SPORTS fans are more desperate than ever to watch events across the pond in person.
American sports are booming in popularity in the UK – and the numbers tell a staggering story.
Sports fans want to watch the action in America more than ever Credit: ticketmaster
The NBA is extremely popular with travellers Credit: Reuters
A poll of 2,000 sports enthusiasts revealed 59 per cent are more interested in American sports than they were five years ago.
Figures show this is thanks to TV exposure (37 per cent) and the draw of star personalities (25 per cent).
For more than a quarter (27 per cent), interest was sparked after visiting the country.
The (50 per cent), Finals (36 per cent), and US Open (26 per cent) are among the American sports that fans would most like to attend.
It also emerged 56 per cent have put watching a game in the US on their bucket list.
Chris Gratton, managing director at Sport which commissioned the research as part of its State of Play Sports report, said: “American sports have grown from a niche interest into a true bucket-list experience for UK fans.
“Rather than watching from afar, many now aspire to attend events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or the US Open.
“This shift reflects a broader exchange in global sport – seen in the NFL’s growing UK fanbase and major events like the World Cup heading to the US.
Supporters now flock to NFL games Credit: Getty
The study found it’s not just US sports people are , with 76 per cent wanting to watch a live game outside of the UK.
Fans would commit to travelling an average of six hours to watch an international fixture and 146 miles domestically.
Research revealed the importance of live entertainment for sports fans, with 22 per cent wanting to see more of this during sports fixtures.
More than a quarter (28 per cent) even went as far as to say they think factors like live music make games more exciting, and this rises to almost half (45 per cent) among Gen Z.
Ticketmaster’s own data reveals a huge overlap with music lovers as 54 per cent also went to music events.
Others feel premium seating would add to their overall experience (30 per cent), while in-seat food and apps for ordering drinks also came high on the list (22 per cent).
Improved facilities (32 per cent) and more interactive experiences (17 per cent) were cited as other factors, according to the OnePoll.com data.
It emerged the average sports fan thinks people need to watch four live fixtures per year to be considered a ‘loyal’ supporter.
Gratton added: “What we’re seeing is a shift in what fans expect from live sport.
“It’s not just about attending a match – it’s about being part of a bigger, more immersive live experience that blends sport with entertainment.
“We see this at the games that now tour across Europe and are more popular than ever before.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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