Episode 26: COVID Five Years Later – How the Shutdown Changed Sports Fandom Forever

What happens when sports stop completely?

In this episode of Heart of a Fan, we reflect on the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 shutdown—and how it permanently changed sports fandom, fan engagement, and community building across leagues.

Through real stories from fans and supporters of Nashville SC, Detroit City FC, and the Seattle Sounders, we explore how people stayed connected when live sports vanished. From virtual tifos to robot flag-wavers, fans found creative ways to preserve their communities during isolation.

You’ll hear emotional reflections, digital innovations, and powerful moments of reconnection. Most importantly, we ask:

• How did the pandemic impact the sports world and supporters groups?

• Did digital engagement help or hurt the sense of community?

• What does a stronger, more inclusive fan community look like today?

If you care about fan culture, community resilience, and the future of sports, this episode is for you.