Changing competition design and spectator turnout: evidence from the League of Ireland

Butler, David; Butler, Robert; Mullane, Ewan

Changing competition design and spectator turnout: evidence from the League of Ireland

Files

Published_Paper_ESR.pdf(114.55 KB)

Published Version

Date

2021-09-20

Authors

Butler, David

Butler, Robert

Mullane, Ewan

Publisher

Economic and Social Studies

Abstract

We contribute to the literature on demand for football by investigating the effect of variations in competition design on spectator turnout. We examine attendance in the League of Ireland Premier Division for two periods with alternative league formats, estimating club-fixed effects regressions. Our results show that the change did not increase average attendance. Many determinants of attendance are robust to the reorganisation and balance measures are consistent under both formats. Like past evidence from the League, habit, team form, scheduling and travel are important determinants. Our results speak to league administrators and club owners attempting to optimise revenues.

Keywords

Competition design , Spectator turnout , Atttendance , League of Ireland Premier Division

Citation

Butler, D., Butler, R. and Mullane, E. (2021) 'Changing competition design and spectator turnout: evidence from the League of Ireland', Economic and Social Review, 52(3), pp. 333-353. Available at: https://www.esr.ie/article/view/1460 (Accessed: 30 November 2021)