Fans just want to be closer to the action. It doesn't matter who you beat anymore.

You expect that the fans of the teams who are in it to get jazzed up. What's amazing is how many non-Seahawks and non-Steelers fans get excited.

By now, you've had several years where this has sort of become the norm - and you can tell it's a pretty powerful norm, because people storm the court after a win that's not that big a win. It used to be reserved for beating a hated rival or winning a championship. Now you win a game against a lesser opponent, and you still do it.

It's so much a part of the sports lore that if the media quit showing it, it might have a minimal effect - but it's pretty much wrapped up in mainstream sport now.

No one wants to curb enthusiasm, but in the process if people are getting injured schools can't allow that to happen. You may see a further separation from players and fans. The problem is when fans really do become part of the action.

The Super Bowl has become an excuse to party. It has become a part of our culture. We as a society are looking for ways to affiliate with others. We're very social creatures. People have found a way to link up with other people who share a common bond. The TV is inside, and it's cold outside. That's where people want to be. People get together and consume the event together.