If and when sports return, fans will tune in — but many will hesitate attending games in person once they are allowed to do so, according to a recent poll.
Sports are slowly making a comeback, with German Bundesliga holding their first football matches this past weekend. Meanwhile, this weekend also saw a special charity golf skins game between the teams of Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff and Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. NASCAR returned as well.
As sports start up again, they do so without fans. According to a recent poll from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, many Canadians will be happy to see their favourite teams return, despite the lack of a live crowd.
Indeed, 59 per cent of respondents say playing games in empty arenas it is “better than nothing.” Twenty-nine per cent of fans say it is great, as long as it gets games back on TV.
While fans are eager for sports to make a comeback, many Canadians are not sure about attending games in person. When asked if they would attend a game with a live crowd next October or November, only 28 per cent of respondents said they would go without hesitation. Thirty-two per cent of respondents said they would not go at all, while 40 per cent said they would go but would need to think about it first.
Thirty-nine per cent of respondents identify as an “avid” sports fan. The most popular sport amongst Canadians is the NHL, followed by Major League Baseball and the NBA.
In Saskatchewan, 61 per cent of respondents are concerned about the possible cancellation of the upcoming CFL season.
For the full report, visit the Angus Reid website.
