Journal of psycholinguistic research2012Vol. 2pp. -
156
athanasopoulou2012africaninvestigating
Abstract
(a) Purpose:
This study seeks to investigate the importance of facilities and staff for football fans in
Greece.
(b) Design/methodology/approach:
A survey was carried out during two matches of Superleague games with a convenience
sample of 312 spectators. A structured questionnaire was used with scales based on
previous research.
(c) Findings:
Factor analysis revealed four reliable factor dimensions: facilities design; staff; facilities
maintenance, and quick & easy access. Staff and quick & easy access are shown to be the
most important dimensions for respondents followed by the other two. Results also indicated
that there are significant differences in the importance assigned to these 4 factor dimensions
among different levels of age; education; income, and marital status.
(d) Research limitations/implications:
This study is limited to one sport and on a convenience sample of football fans. Future
research can validate further these findings and increase their generalisability.
(e) Practical implications:
The results of this study challenge sport managers to manage effectively the design of the
stadium; the processes of entry and exit of fans; the environment of the game; and the
quality of stadium facilities.