The Comparison of the Importance of the Factors Affecting Spectators' Attendance in Football Matches in Iranian Professional League Within Age Groups

Football is the most popular sport in the world as well as in Iran. This popularity and high revenue depend on spectators' attendance at stadiums. Iranian Football Pro-League has a low number of spectators per match as well as low revenue in the match day when compared to some countries with the same league. Moreover, a high percentage of football spectators in Iran are below 25 years old, but those over 35 years old have little attendance at stadiums. The main purpose of this study was to compare the importance of the factors affecting different age groups' attendance. This study adopted a comparative study method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data. The validity of the questionnaire was approved by nine senior experts and confirmed by explorative factor analysis. In addition, the internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s Alpha Test (" =0.870). Statistical sample of the research consisted of 486 participants (Cochran formula) who were distributed at 4 stadiums proportionally. Our sample was divided into three age groups (#21 years, 22-35 years and $35 years). Data were analyzed by k-s, factor analysis, Friedman, ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Financial reasons (ticket price, transportation) and stadium facilities (stadium beauty, stadium cleaning, stadium comfort, drink and food) were the most important factors. Considering the age variable, there were differences among different age groups in their team affiliation and incentives. Under21-year group paid more attention to incentives than 22-35 and >35 groups and had more team affiliation than 22-35-year group.