Super Bowl 2012: Why Crowd Will Be a Factor for Giants in Big Game

The New York Giants have surprised everyone by reaching Super Bowl XLVI, and now their boisterous fanbase will be invading Indianapolis to support them in the big game. In fact, a recent report showed that Giants fans were topping Patriots fans in tickets bought by a four-to-one margin.

When considering that fact and remembering how the residents of Indiana feel about Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and their allegiance to the Manning family, Sunday's contest could be a virtual home game for the Giants.

As a resident of Indiana I can tell you there are few things more looked down upon than a Patriots fan. The Peyton Manning-Tom Brady comparisons and the battles the Indianapolis Colts and Patriots have had over the past decade have turned Hoosiers into New England haters. On Sunday expect almost all the locals who purchased Super Bowl tickets to be Giants fans for the day.

In addition to that, the Giants have Eli Manning at quarterback, and he happens to be the younger brother of the state's most beloved sports figure. The near-irrational love the state has for the entire Manning family is almost surreal. The younger Manning will have the full support of the locals in attendance.

Another thing you can bank on is an influx of Giants fans from across the country. New York teams traditionally travel well no matter the sport or situation. For a Super Bowl? Forget it. Downtown Indianapolis should be prepared for a surge of blue and some think New York and New Jersey accents. 

With such a pro-Giants crowd expected, the big game could turn into a virtual home game for the G-Men. That would be a serious boost to the underdogs, particularly late in the game.

The crowd could be a factor in Sunday's game, and that would be a rare thing for a Super Bowl, but could be a huge help to the Giants.