Fan Makeup in the UNITED STATES
Fan Makeup
Sports fan makeup is a phenomenon that transcends simple traditions of supporting favorite teams. It has become a lucrative business, part of a global multi-billion dollar industry. This craze for colors, patterns, and spectacular effects reflects not only the passion of supporters but also a unique business opportunity for entrepreneurs and brands.
An Ancient Tradition Modernized
It is tribal makeup that dates back centuries, where ancient peoples painted their faces for war rites or celebrations. Today, this tradition has evolved into an act of support and solidarity for a sports team. On match days, stadiums turn into real palettes of colors, each fan proudly wearing the colors of their favorite team.
A product has revolutionized fan makeup since 2006: Fanbrush®, the world's first multi-line makeup pencil.
A Social and Cultural Phenomenon
More than just a fashion or a simple commercial aspect, sports fan makeup is a major social and cultural phenomenon worldwide. It allows supporters to identify themselves and show their belonging to a sports community or support a cause. The pre-match preparation ritual strengthens the sense of belonging and collective fervor. Fans display their colors with passion in moments of emotion, joy, and sharing.
In the United States: Colors, Fans, and Passion for Sports
The Colors of the United States
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or USA, is a country in North America composed of 50 states, a federal district (Washington D.C.), five major territories, and various possessions. With a population of about 331 million people, it is the third most populous country in the world after China and India. Its capital is Washington D.C., and its largest city is New York. The United States is known for its cultural and ethnic diversity as well as its global economic, military, and cultural influence.
The flag of the United States, often called "Stars and Stripes," consists of thirteen horizontal red and white alternating stripes with a blue canton in the top left corner containing fifty white stars. Each element has a particular significance. The thirteen red and white stripes represent the thirteen original colonies that revolted against British rule and founded the United States. The fifty white stars on a blue field symbolize the fifty current states of the Union. Red represents valor and courage. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue embodies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. This flag is an important symbol of American national identity and is often used in various ceremonies and events to celebrate the country's unity and values.
Sports in the United States
The United States is known for its rich sports culture with several sports enjoying immense popularity across the country.
American football is probably the most popular sport in the United States. The National Football League (NFL) is the most prestigious professional football league and attracts millions of viewers each week, culminating with the Super Bowl, the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States. College football is also very popular with historic rivalries and stadiums that can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators.
Nicknamed "America's pastime," baseball has a long history in the United States. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the professional league that attracts a large fan base. The seasons run from summer to fall, ending with the World Series, a highly followed final series. The most iconic teams include the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.
Basketball is another major sport with the National Basketball Association (NBA) being the most renowned professional league in the world. Players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry have become international icons. College basketball is also extremely popular, especially during the "March Madness" tournament.
Ice hockey, while more popular in the northern regions and neighboring Canada, has a solid fan base in the United States. The National Hockey League (NHL) includes American and Canadian teams, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are a major sporting event each spring.
Although soccer (called football in most other countries) does not have the same popularity as the other sports mentioned, it is rapidly gaining importance. Major League Soccer (MLS) attracts more and more fans and international star players. Women's soccer is particularly popular with the U.S. women's national team having won several World Cups and Olympic medals.
Golf tournaments like the Masters and the U.S. Open are followed by many fans.
The United States also hosts the U.S. Open in tennis, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Stock car racing in NASCAR is also very popular with events like the Daytona 500 attracting millions of fans.
Fans: Passion, Colors, and Pride
Fans in the United States are known for their passion, dedication, and creativity.
American fans are extremely passionate about their favorite teams and sports. Whether for American football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer, fans show intense commitment, attending games, watching broadcasts, and following their teams' news throughout the year.
"Tailgating" is an iconic American tradition, particularly associated with American football. Before games, fans gather in stadium parking lots for impromptu parties with barbecues, drinks, music, and games. It is a moment of conviviality where supporters show their support and prepare for the game in a festive atmosphere.
Fans love to wear the colors and logos of their favorite teams. They wear jerseys, caps, scarves, and other clothing in their team's colors. During games, it is not uncommon to see fans with painted faces, signs, and various accessories to cheer on their teams.
American fans are known for their enthusiastic chants and slogans. Each team has its own war cries and slogans that fans chant in unison to motivate players and intimidate the opposing team. Arenas and stadiums often resonate with these chants, creating an electric atmosphere.
Many teams have organized supporter groups called "fan clubs" or "supporter groups." These groups plan activities, trips to follow teams on the road, and community events. For example, supporters of soccer teams like the Seattle Sounders FC and the Portland Timbers have very active and visible supporter groups.
