Where did the phrase "jumping on the bandwagon" come from?

Question

Specifically, why does it refer to cheering for or against a sport's team?

Answer 1

The expression 'jump on the bandwagon' most likely entered popular lingo during the middle of the 19th Century, as a reference to the colorful bandwagon used during pre-circus parades through host cities. Band members would ride at the top of these ornate carriages, accompanied by other performers or privileged local citizens. The parade route would soon fill up with curious spectators, with the hope they would later become patrons of the circus itself.

Jumping on the bandwagon soon became shorthand for supporting a popular cause or political candidate because of a herd mentality or superficial attraction. Congressional records kept during the 1890s reveal several uses of the word 'bandwagon' during various campaign speeches. The speakers themselves warned voters not to jump on their opponent's bandwagon in haste. Few politicians would ever admit to benefitting from a bandwagon of their own......

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-it-mean-to-jump-on-the-bandwagon.htm

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Basically, though, the phrase evolved and now, when used, could be referring to a political bandwagon or a sports teams' bandwagon. Just another one of those phrases that has branched out over time.

Hope this helps! ;-)

Answer 2

I'm not positive where or how it started but it means cheering for a team that is doing really well. For instance if someone was a fan of the Chicago Bears football team, but the New England Patriots are doing better, and they start cheering for the Patriots it would be called "jumping on the bandwagon"

Or you could think of it as, a band usually plays for the team that won/winning so they "jump on the bandwagon" and cheer for them aswell whether or not they are a fan of the team

Answer 3

Doesn't have much to do with sports. It normally means taking up an already popular cause, "He didn't commit to supporting the bond election for new schools until polls showed it was 70% popular, then he jumped on the bandwagon."
In an old fashioned parade, instead of a marching band the instrumentalists were in a wagon (easier than marching) that served as a bandstand at the conclusion of the parade - jumping on the bandwagon put you at the center of attention, but it was already leading the parade.