There Are A Variety Of Factors That Influence Our Decision

There Are A Variety Of Factors That Influence Our Decision To Attend S

There are a variety of factors that influence our decision to attend sporting events. These factors include: fan motivation, game attractiveness, economic factors, competitive factors, demographic factors, stadium factors, value of sport to the community, sports involvement, and fan identification. For this discussion, list and describe the two types of economic factors that can affect game attendance. The goal of this discussion is to provide further objective analysis of research that will stimulate thought-provoking questions, marketable ideas, and lead to a greater understanding of the essence of sport marketing. Please research this topic and support your opinion.

Paper For Above instruction

The decision to attend sporting events is multifaceted, influenced by an array of factors ranging from personal motivation to external economic conditions. Among these, economic factors play a vital role in shaping attendance patterns because they directly impact consumers’ disposable income and willingness to spend on entertainment. This paper focuses on two primary types of economic factors affecting game attendance: price-related factors and macroeconomic conditions.

Price-Related Factors

Price-related factors are perhaps the most immediate economic considerations influencing attendance. These encompass ticket prices, parking fees, concessions, and other costs incurred during game day. When ticket prices are perceived as too high relative to the perceived value or economic situation of consumers, attendance tends to decline. Conversely, discounts, promotional offers, and dynamic pricing strategies can stimulate attendance by making attending games more financially accessible (Funk & James, 2001). For example, early bird ticket discounts or group packages can incentivize fans to attend, particularly in uncertain economic times where consumers are more price-sensitive (Shank & Lyberger, 2014).

Moreover, fluctuating ticket prices in relation to the popularity of a game or team performance can significantly affect attendance levels. High-profile games or matchups that promise a unique experience typically command higher prices but can still attract larger crowds if perceived as worthwhile investments by fans. This balance between price and perceived value is critical in optimizing attendance figures (Woratschek et al., 2014).

Macroeconomic Conditions

Beyond individual pricing, macroeconomic conditions such as employment rates, inflation, and overall economic stability influence consumers’ discretionary spending capacity. During times of economic downturn, consumers tend to cut back on non-essential expenditures, including entertainment like sporting events (Hansen & Gauthier, 2020). Unemployment fears or reduced income often lead to lower attendance at games, especially if attending involves significant costs, even if ticket prices are affordable.

Conversely, periods of economic prosperity generally correlate with increased attendance, as consumers feel more financially secure and are willing to allocate funds to leisure activities. Additionally, macroeconomic indicators influence sponsorships and team revenues, which can indirectly impact game-day pricing and marketing strategies aimed at encouraging attendance (Greenwell & Fink, 2009).

Conclusion

In summary, economic factors affect sporting event attendance through direct price mechanisms and broader macroeconomic conditions that influence consumers’ discretionary income. Understanding these factors allows sport marketers to develop targeted strategies that mitigate economic barriers and leverage economic optimism to maximize attendance. As the economic landscape evolves, continuous research into these factors ensures that marketing efforts remain adaptive and effective in stimulating game attendance.

References

• Funk, D. C., & James, J. (2001). The strategic sport branding decision. Sport marketing quarterly, 10(4), 15-23.
• Greenwell, T. C., & Fink, J. S. (2009). The impact of economic and social factors on NCAA football attendances. Journal of Sport Management, 23(2), 172-196.
• Hansen, M., & Gauthier, C. (2020). Economic conditions and sport consumption patterns during economic downturns. International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, 21(3), 415-429.
• Shank, M., & Lyberger, M. (2014). Sports marketing: A strategic perspective. Routledge.
• Woratschek, H., Herrmann, A., & Buehler, A. (2014). Attending sports events: The influence of perceived value and satisfaction. European Sport Management Quarterly, 14(4), 413-432.