American fans massively use social media to follow their teams, share news, and express their support. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit are popular platforms where fans discuss performances, strategies, and team news. Team and game-specific hashtags help unite fans online.
Support for college teams is an important part of American sports culture. Students, alumni, and local residents show fervent support for their university's teams. College football and basketball games, particularly tournaments like March Madness, attract huge crowds and passionate support.
American fans show particular enthusiasm for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, March Madness, and the Olympic Games. These events gather millions of fans and become moments of national celebration.
Major Events
The United States hosts numerous international sporting events every year. Here is a list of the most important competitions and sporting events held in the United States:
Super Bowl (American Football): The Super Bowl is the final of the National Football League (NFL) and the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States, featuring halftime musical performances and iconic commercials.
World Series (Baseball): The World Series is the final series of Major League Baseball (MLB) that determines the season champion. It is played between the champions of the American and National Leagues.
NBA Finals (Basketball): The NBA Finals is the final series of the National Basketball Association (NBA) where the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences compete to determine the season champion.
Stanley Cup Playoffs (Ice Hockey): The Stanley Cup Playoffs is the elimination tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL), culminating with the Stanley Cup Finals where teams compete for the prestigious trophy.
March Madness (College Basketball): March Madness is the popular NCAA men's college basketball tournament held every spring with 68 teams competing for the national championship.
Indianapolis 500 (Auto Racing): The Indianapolis 500 is a famous 500-mile race held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the most prestigious auto races in the world.
US Open (Tennis): The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held annually in New York. It is a major event on the global tennis calendar.
The Masters (Golf): The Masters is a major golf tournament held annually at Augusta National Golf Club. It is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the golf world.
Daytona 500 (NASCAR): The Daytona 500 is a stock car race of the NASCAR Cup Series considered the most prestigious race of the NASCAR season. It takes place at Daytona International Speedway.
Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing): The first leg of the Triple Crown of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is a famous thoroughbred horse race held in Louisville, Kentucky.
MLS Cup (Soccer): The MLS Cup is the final of Major League Soccer (MLS) where the best teams from the regular season and playoffs compete for the championship.
CONCACAF Gold Cup (Soccer): The CONCACAF Gold Cup is an international soccer tournament that determines the champion of the CONCACAF region (North, Central America, and the Caribbean). Matches are often held in the United States.
US Open Cup (Soccer): The US Open Cup is an annual soccer competition open to all teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation, including professional and amateur clubs.
Passionate Fans
Dallas Cowboys (American Football): Founded in 1960, the team is nicknamed "America's Team". The Cowboys have won five Super Bowls and have a rich history of success and popularity. The supporters are called the "Cowboys Nation". They are known for their dedication and large fan base across the country.
New England Patriots (American Football): Founded in 1959, the "Pats" have won six Super Bowls largely under the leadership of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The fans are called the "Patriots Nation". They are particularly passionate and loyal, especially after the team's recent successes.
New York Yankees (Baseball): Founded in 1901, the team is nicknamed "the Bronx Bombers". The Yankees have won 27 World Series, the most titles in MLB history. The supporters are called the "Yankees Universe". Known for their fervor and knowledge of the game, they regularly fill Yankee Stadium.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Baseball): Founded in 1883, the team nicknamed "the Boys in Blue" has won several World Series with an important legacy in Brooklyn before moving to Los Angeles in 1958. The fans are called the "Dodger Faithful". They are dedicated and create a vibrant atmosphere at Dodger Stadium.
Los Angeles Lakers (Basketball): Founded in 1947, the team is nicknamed "the Lakers". The team has won 17 NBA championships with legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. The fans are called the "Lakers Nation". They are known for their passion and intense support, regularly filling the Staples Center.
Boston Celtics (Basketball): Founded in 1946, the team nicknamed "the Celtics" has won 17 NBA championships with icons like Bill Russell and Larry Bird. The fans are called the "Celtics Nation". They are extremely passionate and loyal, creating an electric atmosphere at the TD Garden.
Chicago Blackhawks (Ice Hockey): The team was founded in 1926 and is nicknamed "the Hawks". The Blackhawks have won six Stanley Cups with recent successes in the 2010s. The fans are called the "Blackhawks Faithful". They are known for their dedication and fervor, creating an intense atmosphere at the United Center.
Boston Bruins (Ice Hockey): Founded in 1924, the Bruins have won six Stanley Cups with a rich history of rivalries and success. The fans are called the "Bruins Nation". They are known for their passion and unwavering support at the TD Garden.
Seattle Sounders FC (Soccer): Founded in 2007, the team nicknamed "the Sounders" has won several MLS Cup titles and is known for its strong fan base. The fans are called the "Emerald City Supporters". They are among the most passionate in MLS, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Lumen Field.
