Changes in Characteristics of Spectators of Professional Basketball Teams in Sapporo, Focusing on the Establishment of Levanga Hokkaido

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in characteristics of spectators of professional basketball teams, and the relationship between frequency of attendance and participant motives in Sapporo. The name of the professional basketball team and its company changed from “Rera Kamuy Hokkaido” to “Levanga Hokkaido” in 2011. Questionnaire surveys conducted in 2010 and 2012 were analyzed. Findings indicated that between the two research periods there was no change in spectators′ characteristics according to sex and age groups. Previous studies had indicated that 70% of spectators were women and half of these female spectators were between the ages of 20-40. About 80% of spectators surveyed participated in both research periods. The 2012 results indicated that the percent of spectators who had belonged to basketball club in their junior and high school days was higher compared to that in 2010.