The loss of atmosphere

Oliver Kay had an interesting article in The Times on Saturday about the loss of atmosphere at Premier League grounds. He points out that it is not just a question of crowd noise, but the feel one has when one enters a ground. My sense would be that it is very corporate, as so many things are in so many aspects of life today. There is then an attempt to offset this by marketing measures to create an artificial bond between club and fans (probably seen by the club management as customers).

Kay points out that broadcasters all over the world are investing billions in a product they are told is played in a uniquely passionate atmosphere. The fans and the atmosphere they generate are an integral part of 'the show' (itself revealing language) according to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore. However, Kay comments that it all feels rather disingenuous when the gap between club and fans is bigger than ever.

He notes that the revenue-driven approach of the last decade has had the inevitable effect of diluting atmosphere. Corporate hospitality accounts for a growing number of seats and there the focus is likely to be on the food, the drink and the networking as much as the match. Many clubs sell travel experience packages: prices range from £279 to £735 for Manchester United against Liverpool on March 10th including a night in a Travelodge.

Kay points out that clubs brag about the number of social media interactions they have, but there is an artificiality about such interactions. The underlying dilemma here is that the drive to make money may undermine some if the things that help to sell 'the product'.