A COMPARISON OF FENERBAHCE AND GALATASARAY FOOTBALL CLUB FANS: THE FACTORS OF AFFECTING STADIUM PARTICIPATIONS

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the stadium attendance of the supporters of Turkish professional football clubs that have stadiums fulfilling the UEFA criteria.  Material and Method: The study population includes the supporters of Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray Football Club participating in Turkish Spor Toto Super League in 2013-2014 seasons and having stadiums that fulfill the UEFA criteria. The sample consists of randomly selected (n=832) supporters. As well as demographic data of the supporters, reasons affecting the Stadium Attendance Scale developed by Soyguden, 2014 which consists of 30 questions were used to collect the data. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS 16.0 packet program and and descriptive statistics, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA test were applied.  Results: Among the variables affecting the participation of Galatasaray Football Club supporters participating in the stadium; "Recreation Activity Opportunity", "Stadium Atmosphere" and "Personal Relaxation Opportunity" variables were found high. Among the variables affecting the reasons for not participating in stadiums of Fenerbahçe Football Club fans; the levels of "Negative Ergonomic Environment" and "Unethical Situations" were found to be high.  Conclusion: As a result, Galatasaray FK supporters' participation to the stadium most effective factor was found "Recreation Activity Opportunity" than the Fenerbahce FK supporters. In this case, it is recommended to increase the number and quality of recreational activities in the stadium. Our research showed that Fenerbahce FK supporter’s non participation to the stadium most effective factor was found "Negative Ergonomic Environment" than the Galatasaray FK supporters. With this result, it is proposed to improve the negative ergonomic environmental conditions in order to allow more fans to participate in the stadium.  Key Words: Fenerbahce and Galatasaray Football Club, Supporters and Stadium Attendance

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