Flirting at Spectator Events

There are definite advantages and disadvantages to flirting at spectator events.  Some varieties (theatre, concerts, etc.) aren’t conducive to conversation and others, such as sporting events, tend to be very male-centric.  The key is to avoid the first type and to keep your eyes peeled for people you’d like to talk to. 

If you’re a lady, sporting events can be great places to meet men.  They’ll be everywhere.  Gentlemen, there may be women, but many of them will be there with a man.  The way to start a conversation with a stranger at a spectator events is the same as almost anywhere: make eye contact, smile, look away, repeat, and see if she’s looking at you and smiling back.  Getting his or her attention may be difficult however, as you know, the event she paid to see is going on.  Don’t be too put out if people seem more interested in the game or in the show.  If you catch her eye and she responds positively, go up to her and say hello.  If she’s with friends, say hi to everyone.  Ask a question about the event.  If you’re at a sporting event, try asking which team she’s cheering for, what she thinks of the game play so far, or who she thinks will win.  If she doesn’t seem interested in you, wave, smile, and say goodbye.  If she acts like she’s interested but seems distracted by the event, mention where you’re sitting and say goodbye. 

If she wants to chat with you, be prepared to be more interesting than whatever she’s paid to see.  Ask about her favourite players/sports/teams/bands/etc. (based on the type of event).  If you are cheering for opposite teams or if she knows less about the team/game/band/etc. than you, try teasing her about that.  Be aware that some people take their sports very seriously, and if she’s one of those, she might not want to talk to you after that.  If that’s the case, would you really want to hang out with someone like that anyway?

The distraction provided by the event you both came to see in the first place can be both a positive and a negative factor.  It can be so distracting that it’s difficult to conduct a conversation.  On the bright side, it can provide a reprieve if there are gaps in the conversation where neither of you knows what to say. This is the reason it’s so often recommended that you do something physical for a first date, so that you don’t sit awkwardly and avoid eye contact whenever you temporarily run out of things to say.

If things have gone well, you can either ask for her number or invite her to sit with you (and your friends, if applicable).  If you got her number, congratulations!  If not, don’t sweat it.  Approaching strangers can be intimidating since you don’t know anything about them.  This is what makes them such low-risk “targets”.  You are unlikely to ever see them again if things don’t go smoothly.  You won’t be faced with them every say at work or at school.  With strangers you have nothing to lose and an awful lot to gain, so approach them whenever you have the chance.  And at least you enjoyed the game/show/etc.