A study on the management strategy of Hiroshima Toyo Carp: A case study of the psychological state of fans during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to clarify the psychological state of Hiroshima Toyo Carp （hereinafter called “Carp”） fans during the COVID-19 pandemic and to suggest management strategies that Carp should take when standard management becomes difficult due to the influence of the virus. I used social networking services （SNS） to get answers. As a result, I clarified the following three points. First, Carp fans likely have more female fans. Second, they had a negative impact on their personal lives due to the delay in the opening of the professional baseball season and the decrease in the number of games. Third, they want a traditional watching environment.

  In addition, I was able to suggest the following three points about the management strategy that Carp will implement when normal team management becomes impossible due to the influence of viruses etc. First, they should broadcast more impressive games and plays. Second, they should give fans more opportunities to listen to Carp-related cheering songs. Third, they should sell products on EC sites that fans can use even when it is difficult to go out, or list product candidates in advance.

  If professional sports teams can understand the mental states of fans and their changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will be able to efficiently support sports when fans cannot directly watch sports due to the effects of various virus pandemics in the future, they can think of management strategies efficiently. For this reason, accumulation of the same kind of study as this study is necessary, and I think that this study has value.