Essentials of a True Rivalry
By Josh Cohen
July 14, 2010
ORLANDO -- Now that the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat have begun their Sunshine State rivalry, it’s time to analyze what a rivalry is and what it takes for two teams to develop a rivalry. Here are the essential elements:
Quality: The two teams should be among the elite clubs in their league. Both teams should feature enough star players (generally current, but occasionally past) to catch the eye of the casual fan.
Geography: The two teams should be located within reasonable proximity of one another. When the two clubs are close to each other, fans from both sides have more contact and interaction with supporters of the opposing team. As a result, there is more confrontation, and ultimately, greater bragging rights.
Drama: There should be enough storylines and theater to entertain fans from both sides. It should be somewhat like a soap opera, except instead of fairy-tales about Dylan, the evil thief, marrying his arch rival’s sister, Sandra; it should focus on players’ past relationships and controversies.
Personalities: It’s imperative for players and coaches to be somewhat defiant. Rather than deem the rivalry as “just another game and opponent,” the two teams should treat their contest against their alleged rival as “more significant, more meaningful” than any other game. The players, moreover, should be vocal and animated about this confrontation.
Celebration: Following a triumph against their supposed rival, players and fans should rejoice more than normal. The victory should come with a sense of relief and satisfaction and should result in some kind of out-of-the-ordinary commemoration.
Recognition: To be classified rivals, there should be recognition from the outside community. Those not directly involved in the disagreement should be able to distinguish this quarrel as one greater than customary. In effect, the national media should accept the discrepancy between the two teams as noteworthy.
History: There generally should be some kind of remembrance of an event/s that transpired between the two teams. Although occasionally rivalries are born inadvertently, normally these battles are created through past episodes. Perhaps the teams previously competed in classic games or for the ultimate prize.
Now it’s time for you to determine which the best rivalry in all of USA sports is. Vote below and pick which rivalry you think is more prominent. The winners will advance to the next round.
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