The Torah says “uvchukoseihem lo seileichu.” R’ Moshe Feinstein zt”l (yd vol.4 ch.11 p.168) explicitly explains that this only refers to a behavior which may possibly stem from idol worship–NOT modern stadiums.
The above is, and should be, conclusive, to end that part of this discussion for mainstream, non-chassidic, american, orthodox jews.
R’ Moshe also says that such places should be avoided due to bitul torah and leitzanus.
R’ Moshe might very well write similar words regarding eg the BMG coffee room.
Bitul torah and leitzanus are relative concepts which must be evaluated in the context of subjectivity and alternatives.
Yeshivaguy45- Using anecdotal evidence regarding what gedolim of yesteryear thought about sports has no relevance to the discussion regarding whether or not it is appropriate for a frum yid today to go to a game. Additionally, it wasn’t just gedolim who didn’t appreciate sports, it was nearly all eastern europeans of his generation. R’ Shlomo Heiman zt”l might have said similar things about many aspects of american culture which are now a significant part of the yeshiva world.
Sadly, people often confuse cultural differences for hashkafic differences. In other words R’ Shlomo may have been saying “serious people don’t know anything about sports,” which is a statement that is far less true for american born people today.
Bottom Line – We were created to be productive. The most productive thing we can do is become close to God. All decisions should be viewed in that context including the one involving whether or not to have an enjoyable family outing on chol hamoed to a ballgame.
One thing is for sure: what the “average yeshivishe family” does should have little to no bearing on the subjective aspects of this or any decision (unless sadly there is some detestable blackmail like getting your kids into school or married off).
Finally, I like following sports. When my team wins, I feel good. Keeping updated on the stats, standings, news and discussions are enjoyable to me. That is a fact. Should I feel this way? While my answer is “I think so,” the more important point is that I do feel this way. Telling me I shouldn’t feel something and/or making fun of my feelings won’t help me change them. I’d have to understand WHY I feel this way and why it is destructive before I can work on the underlying reasons, otherwise I’d just become conflicted and in denial. And if I was a child, I might become guilt-ridden, confused, sullen, disconnected, angry and rebellious. It might be just me. It might even be partially my choice. But I think there are others like me out there. And I think that for their sake, their rebbeim should perhaps go easy on some of the anecdotes from previous generations.