Abstract

English football supporters rate atmosphere as an important feature of the match experience (F.A. Premier League, 2006). The primary aim of this study was to determine if football match atmosphere differed based on 3 variables. Stadium size was considered because research indicated a top contributor to �good atmosphere� was a full capacity, though not necessarily large, crowd (Charleston, in press; 2006). Length of stadium residency was included as anecdotal fan reports suggest new grounds are not comparable in atmosphere. It has been suggested season ticket holders are responsible for match atmosphere; therefore it was important to determine how views differed by supporter type. The following hypotheses were tested:

1. Supporters who judged the stadium to be �small� would rate atmosphere highest, irrespective of actual size;

2. Old stadiums would have higher atmosphere ratings; and

3. Season ticket holders would rate atmosphere at the ground higher than non-season ticket holders.

The secondary aim was to determine the effect that moving to a new stadium had on supporters. Historically, fans resist a move, which may indicate strong emotional ties to the ground. It was expected supporters who experienced a move would:

4. Find the closing of the old ground an emotional experience;

5. Not feel atmosphere improved at the new ground; and

6. Larger capacity does not result in better atmosphere.