Unveiling the Influence of Air Pollution on Sports Demand: Evidence from the Chinese Football Association Super League

Abstract

In the midst of China's football fervor, where fans’ roars fill packed stadiums, a hidden adversary emerges. Deteriorating air quality not only threatens the health of individuals but also casts a shadow over the very essence of sporting passion. This study dives into the Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL), unveiling the intricate relationship between air quality and stadium attendance. Bridging a gap in environmental economics and sports consumer behavior research, we employ a robust regression model analyzing 720 CSL matches from 2015 to 2017. The results reveal a significant inverse link between air pollution and spectator turnout. We establish a novel connection between air pollution and overall satisfaction and engagement in sports. Our findings suggest that addressing air pollution is not only a health necessity but also crucial for sustaining sports enthusiasts’ fervor. We advocate for strategic interventions to combat air pollution's impact on cherished sporting activities.

Keywords

Air pollution sport demand stadium attendance soccer game Chinese football association super league

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