Investigation of Determinants and Constraints of Fan and Participant Engagement in Sport Events

Abstract

Attendance at sporting events generates substantial income for sports venues and organizations, which benefits cities and regions economically. High attendance at sporting events generates revenue for sponsors. Despite this, the environment in which sports activities take place is becoming more and more complex, especially given the rise in fan and spectator attendance at numerous competitive events. Increased competition has promoted many event organizers to study the variables that influence fans and spectators' decisions to attend sporting events and advertise them. This study explores and investigates the impact of stimuli (e.g., sports interest, interest in players, alternative achievements, socialization, escapism, drama, knowledge, support for cities, family ties, and team identity) and constraints (e.g., personal, interpersonal, and structural constraints) on sports fans and spectators participating in sporting events. It can be found that sports interest, interest in players, team identity and socialization are the primary motivations for sports fans and spectators to participate in sports events, and based on literature analysis, internal constraints may hinder attendance.