LA Galaxy (Soccer): Founded in 1994, the team nicknamed "the Galaxy" has won five MLS Cup titles and has hosted international stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimović. The fans are called the "Angel City Brigade". They are known for their energetic support and dedication at Dignity Health Sports Park.
World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a historic event for several reasons, and the United States will play a central role in its organization.
This competition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is the first time that three countries will jointly host this global event.
For the first time, the World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches and allowing more nations to participate.
The United States will host the majority of the matches, with games scheduled in several cities across the country. The selected host cities include: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Dallas (AT&T Stadium), San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Seattle (Lumen Field), Houston (NRG Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Boston (Gillette Stadium), and Denver (Empower Field at Mile High).
Host cities in the United States are investing in improving their infrastructure, including stadiums, public transport, and facilities to accommodate international supporters.
Significant economic benefits are expected with millions of visitors anticipated, boosting the hospitality, tourism, and service sectors.
The 2026 World Cup is also seen as a major opportunity for the development of soccer in the United States, both in terms of infrastructure and the sport's popularity.
American fans are known for their growing passion for soccer, with organized supporter groups like the "American Outlaws" playing a crucial role in animating national team matches. The cultural diversity of the United States guarantees a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for supporters from around the world.
The United States national team hopes to take advantage of the home advantage to achieve an impressive performance. With a generation of emerging young talents, the team aims to reach the highest level of competition.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a spectacular event, celebrating not only sport but also global diversity and unity, with the United States playing a central role in this celebration.
Fan Merchandise
Event Makeup: Exponential Growth
With the rising popularity of sporting events and international competitions, the fan makeup market has experienced exponential growth. The market offer has adapted to this global market with a range of individual makeup pencils for artistic makeup, Fanbrush® that facilitate last-minute makeup, sticker makeup kits, and even personalized makeup operations on match days.
The numbers speak for themselves. According to a recent market study, the sports makeup sector has seen a 15% annual sales increase over the past five years. This boom is notably fueled by the popularity of social media, where fans proudly share their looks and thus encourage the trend's virality.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
Influencers play a crucial role in popularizing fan makeup. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, thousands of tutorials and transformation videos are shared, generating millions of views. These content creators inspire their followers to express their passion for sports through creative and bold looks.
Brands often collaborate with these influencers to promote their products, reaching a broader and more diverse audience. Dedicated hashtags like #FanFacePaint, #FanMakeup, or #GameDayFace have become viral trends, reinforcing engagement and visibility for these products.
Innovations and Product Offerings
Innovations in this field are plentiful. Fanbrush® is the benchmark in fan makeup innovation. It is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil, launched in 2006 in Europe. The product is now available for all clubs worldwide.
In terms of makeup, the products are also formulated to resist sweat, weather conditions, and even offer sun protection. Companies are diversifying by offering a variety of ranges suitable for all skin types and preferences, from classic to glitter and fluorescent effects.
Collaborations with sports teams and famous athletes also allow for the creation of limited editions and special collections that quickly sell out. For example, some football teams collaborate with brands to create makeup kits in official colors, often sold in club shops.
The merchandising business, including sports fan makeup, is much more than just a niche. It is a dynamic and expanding sector that combines passion, creativity, and innovation. As sporting events continue to attract millions of spectators worldwide, fan makeup is only gaining popularity, promising a bright future for this unique industry.
Fanbrush® in the United States
Fanbrush® has been revolutionizing fan makeup since 2006. It is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil. This innovation was designed for quick and easy fan makeup at the last minute in a stadium, in a group, or at home.
The range includes over 1000 references of 2 to 6 colors for flags in lines, crosses, checkered patterns, etc.
Fanbrush® is fully customizable for all clubs or sponsors, national or local teams. For example, Fanbrush is present at European sports competitions with major sponsors such as Coca-Cola, Lidl, Adidas, Heineken...
Whatever kind of supporter you are, we have your Fanbrush®.
Learn more: www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush® alongside fans since 2006
Whether in the form of supporter makeup, powder thrown in fun races, or body painting in Rainbow parades, color has become an integral part of sporting, festive, or protest events worldwide. Our success story began with the launch of Fanbrush® in Europe in 2006.
Fanbrush® is the world's first multi-line makeup pencil. A product made in France protected by trademarks and patents.
Our product is now distributed in over 21 countries: Europe, USA, India, Australia, Japan. We can export to any other country. With over 1000 references and limitless combination possibilities, we can create any new reference on demand.
To discover our products or contact us, visit our website: https://www.fanbrush.com
Fanbrush®is a registered trademark, exclusive property of © IMALIS