By Simon Law, CC-BY-SA-2.0 licenseA recent poll of 2,000 American sports fans revealed just how emotionally invested they are—and how much of a return they get for those investments.
More than 22% of all respondents have a pre-game ritual they do each time their favorite team or player competes—but for self-described hard core fans, 32% participate in various pre-game traditions.
While over one-third admitted their required pre-game rituals simply make them feel like a part of the team, 31% staunchly feel their pre-game ritual increases their team or player’s chances of winning.
When asked about their habits before games, most cited traditions like flaunting team merch, having cookouts and tailgating. Others perform chants, dances, or saying a prayer.
A few noteworthy respondents take it a bit further and reported lighting candles for their team, obsessively washing their hands, and painting their bodies to ensure that their team wins.
The double opt-in survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of SquadLocker, whose CEO, Fletcher Jones, believes such activities create community among fans.
“Many people follow along with pro athletes and partake in traditions because it’s a bonding experience and brings people together. Sports are rooted in community.”
The survey split sports fans into different categories depending on their level of commitment to their team or player. It also revealed that not only is there an emotional commitment to their sports fandom, there’s a financial commitment, as well.
A third of respondents (32%) said they’re moderate fans who watch a few sports games here and there. Around half labeled themselves as big fans who watch most games (48%). But, 20% said they were all-in and self-identified as raging fans who watch every game they can—and who spend, on average, over $800 on their professional sports passions every year.
Even moderate sports fans reported spending over $300 annually.
“It is clear just how much sports mean to people, by the emotional high they feel after a win and the emotional low after a loss,” said Jones.
39% reported that if their team or player loses a match, they feel more sensitive than usual. A loss also effects 14% of those polled by reducing their overall life enjoyment for a while.
When it comes to watching in-person on the sidelines, fans estimated they usually show their support by attend on average five events per year–witnessing about three wins and two losses.
And it turns out—whether attending in person or turning on the TV—these events have a lasting impact on fans.
On average, fans recalled seeing five ‘one-of-a-kind’ miracle sports wins, with 74% citing a win by their favorite team during a live event as ‘one of their favorite memories’.
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“I think one of the most important results from this survey is how much passion sports fans have for their teams at every level,” said Kaycie Brown, an athlete at 575 Volleyball, a youth sports organization. “The support they give enhances their lives, as well as the lives of the athletes.”
“Fan support builds confidence and plants seeds for success.”
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