For my Pandemic Photograph Project I chose a picture that holds value for me and for my future career. The historic photo I chose is from a 2003 game at Mackay Stadium. My recreation photo is from October 24, 2020 when Wyoming came to play at the Â鶹ӳ». While the historic shot is much more aerial than mine, it still clearly shows the packed crowd. From prior knowledge that was obtained through me working the games before COVID-19, I know how much this virus has affected sports and sports entertainment. The sad part is that there is nothing leading to the direction that things will go back. Why there is no indication that this will change next semester is due to the inability to control the virus to this point. Fans will most likely have to continue to social distance and have a mask on (which you can’t see in my photo, but they are wearing them). One thing that is easily comparable is the crowds, no longer do you see the wild Wolf pack filling the stands. The games now have been cut to a strict amount of people to ensure the safety of all at the event. This means instead of the stands being packed you can barely see the families of the players and the coaching staff that are allowed to come.
On another note, my photos were taken during halftime, when usually they have people on the field performing. Not anymore, there was no half-time show during the game but the band was in the stands social distancing with the cheerleaders. It is almost an eerie sight to see the stadium empty, there is no energy coming from our home crowd, this made filming the game feel uneasy. Almost like the fans made it worth watching, without the cheers and the boos, what is the point?
I feel my comparison of these two sheds light on the importance sports have on a university and how it strengthens students' bonds with each other and that college. One of the most memorable moments from my freshman year is the running of the pack, during the first home game. Why this is important to me is that this was actually the first game I worked for the university's sports broadcasting team, as the jumbotron operator. This moment and plenty others obtained at or working a sporting event here at the Â鶹ӳ» really helped my transition to college.
If there is one thing we can gain from the comparison of these photos is that you should appreciate what you got while you have it. Myself and plenty of others never had the thought of this situation pass in our heads, and now we have to pick up the pieces hoping to bring back the packed stadiums. Hopefully sooner rather than later we will all be back in Mackey on a cold Saturday night watching the Pack do what they do. Until then I will be grateful for my chance to see it close and be at the 10-yard line the whole game!
