The Cultural Consequences of Sport and Holiday Overlap in the United States

Abstract

This research aims to draw connections between major sporting events and national holidays in the United States. The goal is to show how the role of creating and recreating an American identity that was originally occupied by national holidays is now done to a greater degree by major sporting events. This has been done by taking primary source research on sports and holidays, as well as social theory on culture, religion, and nationalism. By showing this intimate connection that sports and holidays have, we can better understand the importance of major sporting events and break the stereotype of “just a game."