Often what goes on off the field is just as interesting as

December 3, 2012 12:00 am
For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.
For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

Often what goes on off the field is just as interesting as what’s happening under the lights. Go back through tailgate parties, cheerleader try-outs, skateboarding events, championship parades, roller derby bouts, a little MMA and even a little flugtag with the fan’s year in sports from across the country. Compiled from Voice Media Group alt-weeklies.Published on December 3, 2012

One of the Houston Press's favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

One of the Houston Press’s favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls' Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls' Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls’ Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls’ Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

Think you're a die-hard fan of Arizona State University's football squad? Well, in all likelihood you're nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU's win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

Think you’re a die-hard fan of Arizona State University’s football squad? Well, in all likelihood you’re nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU’s win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

Giants relief pitcher/hipster Brian Wilson -- injured during the post-season -- after the World Series parade. More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants' second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

Giants relief pitcher/hipster Brian Wilson — injured during the post-season — after the World Series parade. More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants’ second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants' second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants’ second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants' second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

More than one million fans crowded downtown San Francisco on October 31 to celebrate the Giants’ second World Series title in three years. See more San Francisco Giants World Series Parade photos.

One of the Houston Press's favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

One of the Houston Press’s favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls' Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls' Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls’ Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls’ Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

For Peyton Manning’s regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

Auditions to be the next Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader kicked off on Cinco De Mayo at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. See more Dallas Cowboys cheerleader try-out photos.

The final game of the Tebow era in Denver went down on January 14, when the Patriots crushed the Broncos in the playoffs. See more photos: Broncos vs. Patriots: Four bars in four quarters.

The final game of the Tebow era in Denver went down on January 14, when the Patriots crushed the Broncos in the playoffs. See more photos: Broncos vs. Patriots: Four bars in four quarters.

One of the Houston Press's favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

One of the Houston Press’s favorite Houston Texans Cheerleader photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Thousands descended upon Straddleline Raceway in August in Seattle for the Dirty Dash. See more Dirty Dash Seattle photos.

Amateur pilots took to the waters of Biscayne Bay to test their creations for Red Bull Flugtag Miami. See more Red Bull Flugtag Miami photos.

Amateur pilots took to the waters of Biscayne Bay to test their creations for Red Bull Flugtag Miami. See more Red Bull Flugtag Miami photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

Hopefuls strutted their stuff back in August for a chance to become a member of the Phoenix Suns Dancers squad. See more Phoenix Suns dancer try-outs photos.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCT 31 : Sergio Romo along McAllister Street during the San Francisco Giants celebration of their World Series Championship on October 31, 2012 in San Francisco, California (Photography by Christopher Victorio for SF Weekly).

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCT 31 : Sergio Romo along McAllister Street during the San Francisco Giants celebration of their World Series Championship on October 31, 2012 in San Francisco, California (Photography by Christopher Victorio for SF Weekly).

Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse buddies were in Seattle in July to try out the city's new Jefferson Park Skatepark. See more Tony Hawk in Seattle photos.

Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse buddies were in Seattle in July to try out the city’s new Jefferson Park Skatepark. See more Tony Hawk in Seattle photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE's Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

The US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix was packed on July 15 for the WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. See more WWE Money in the Bank Phoenix photos.

Think you're a die-hard fan of Arizona State University's football squad? Well, in all likelihood you're nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU's win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

Think you’re a die-hard fan of Arizona State University’s football squad? Well, in all likelihood you’re nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU’s win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls' Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls' Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

On October 6, 2012, the Denver Roller Dolls’ Electrocuties competed against the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls’ Contenders at the Fillmore Auditorium. See more Denver roller derby photos.

Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse buddies were in Seattle in July to try out the city's new Jefferson Park Skatepark. See more Tony Hawk in Seattle photos.

Tony Hawk and his Birdhouse buddies were in Seattle in July to try out the city’s new Jefferson Park Skatepark. See more Tony Hawk in Seattle photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

For Peyton Manning’s regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

Amateur pilots took to the waters of Biscayne Bay to test their creations for Red Bull Flugtag Miami. See more Red Bull Flugtag Miami photos.

Amateur pilots took to the waters of Biscayne Bay to test their creations for Red Bull Flugtag Miami. See more Red Bull Flugtag Miami photos.

For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

For Peyton Manning’s regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

Think you're a die-hard fan of Arizona State University's football squad? Well, in all likelihood you're nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU's win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

Think you’re a die-hard fan of Arizona State University’s football squad? Well, in all likelihood you’re nowhere near as passionate about ASU pigskin as the hundreds of madcap maroon-and-gold-wearing college kids who occupy the student section at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Photographed in August after ASU’s win over the NAU Lumberjacks. See more ASU student photos.

The final game of the Tebow era in Denver went down on January 14, when the Patriots crushed the Broncos in the playoffs. See more photos: Broncos vs. Patriots: Four bars in four quarters.

The final game of the Tebow era in Denver went down on January 14, when the Patriots crushed the Broncos in the playoffs. See more photos: Broncos vs. Patriots: Four bars in four quarters.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

The Dallas Mavericks Dancers held auditions for their 2012-2013 cast on July 15. See more Dallas Mavericks dancer try-out photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

A scene from MMA Fight Night at Lumiere Casino in St. Louis on January 28. See more St. Louis MMA photos.

For Peyton Manning's regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

For Peyton Manning’s regular season debut on September 9, Broncos fans donned blue and orange and accessories to tailgate before the game. And it seems like it might have worked: The Broncos beat the Steelers 31-19. See more Broncos tailgating photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.

A free 4-day action sports and lifestyle festival featuring skateboarding, BMX and FMX competitions began on Thursday, October 18 in San Francisco. See more Dew Tour SF photos.