcohol in Football Culture
For a lot of people, alcohol and football seem to go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s pre-game beers, shots during halftime, or drinking games where you take a sip every time your team scores, alcohol often plays a big part in the game day experience. The NFL season, especially big games like when the Buffalo Bills play or during the Super Bowl, becomes an event not only for football fans but also for drinking enthusiasts. The biggest game of the year, the Super Bowl, has almost become synonymous with alcohol consumption, with countless drinking games built around everything from touchdowns to commercials.
It’s not just at home where fans indulge. Stadiums sell large amounts of alcohol, with beer and liquor available from the moment fans walk in until well into the game. Drinking has become so ingrained in football culture that it’s hard to imagine a game day without it. But why has this tradition taken such a firm hold in American culture?
Social Pressure and the Drinking Game Phenomenon
One of the reasons drinking is so common during football games is the social pressure to join in. At football gatherings, whether in a stadium parking lot, a bar, or a friend’s house, drinking is often encouraged. For example, at many NFL games, it’s common to see fans partaking in drinking games like “beer pong” or “flip cup” before the game even starts. These games make drinking feel like an essential part of the football experience, even for fans who might not typically drink heavily.
There’s also the fun and camaraderie associated with these games. Many football fans get together with friends and family on game days, and drinking games become part of the social bond. For some, the pressure to join these activities can lead to consuming more alcohol than they initially intended. After all, in many social settings, especially during football games, not drinking can feel like not participating.
And this social pressure doesn’t stop once the game begins. As soon as halftime rolls around, many fans reach for another drink, while others are encouraged by friends to take part in additional drinking games. Whether it’s because your team is winning or losing, alcohol often becomes the way to celebrate or drown your sorrows.
This is particularly true when it comes to games featuring popular players like Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, or emerging stars like Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings. Big plays, thrilling comebacks, or game-winning touchdowns involving these players often become triggers for fans to celebrate with a round of drinks, especially if they’ve participated in fantasy football or sports betting.
Alcohol Advertising and the NFL
Another reason alcohol and football are so closely linked has to do with advertising. Alcohol companies, especially beer brands, are some of the biggest advertisers during NFL games. From regular-season matchups to the Super Bowl, alcohol ads are almost as much of a tradition as the games themselves. These ads create a link between drinking and enjoying the game, encouraging fans to crack open a beer whenever they tune in to watch their favorite team.
In 2021, Anheuser-Busch, one of the biggest beer producers in the world, reportedly spent $52 million on Super Bowl commercials alone. These ads don’t just sell beer; they sell the idea that drinking and football go hand-in-hand. And it works—beer sales spike during the NFL season, particularly around big games like the playoffs and the Super Bowl. The constant promotion of alcohol as part of the game day experience reinforces the idea that drinking is essential to enjoying football.
The Risks of Excessive Drinking During Football Games
While drinking in moderation isn’t a problem for many people, the culture around alcohol and football can sometimes encourage excessive consumption. According to research, alcohol consumption significantly increases during major sporting events like NFL games. For example, one survey found that alcohol consumption increases by 36% during the Super Bowl, with Americans drinking more beer during that event than any other day of the year. Another study showed that nearly 80% of NFL fans attending games report consuming alcohol, and about 8% admit to drinking at what’s considered hazardous levels.
One of the reasons for this excessive drinking is the length of football games. NFL games, including pre-game tailgates and post-game celebrations, often last for hours. This provides plenty of time for fans to drink and makes it easier to lose track of how many drinks they’ve had. For some, it might start with a beer during the first quarter, then a few more during halftime, and maybe even shots if their team is winning or losing. This kind of binge drinking can have serious short- and long-term health effects.
One study found that binge drinking—defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women in a short period—occurred frequently among NFL fans, particularly those attending live games. The excitement of the game, combined with the availability of alcohol and the pressure to drink, can lead to people consuming far more than they would under normal circumstances.
The Impact on People in Recovery
For people in recovery from alcohol addiction, football games present a significant challenge. The combination of alcohol being everywhere and the social pressure to drink can make it difficult for someone trying to stay sober. Even those who have been in recovery for years may struggle when surrounded by friends and family who are drinking heavily while watching the game.
This can be especially true during events like the Super Bowl, where drinking is almost as much of a tradition as the game itself. For someone in recovery, attending a Super Bowl party or watching a game with friends who are drinking can be a minefield of triggers. Some might choose to avoid football games altogether during their recovery journey, while others might need to create strong boundaries or develop coping strategies to navigate these events safely.
Football Without Alcohol: Is It Possible?
It’s important to remember that alcohol and football don’t have to revolve around each other. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the game without alcohol. While it might feel like drinking is a key part of the football experience, the sport itself is exciting and enjoyable on its own. Many fans attend games or watch from home without ever feeling the need to pick up a drink.
For those who want to enjoy football without alcohol, here are a few tips:
- Limit alcohol intake: If you’re going to drink, set a limit before the game starts. This way, you can enjoy a few drinks without overdoing it.
- Offer non-alcoholic options: If you’re hosting a football party or attending one, make sure there are non-alcoholic drinks available. This can help create an inclusive environment for everyone, including those who don’t want to drink.
- Avoid drinking games: While they can be fun, drinking games often lead to people consuming more alcohol than they intended. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and lose track of how much you’re drinking.
- Focus on the game: Remember that football is about the sport, not the alcohol. Whether you’re watching your favorite team play or just enjoying the atmosphere, the game itself should be the main event.
Conclusion: A Call for Awareness
Football and alcohol have been linked together for years, especially within the context of the NFL and popular teams like the Buffalo Bills. But it’s important to recognize that you don’t need to drink to enjoy the game. While many people can drink responsibly during football games, the culture of drinking around the sport can sometimes encourage unhealthy habits. By being more mindful of how alcohol fits into the football experience, we can create a healthier, more inclusive environment for everyone—whether they drink or not.
Ultimately, football is about the game, the excitement, and the community it brings. So next time you’re gearing up for game day, think about how you can enjoy the experience without letting drinking take center stage. The football culture might be filled with halftime beers and drinking games, but at the end of the day, it’s the sport that really brings people together.
