Why do fans dress up like this?

[Pat Coyle]

Why do fans dress up like this?
We used to think it was odd that Star Wars fans dress up like Storm Troopers, Wookies and such. After all, only loonies would dress up and go to conventions, right? Umm...then we got to thinking about sports fans. It seems football fans can't really say they're "cooler" than sci fi geeks since they too paint their faces, and don gear like their gridiron idols.

So what makes (seemingly) normal adults paint their faces, decorate their dogs and adorn their children in costumes? Why do fans dress up? Share your thoughts here.

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[David A Wachtel]

As a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, I get to see my favorite team on the road. Generally, when the Steelers are on the road we will put around 10,000 fans in the other team's stadium.
Dressing in black and gold let's fans of the "home team" know the Steeler Nation is in attendance. No NFL team's fans travel better than us. And the black and gold adorned fans let everyone know that's a fact.

[Jason Williams]

To lose weight? I've seen the famous Colts guy above many times throughout the years and every time, sporting the fleece Colts wardrobe...even at training camp with temps in the 90's. Weight loss aspirations can be the only reasonable explanation!