Investigation of variables influencing football viewers' decision of participation

The widespread effect of soccer on masses and the fact that it has become an industry make it increasingly important for soccer clubs to understand what factors influence spectators' decisions to attend soccer matches. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of demographic attributes of soccer spectators on their decisions to attend soccer matches. The study population was composed of Boluspor spectators, with the study sample of 400 randomly chosen volunteering spectators attending a home game of Boluspor during the 2018-2019 season. Data were compiled through Gençer and Aycan's (2008) 5-point Likert type scale called "Spectator Decision to Attend Scale", which consists of six sub dimensions, namely the Physical Environment, Opponent Team, My Team, Schedule Convenience, Game Attractiveness, and Socialization Opportunity, measuring the extent to which a total of 24 items influence the decisions of spectators to attend soccer matches (5= absolutely influential, 4= very influential, 3= quite influential, 2= very little influential, and 1= not influential at all). The findings revealed influences at various levels of variables such as spectator's age, level of education, income level, frequency of attending matches, membership to team supporter clubs, having season tickets, and level of support on spectators' decisions to attend soccer matches. Key words: Soccer Industry, Soccer Fan, Soccer Competitions, Spectators Participation Decision.