Imagine this: You’re watching a game, cheering on your team, but where you sit says everything about your place in society. It might sound familiar, but it’s not a scene from a historical drama – it’s happening right now in our modern sports arenas.
The Rise of the Roman Model
For over 500 years, the Romans built magnificent amphitheaters that echoed their society’s rigid hierarchy. From the largest, the Colosseum in Rome, to smaller ones in provinces like Pompeii and Bordeaux, these structures reflected social order.
Imagine the Colosseum: The Emperor and Empress had their own box, while priests and magistrates sat in a section opposite. Senators occupied a prestigious area called the podium, while Roman Knights took seats above them. Ordinary citizens, including soldiers and married men, filled the middle section, with non-citizens relegated to the upper deck. And at the very top, women sat under shaded wooden bleachers.
Each person received a token to guide them to their specific entrance. Senators walked through designated arcades to reach their seats, even having their own toilets and fountains. This strict segregation, with each person’s place clearly defined, was woven into the very fabric of Roman society.
From Democracy to Segregation
Fast forward to the United States. Our early sports arenas, like the Yale Bowl and Rose Bowl, embraced a different ethos. Built in the early 20th century, these venues were democratic spaces. Everyone entered through the same gates and shared a similar experience, regardless of their position in society.
This democratic spirit permeated sports stadiums for most of the 20th century. But this is changing. Modern sports arenas are increasingly resembling the Roman model. Luxury suites offer exclusive experiences, with separate entrances, elevators, and concessions for the wealthy. Fans with general admission tickets enter through different gates and often experience a vastly different game-day experience.
SoFi Stadium, home to the recent Super Bowl, exemplifies this trend. With 12 entry points, eight are for general admission while four are reserved for VIPs, each with their own gates and exclusive parking.
A Divided Society
This evolution of the sports arena reflects a growing divide in our society. We’re not simply recreating the physical spaces of the Roman amphitheater; we’re mirroring the social stratification that shaped their society.
While the Romans clearly understood their place in society, we seem to be moving towards a society where wealth determines our experience, even in spaces meant for shared enjoyment.
Facing the Future
The question we must now ask is: Is this the society we want to build? Should our public spaces reflect a hierarchy where wealth determines our experience?
This issue is particularly relevant as cities consider using public funds to build new stadiums. Is it justifiable to spend taxpayer money on structures that further divide us?
The growing economic inequality in our society is already challenging our tolerance for privilege. We must decide: Will we continue to build spaces that reflect a widening gap between the rich and everyone else, or will we find a way to build a more democratic and inclusive society?
Just like the Romans built their society, we are building ours. The question is: What kind of society do we want to create?
