Reconsideration of Sport Spectating Space:

From Some Sociocultural Perspectives

Abstract

　In contemporary society, stadia/arenas are not just places to watch sports, but places with various functions and meanings. Therefore, in this paper, I decipher the function/meaning of such sports stadia based on several past articles of the author, while referring to recent knowledge, and present/examine its sociocultural perspective. Then finally I attempt to present future issues.

　Firstly, an overview of the characteristics of sports stadia is provided, mainly for stadiums and arenas that have been actively built since the birth of modern sports. Here it is shown that stadia have historically been used not only as glorious places for watching sports, but also for violence, male communities, crowd emotions, political gatherings, etc.

　From the point of view of sociological and cultural function of the stadium, it is argued that the stadium reflects the conditions, order, and values of the society concerned, such as gender norms, behavioral norms, and dominant ideologies. At the same time, it is also argued that the stadium plays a role as a social and political refuge.

　Furthermore, after considering consumerism and global capitalism among perspectives to deepen understanding of sports stadia, supplementary explanations were added on the dimensions of “identity/ pride” and “aesthetics” as significant perspectives.

　Finally, after examining current issues from the perspectives of social activism and sustainability, I made some normative suggestions for end-user hospitality design from the perspectives of vernacular, gender, and “place” for future sport spectating space design.