Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Rank No. 1 In Social Media
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers fan cheers before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
If you’re a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a member of Steeler Nation, chances are you use social media to talk about your favorite team…. a lot.
Knowing who my parents are and knowing that Allegheny county consists of a majority population that still has the Greatest Generation still tagged to it, it’s a wonder that personal emails are sent out successfully let alone Facebook statuses and Tweets.
Of course Steeler Nation is a global entity, so the study performed by Emory Sports Marketing Analytics is a study that encompasses the youth and vigor that can text and tweet faster than you can say, “You’s kids quit playin’ in your grandpa’s Bonneville!”
Emory performed two studies – one that was financial based and one that was social media based. It’s a good dichotomy when looking at fan base and their “power.” On the one hand in the Fan Equity study, the Dallas Cowboys ranked tops. Why? Well Texas and Dallas are, you know, big. The Cowboys have always had a good following, and their fans tend to buy lots and lots of stuff. It should also be mentioned that their stadium is the size of a mid-size town and ticket prices are pretty pricey. So yeah, Jerry boy gets quite a bit of money from his fan base.
What’s interesting about the social media study and is a great point mentioned by Emory is that there usually are no financial ties with social media. All you need is access to the internet and a Facebook or Twitter account, and you’re good to go. Steeler fans have no limitations when it comes to hashtagging #HEREWEGO or #SeventhHeaven or posting a status with a picture of his or herself in their Polamalu jersey while punching a life size cutout of Ray Lewis.
In my opinion, the social media test is the better litmus as to who has the better fan base. Why? Well who gives a rat’s butt if fans can spend a ton of money (ok so maybe the owners do)? The fact that the Steelers rank #1 in social media tells me that Steeler fans are just that – fanatics. They are immersed in their beloved Black & Gold. They talk about it All. The. Time. They love their Stillers and will talk about it incessantly – whether someone is there to listen or not.
That’s the true power of fandom.
In case you missed it – Steelers fans are the best.