Arenas versus Multifunctional Stadiums : Which do Spectators Prefer?

Construction of large sports stadiums follows two different general concepts: (a) monofunctional arenas that are specially suited for one sport exclusively and that are characterized by the absence of an athletic track and (b) multifunctional sports stadiums that can be used for different sporting or cultural events. Officials of clubs often argue that the atmosphere in an arena is significantly better than that of a multipurpose facility and that spectators prefer such an atmosphere. Estimated panel regression with fixed effects shows a significant positive effect of a monofunctional soccer stadium on spectator demand. Controlling for other demand determinants in the German professional soccer league, Bundesliga, an isolated effect of around 2,800 additional spectators a game can be found. This translates into a substantial increase of about 10.7% against the mean value of 25,602 spectators per Bundesliga game in the seasons 1963-1964 to 2005-2006