How do sports fans perceive the risk/safety conditions that surround them? The Patron Management Institute, of which I am executive director, recently concluded its first Fan Safety Index, which found that fans engage in a variety of risky conduct, are somewhat fearful of their environment at various events, have biases as to how safe certain events are, and are willing to engage in conduct that might in fact increase the risk of physical harm to themselves or other fans.
The survey of 155 respondents (two-thirds male, one-third female, only one in five of whom were season-ticket holders) covered concerts as well as sporting events. About 26 percent of respondents reported having felt threatened or intimidated at sporting events, with 13 percent saying they had been subject to threats of physical harm. Just under 40 percent said that they had had verbal altercations, while 6 percent reported having been involved in physical altercations.
When respondents were asked whether they had ever contacted security personnel or event staff during an event to report a risk or safety concern, 28 percent responded that yes, they had. Thirteen percent said that they had also reported safety/risk concerns after the conclusion of events. Could fans find staffers when they needed their assistance? Respondents answered that they felt there was enough security presence in the parking area (44%), concourse (72%) and seating area (72%). Respondents in general felt that there is a decent presence that can help minimize or prevent potential altercations, it seems. Almost two in three respondents said that they would utilize an anonymous texting service to report a potential problem, but only 7 percent had actually used such a service.
Three in four respondents felt they could rely on staffers to resolve any potential problem they had with another spectator, while half felt they could resolve an issue directly with an offending fan. Since nearly two in three respondents indicated that they consume alcohol at sporting events, one wonders whether fans have an optimistic view of their own peacemaking abilities while under the influence.
