Risk and psychological return: a moderating role of COVID-19 risk perception in the impact of team identification on vitality after sport spectatorship in Tokyo

Purpose The purpose of the present study was to investigate impact sport fans' team identification on their emotional experiences (i.e. vitality and game satisfaction) using two-wave data in a specific event during declaration emergency statement Japan. also aims test moderating effects risk perceptions about COVID-19 outcome relationship between vitality/game satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach research conducted context Tokyo (the Japanese Rugby Top League 2020–2021 Season Playoff Tournament Final) period were collected through design (before after game) from spectators event. Findings Team significantly predicted higher but not Additionally, moderation found that fans with high social perception showed positive for low perception. Practical implications results suggest events can be advertised as tool increase physical psychological energy daily lives pandemic. Originality/value demonstrated greater spectatorship outbreak. In particular, significant catalyst improve game.