Home Run vs Own Goal - The Sport Experience
Sports have long been a cornerstone of culture globally. From cricket in India, Australian Rules down under in Australia to NFL in the USA and Beach Volleyball in Brazil. How fans engage with the game can vary dramatically across borders. Sometimes it can be orchestrated by the team or sometimes by the fans themselves.
For this blog I thought it would be quirky to contrast two worlds. In America, baseball games are often an all-day spectacle, blending sport with entertainment. They are a nacho eating home run spectacle with everything on the fringe being more apparent than the match activity.
In contrast, football in Scotland offer an intense on field play with no-frills experience centered entirely on the game. The cold afternoons with the winds travelling through the valleys of stadiums - welcome thousands to the galley to watch their team win or lose.
Both approaches cater to their audiences, but they also invite a larger question: Are these sports truly engaging their fans or are they missing the mark?
The Spectacle of Baseball
In the U.S., baseball is more than just a game; it’s an event. Fans can spend hours before and after the game exploring the food options, enjoying the merchandise stalls, and partaking in endless pregame and midgame entertainment. It is a constructed meandering delight. Between innings, distractions like mascot races and kiss cams keep the energy high, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.
But does this level of spectacle risk diluting the connection to the game itself?
Positives: The multifaceted experience attracts families, casual fans, and even those who may not be die-hard baseball enthusiasts. By offering something for everyone, MLB games cast a wide net.
Cons: Critics argue that this focus on entertainment creates passive spectators rather than engaged fans. Are people coming for the game or just for the experience surrounding it?
The Purity of Scottish Football
On the other side of the world is Scottish football. Scottish football takes the opposite approach. At a match, there are no halftime shows or midgame antics. Fans are there for the game, the chants, and the raw emotion. For loyal supporters, the matchday ritual is sacred, steeped in generations of tradition.
In English football recently the rich management of many of these teams decided to partner brands - that created a sum what obvious reaction.
But could this no-frills approach be alienating new or younger fans?
Pros: The authenticity of Scottish football offers a deep, emotional connection to the game. It’s not just about watching; it’s about being part of something bigger, rooted in community and history.
Cons: Without broader entertainment options, casual fans or families may find the experience unwelcoming or inaccessible. Additionally, the reliance on tradition risks making the sport seem outdated compared to global competitors.
Entertainment vs. Engagement
The key debate here is whether offering more entertainment (baseball) or sticking to the core sport (football) fosters deeper fan engagement.
Baseball’s Entertainment Model:
Strength: Broader entertainment can make the game more accessible to non-traditional audiences, creating a gateway to fandom.
Weakness: True engagement may suffer when fans prioritize selfies and snacks over the game itself.
Football’s Purist Approach:
Strength: Loyal fans are deeply invested, creating an electrifying atmosphere that makes SPL matches unforgettable.
Weakness: By not evolving with modern trends, football risks limiting its appeal to a wider audience.
The Bigger Question: What Is Fan Engagement?
Fan engagement is no longer just about attendance; it’s about building a lasting connection with the sport. Baseball’s expansive entertainment model may boost attendance numbers, but how many fans leave feeling a deeper bond with the game? Conversely, Scottish football’s intensity creates lifelong supporters, but can the sport grow its audience in a competitive entertainment market?
Baseball could take cues from football’s authenticity and focus on creating moments that truly connect fans to the game. Meanwhile, Scottish football might benefit from adopting elements of baseball’s entertainment to make matches more inclusive and family-friendly without losing its core identity. Yes, some teams do try and I applaud that.
In the end, both approaches succeed in their own right—but neither is perfect. As sports compete with an ever-expanding array of entertainment options, the challenge isn’t just drawing fans in; it’s keeping them engaged. Whether through spectacle or tradition, the future of both sports may depend on their ability to evolve while staying true to what makes them unique.