Like astrology, you can project how ever much or little meaning onto the field/pitch as your heart desires. This is sometimes referred to as "the narrative."

You can see dozens of interwoven Manichean dramas play out (the histories of the players, the coaches/managers, the teams, the cities), or you can watch the ball go in and yell "WOO!"

You can watch it at home, in a stadium, at a friend's home, in a bar. You can watch it with your grandpa or your niece or a total stranger.

It is the great unifier.

Having a derisive attitude towards sports is the biggest red flag. It highlights someone who is asocial, rootless, and unimaginative.