Substitution between leisure activities: a quasi-natural experiment using sports viewing and cinema attendance

Abstract

SUMMARYIn this paper the allocation of time between alternative leisure activities is considered. This question typically has not been considered in the economics literature to date. International football tournaments provide an opportunity to consider consumers' preferences for watching football and films in a quasi-natural experimental setting. Hence, the impact of these mega sports football events on cinema admissions is considered, testing to see if they can be considered substitute leisure activities. To the extent that cinema admissions fall during the periods of major international football tournaments, a further cost to the entertainment industry of large-scale sporting events not previously considered in the economics literature may be identified. Using an original dataset comprising six years of data for four countries whose national men's football teams had very different levels of success in the football World Cup and two European Championships covered by the period of the dataset, and using a Difference-in-Differences methodology, results strongly support the idea that per capita box office revenues decrease when mega sports events take place. ABSTRACTThe allocation of time between leisure activities and work has been extensively analysed in academic literature. However, leisure time is limited and there may not be sufficient time to enjoy all the leisure activities desired. Hence, this paper considers the allocation of time between substitute leisure activities. International football tournaments provide an opportunity to consider consumers' preferences for watching football and films in a quasi-natural experimental setting. A trade-off between these leisure activities is identified using a Difference-in-Difference methodology. Using an original, four country dataset, a large and robust negative effect of mega sports events on cinema admissions is identified.

Associations between Leisure Preferences, Mindfulness, Psychological Capital, and Life Satisfaction

“…Such leisure preferences as “recreational marihuana” [ 25 ] consumed in the user’s leisure time to relax or enhance positive affect, might temporally disengage from stress, but the long–term consequences might be rather far from the desired. On the other hand, some leisure preferences are beneficial for the user’s health and wellbeing, including meditation [ 9 ] or physical activity [ 26 , 27 , 28 ], or spending time in nature [ 14 , 29 ]. However, excessive engagement in some types of “user-friendly” leisure preferences might also result in wellbeing and health-related challenges [ 30 ].…”

The economics of movies (revisited): A survey of recent literature

“…Competition between cinema attendance and other cultural activities is studied by Kim (2009) and Gil and Gutierrez‐Navratil (2017), while Izquierdo‐Sanchez et al. (2016) examine cinema attendance versus sports viewing.…”

Sports Market as a Data Source for Economics: With Special Emphasis on Betting and Fantasy Sports

“…Sports can be seen as an entertainment industry or leisure activity. In terms of leisure activities, many people spend their free time playing sports (Izquierdo Sanchez et al, 2016). They, therefore, prefer it over other consumption options offered to them.…”