Determinants of Attendance in Major League Soccer
Journal of Sport Management, Forthcoming
36 Pages Posted: 19 Dec 2018 Last revised: 22 May 2019
Date Written: April 30, 2019
Abstract
This study examines the determinants of Major League Soccer team attendance during the league’s recent era of growth. Estimates indicate that regular-season on-field performance is positively associated with attendance, but the returns to success are diminishing. Positive novelty effects are identified for newer teams and soccer-specific stadiums but not for stadium age. Income is positively associated with attendance, indicating that MLS matches are a normal good. Population size, the Hispanic share of population, the presence of other major-league franchises, and the number of designated players on a team do not appear to be strong determinants of seasonal attendance.
Keywords: soccer, attendance, consumer demand for sports, novelty effect
JEL Classification: Z21, L83
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation