World Cup watch parties unite fans, communities
UC sociology professor explains why we want to watch together
Spectrum News turned to a sociology professor at the University of Cincinnati to explain the appeal of watch parties for sporting events and entertainment.
Thousands of fans gathered recently in public places to watch World Cup games and the NBA Finals on big screens set up for these watch parties.
UC Assistant Professor Letisha Brown teaches a class in the sociology of sports. Photo/Spectrum News
UC College of Arts and Sciences Assistant Professor Letisha Brown teaches a class on the sociology of sports. She said people feed on each other's excitement at these events.
“There's this concept of collective effervescence. When you're around enough people who are enjoying the same thing, it builds inside of you,“ Brown told reporter Katie Kapusta from Spectrum News.
“When you're around people in a group, even if you don't know the people in that group, you're having that shared experience. It brings out a certain type of energy and joy.“
Brown is the author of the 2025 book “Say Her Name: Centering Black Feminism and Black Women in Sport.“
Fans told Spectrum News that watching games together is much more fun than watching alone at home.
Watch the Spectrum News report.
Featured image at top: Spectrum News talked to a sociology professor about the popularity of watch parties. Photo/iStockPhoto
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