Study finds the top ‘good luck’ game day foods
Burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs are considered the ‘good luck’ game day foods – while deviled eggs and garlic bread are deemed bad omens.
A poll of 2,000 sports fans found 44% have food-focused superstitions when it comes to a big game, with 85% of those only ever eating or serving certain dishes on game day.
Pizza, popcorn, and chips are also considered to bring positive energy, but mozzarella sticks, salsa and queso dip seem to have the opposite effect.
The study, commissioned by brioche brand St Pierre and conducted by OnePoll, found that when it comes to wider superstitions, 79% will carry out strict rituals ahead of a game to help improve for the chances of a good result.
Of these, 34% must sit on the same part of the sofa for any game when watching at home, while 40% will wear a ‘lucky outfit’.
And to avoid cursing their favorite team, 32% will refuse to watch a match with specific people they deem ‘unlucky’.
“It seems people take sport and their superstitions very seriously – so much so that almost three-quarters of fans believe the final outcome of the game could depend on it,” a spokesperson for St Pierre said.
“We are big believers that food is more than a meal on your plate – it helps make memories, bring people together – and – judging by the results of this research, it helps sports teams win titles!”
More than seven in 10 (71%) of those who are religious with their rituals have gone as far as refusing to watch the game until they have been performed.
What’s more, 74% believe the outcome of a previous sporting event was determined by whether they took part in their pre-event ritual, or not.
Of the 58% who label themselves superstitious when watching their favorite team play, half are this way because of their parents, while 43% developed it themselves.