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Steeler Nation in the Midwest: Exploring Membership Benefits of an Out-of-Market Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Club

2018; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 4; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/24704067.2018.1477519

2470-4075

Zach Scola, Peyton J. Stensland, Brian S. Gordon,

Sports Analytics and Performance

Out-of-market sport fans are of great importance to teams as their league's television deals have become such a large part of their revenue. However, most previous research has focused on local sport fans and have neglected to examine these important out-of-market fans. To address this gap, the authors utilized qualitative methods, including interviews and general observations to explore the benefits out-of-market Pittsburgh Steelers fans received from participating in a fan club. It was found that participation in this group improved fans' overall well-being, enhanced their fandom, and allowed them to promote and discuss the club with other Steelers fans. These findings are among the first to indicate out-of-market fans may receive benefits similar to those of local fans. The results have theoretical implications as they extend this emerging line of research and practical implication as sport teams should cater to their out-of-market fans.