Rami's Monthly Sports Digest Edition 1

Rami's Monthly Sports Digest Edition 1

Welcome to the first edition of Rami’s Monthly Sports Digest!

This summer has been an exhilarating time for sports fans, with my own trips to major games, the beauty and significance of the Summer Olympics, and the imminent return of football. In this edition, I’ll share my personal experience attending an exciting soccer match in Chicago and explore how the city’s sports landscape is set to transform. We'll also dive deep into the significance of athletes striving to represent their countries at the Paris Olympics and reflect on the profound impact of football’s return later this month on our economy and social lives.

My trip to Chicago and the future of Chicago Sports

This July, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Chicago and watch Real Madrid take on AC Milan. And man, can I say, what an experience it was. The excitement for my friends and I was huge. With my favorite player, Christian Pulisic playing, it was truly a great day to be a soccer fan. As I soaked in the atmosphere, I couldn’t help but think about the future of Chicago sports and how it’s poised for a significant transformation.

Walking into the stadium, the energy was electrifying. From the “Ultras,” which we call super fans in America, screaming “Hala Madrid,” to fans donned in their team jerseys, waving flags, and chanting passionately. The match itself was a definite change of pace from what I’m used to watching in the MLS and college soccer; the display of skill was evident. Seeing two of the world’s best clubs in action was unforgettable, but what struck me even more was the camaraderie among fans, united by their love for the game—and that’s truly the beauty of sports.

Beyond the game, what really fascinated me were the upcoming plans for Chicago’s sports infrastructure. Chicago is home to one of the biggest sports markets in the country, with teams at every level and in every sport. By going to Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, this past month, I was able to see firsthand how the stadium lacked up-to-date features compared to other NFL venues. The Bears plan to build a domed stadium on the lakefront near their current location (and man, is that lake view beautiful). Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren stated that the team is committed to investing over $2 billion in the new stadium.

The White Sox, tenants at Guaranteed Rate Field since 1991, face a similar situation. With six years left on their lease, ending in 2029, the team is exploring options to stay in Chicago with potential renderings and drawings for a new stadium, possibly relocating to the South Loop.

Northwestern University is rebuilding its football stadium, which will not be completed until 2026 and will cost them $800 million. During the rebuild, the football team will play at the lacrosse and soccer stadium, which is smaller than even some high school stadiums. I am very curious to see how it is playing big-time Big Ten football in a stadium that fits very few people. While it’s too early to gauge the full impact of these stadium plans on the city, they are expected to create jobs, boost local businesses, and grow the economic state of the surrounding areas. Funding for the new venues will come from a mix of private and public investments, with team owners covering most initial costs and additional funding from hospitality and commercial taxes. Chicago is gearing up for a new era in sports, and man, I can’t wait to be back there soon.

Olympics in Paris: The Road to Glory

The Olympics have always been a beacon of international unity and excellence, and the Games in Paris this summer were no exception. For me, the beauty is you don’t necessarily have to consistently watch sports to enjoy the Olympics. With over 32 sports being played in Paris over the last couple of weeks, representing one’s country on this grand stage is the pinnacle of an athlete’s career, but the journey to get there is anything but easy.

Qualifying for the Olympics is a grueling process that demands unwavering dedication and resilience. Every country does it differently, but the United States, in my opinion, does it best with their USA Olympic Trials, where they let the best of our nation compete, and the winner gets to go. The road to Paris is paved with countless hours of training, rigorous competition schedules, and the constant pressure to perform at peak levels. And that last point is truly what I think is the hardest—the pressure component in sports, to me, is the biggest challenge. Being a former kicker, knowing you have to carry the team on your back during every kick, I can’t imagine having to bear the pressure of your country on your back.

A story I thought was pretty cool was about Carlos Edriel Yulo, the first male Olympic gold medalist in the history of the Philippines after winning the floor exercise in Men’s Gymnastics. After winning gold for his country, he was given gifts from the government, citizens, and fans for bringing glory to the Philippines—from 10 million pesos to a condo and even a lifetime supply of certain foods. It goes to show how a country loves its sports and the magnitude of not only winning but just competing.

Looking ahead, if you don’t know already, the Olympics are coming to LA in 2028, and as an avid sports fan, I can’t wait to potentially be able to watch the greatest in the world compete. The Olympics in LA will be held all over the city, with LA already having stadiums and buildings to accommodate the events. It shouldn’t be a problem with the turnover of building things. But most of all, the economic state of LA will be greatly impacted with employment, economic benefit, and the LA28 Games driving equitable access to youth sports with LA28’s $160 million investment in sports for kids in LA. All in all, I think we USA fans have a lot to be proud of regarding our country’s athletes who competed this year in Paris, and we can hope for even better when the Games come home to the USA in 2028.

The Return of Football: Anticipation and Impact

As we approach the end of summer, the anticipation for the new football season is building. For me, preparing my fantasy draft boards and rankings is a pretty big deal. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite teams to the field, and the impact of football extends far beyond wins and losses.

As a sport management and business student, I live for the effect that football has on the business world. The NFL alone is a financial powerhouse, bringing in around $12 billion USD per year. From significant ticket sales, merchandise, increased business for local restaurants and hotels, broadcasting rights, and sports betting, the ripple effect is substantial. To put into perspective how crazy sports betting is, and let alone NFL betting, in Nevada, 45% of sportsbook betting is on football, with the majority being NFL games. Game days turn into local events, drawing crowds that spend money and energize the community’s economy.

Football’s influence on social life is equally profound. As the most popular league in the United States, it fosters a sense of community and belonging as fans gather to cheer on their teams, whether in stadiums, sports bars, or living rooms. These shared experiences create bonds and memories that last a lifetime, reinforcing the social fabric of our communities. As I stated earlier, the beauty of sports is the ability it has to bring people from different colors, regions, and cultures together to all cheer on their favorite sports team. For example, last season saw a huge draw from the female crowd because of a woman with the name Taylor Swift. Arguably the biggest female name in the world, she was at every Chiefs game watching her boyfriend, Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce. She showed firsthand the social impact that football has, even getting Swifties to wear Kansas City Chiefs jerseys.

This season promises to be particularly exciting, especially for my Detroit Lions, with several teams poised to make a strong run for the Lombardi Trophy. I think the boys in Honolulu Blue could bring it home. In the next edition of Rami’s Monthly Sports Digest, I will give my predictions for the NFL season and who I think will win the Super Bowl!

From the vibrant sports culture of Chicago to the global stage of the Olympics and the beloved return of football, this summer has been a testament to the unifying power of sports. As we move forward, these events remind us of the joy, community, and economic vitality that sports bring to our lives. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in the next edition of Rami’s Monthly Sports Digest.