Sports fans are weird, just in and of themselves, don't you think?

If you're part of a commuter school like Utah, you don't really feel a connection to the other students, as your life still revolves around home, and other places. If you on the other hand life on or near campus, then the university becomes your family and universe. And after forming tight bonds, like people in the military, you feel the connection even decades later, and they can be reenforced through the athletic spectating.

BYU is wise to continue to sponsor athletics at a high level to continue the connection. If you look at schools such as the Ivies where sports are currently mostly at the low level, hockey excluded, the connection for a majority of the alumni is not as deep. It's there for business connections but the emotion doesn't run as deep.

It would be an interesting thesis to explore in terms of sociology or business.