b"TEXAS LEGENDS THE DNA OF SPORTS FAN-ATICSDFW is equally lucky to have so many minor league teams in the area.By Deborah Dobbs | Contributor These local teams often give the fans a much more close-up (and more affordable!) view of the action along with events and activities that caterBelonging is one of our fundamental needs. Sometimes belonging to families, right in your own backyard.North of the metroplex, the Texas Legends games have become a favorite destination for my ownis such a strong desire that people might go so far as to lose their family. With four kids eight years apart, its always been a struggle to findshirts and paint their bellies to experience it.one activity that everyone enjoys. Cheerleaders greet you as you come in, and there are always bounce houses, games, and tables set up withA sports fanbase offers that belonging. It's a unique society, activities around the upper deck. The younger kids enjoy hanging out during the game on the court with Generous George. Hes got hula hoops,reallya collection of tribes, with each tribe consisting of a wide trampolines, and prizes.The older ones like watching the cheerleaders,range of people who might have nothing else in common except trying to get on the big screen or win giveaways, and actually watchinga shared loyalty to their team. Religion, socioeconomic status, the game.There have been some amazing half-time shows with local performers, and our whole family was privileged one half-time to seedemographics, and personality type do not influence inclusion. an artist present a portrait hed made of a local soldier who had died inYou belong if you wear the right colors and love the team. It helps battle to his family.After the game, families can go on the court to talkif you speak the dialect. This time of year, the sports fan society with the players, and my kids have also participated in basketball camps with the Legends staff. collectively lights up at the sound of these six words: Are you ready Texas Legends co-owner Donnie Nelson has said he counts his role withfor some football?! the organization as one of the greatest things Ive ever done in my life. The Legends are celebrating their 10th year this season and are excited toIts a powerful subculture in our world. Within it, members dismiss have named new head coach George Galanapoulos and former Mavericksome greater social mores and have created a few of their own. Jason Jet Terry as assistant general manager. Texas Legends President and GM Malcolm Farmer says, At the Legends, we strive to bring thePersonal boundaries shift. We Americans like our space, but well community together.He loves that the organization has the opportunitymake exceptions at sporting events. We value our privacy, but to highlight the great things going on in North Texas as part of the game.within the tribe, we share emotional intimacy: united celebratory He believes its pretty rare when all members of the family can enjoy one event.He says, Hopefully theyll leave having laughed and smiled andscreams and chants, fist bumps, jumps for joy. Hugs, for crying created a memory. out loud! Strangers hug each other! And sometimes, they share tears in defeat. Within this subculture, we expect and even revere ridiculous costumes. Shouting and otherwise offensive gestures (like sticking out ones tongue) and disrespecting authority (booing officials for detrimental, albeit perfectly good calls) are tolerated. Normally reserved, camera shy folks can go crazy in front of the lens. Our level of expressed enthusiasm matters not although it can affect our status within the tribe.Membership also offers something more meaningful. It offers an escape from the mundane. Every one of us struggles with something, no matter how pretty our lives appear on social media. And then, theres game day. We might push through the week as a suit-wearing bookkeeper or a polite customer service rep. On game day, though, we can unleash our inner fan. Were allowed to forget about work, shed the suit, and go out in public with a painted face. We can scream with delight or in protest, and others will join us.For a few hours, were granted permission to be happy, to forget about our troubles, and eat junk food. We dont know if our team will win or lose, but as sure as the sun will rise, we can count on them to show up and give us their all. And, thats something to cheer about.62GoodLifeFamilyMag.comNOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019"