44% rarely or never attend games, and nearly half say they go to home ground on game days because it’s ‘simply too expensive’.
London, United Kingdom June 9, 2023 (Issuewire.com) – A new consumer survey reveals that football stadiums play a key role in attracting fans to their favorite teams, with 86% saying home grounds are important in connecting supporters with clubs , including 43% who consider a home ground to be “absolutely essential”.of Survey of 1,000 UK football fans commissioned by ImagineerExperts in media and technology for the visitor experience, more than three-quarters (77%) of supporters see their club’s home base as an important part of their club’s identity, including We also found that a third (34%) of supporters said they disagreed with their home ground. It’s the same without it. ”
“The survey incorporates the views of a wide range of supporters across the UK, representing clubs from the Premier League to Scottish clubs, and highlights the importance football home grounds hold in the hearts of fans across the United States. Emphasizes ‘National League premiership and everything in between’ Andrew NagyCEO of Imagineer. “Most people consider the history of a team’s stadium and its surroundings to be an important part of the emotional connection they feel to the club.”
The survey found that nearly half (48%) cite their home club’s history and identity (including its roots, players and successes over the years) as what they feel most connected to. And many believe that tradition is intrinsically tied to the club’s home base. Looking at what is most important to fans about their team’s stadium, the research shows that:
- More than a third (37%) cite a ‘historic and iconic ground’ that reflects tradition, club longevity and connection with supporters.
- Nearly a quarter (26%) say their grounds are highly tech-enabled with cutting-edge features such as large-screen HD TVs, WiFi and mobile connectivity.
- Just under a third (30%) want a stadium somewhere in between, combining state-of-the-art facilities with elements of the club’s heritage.
While many British football fans believe their team’s current ground reflects the club’s history, many also want better. More than a third (36%) say their stadium is in good shape and they have no intention of changing it, while a similar number (35%) say their stadium is in great shape. It has tradition and vibe, but admits it feels like it needs updating. The survey also found that 11% want the current stadium to be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art facility. English Football League fans were more likely than Premiership fans (16% to 7%) to want the stadium swapped outright.
Matchdays aren’t for everyone
Research shows that only 9% of fans go to all live games, only 19% go to games regularly, and 28% go to games occasionally. Additionally, 44% of football fans rarely or never go to matches, with cost being the most common factor cited.
According to the survey, 46% of those who don’t watch every game (91% of all respondents) said it’s “simply too expensive”, and Premier League fans can cite spending (50%) as a reason for not watching. most sexual. go to a live game. Other reasons include living far away (37%), enjoying the TV viewing experience more (26%), and not liking crowds (14%). Accessibility is also an issue for some (13%). Fans of teams in lower leagues are more likely to be affected. Additionally, 1 in 20 (5%) feel their club’s stadium is not family-friendly.
Nevertheless, many fans come to tour and enjoy the club’s home ground on non-match days. According to the survey, 60% of his fans have taken a football tour of his stadium, and a quarter of them (25%) have done so in the past two years.
“A tour of the team’s home grounds allows supporters to soak up the atmosphere and learn more about the club’s past and present stars, history and other interesting facts about the team and the stadium itself,” Nuzy said. “This will give fans, especially those who feel the total cost of seeing a match live is too high at the moment, to feel more connected to the club and experience the magic of iconic locations up close. It’s a great way to experience with family and be part of their lives. ”
However, only 10% of fans surveyed visited their home football ground or attended an on-site fan day during the off-season, and during the summer or when other activities are available. , indicating that people are not so personally involved. In fact, nearly one-fifth (17%) of fans admit to having trouble staying connected with their club during the offseason. Nonetheless, many continue to engage via the internet, staying up to date with teams and individual players online (49%) and social media (56%).
Conducted in May 2023, the survey is representative of UK football fans across gender, age groups, regions, leagues, teams and engagement levels, and is classified as ‘large’ and ‘very large’. A mix of recognizable football supporters was included. ” or “casual” fans.
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