This isnt everybody, but I know this applies to some
People love to feel apart of something bigger than themselves. Something that they can enjoy with other people sharing that same passion. Its made even stronger when its connected to your hometown/state, which many people naturally have a strong pride and connection with.
Its an escape from the droll day to day routine and all of the stresses of daily life. For 3 hours on saturday, all of your problems evaporate. Its nice to have that break from everything that weighs on you.
For fans of a team like Utah, in particular, I think that bond is stronger, because of all of the things this team has going against them. Being that small cold weather school in Utah. Utah isnt a sexy school. Utah isnt the school all the high level talent is dying to go to. You cant wear shorts to class year round. And did I mention we are in UTAH??? There is still an incredible amount of stigma tied to the state And we are in a conference chalked full of teams that are just what I listed. We work for every damn yard we get. Every win we get. We do more with less than any team in the country, and im proud as hell of that. For me, and many others, that ties into passion associated with being a Ute