Spectator Demand, Uncertainty of Results, and Public Interest

Abstract

This article tests the impact of match outcome uncertainty on stadium attendance and television audiences of English Premier League football. The method accounts for different measures of outcome uncertainty, an issue identified as a potential source of discord between existing evidence. Results show that more certain matches are preferred by spectators at the stadium yet more uncertain matches are preferred on TV spectators. Thus, a change in revenue sharing polices aimed at promoting a more uncertain match may affect both TV and stadium demand in opposing directions.