MIAMI, July 11,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Copa America's 29
games across 14 US venues provide a major economic opportunity for
the 10 host cities, potentially accommodating 1.7 million fans and
generating substantial revenue through various spending.
The key question is: Have these cities fully capitalized on
the opportunity to attract fans and convert their presence into
broad economic gains? It seems not.
A new survey on Copa America enthusiasm and sports preferences
in the USA carried out by
Hellotickets reveals that only 1 in 4 Americans know the
Copa America is happening right now in their country, and 45% had
never heard of the Copa America before.
The survey of 200 people from across the USA gave some context to the low attendance in
several matches reported by Reuters last week.
While favorites like Argentina
and Brazil played to sold-out
stadiums, less prominent teams faced half-empty arenas:
- The US game against Bolivia at
the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, drew less than 48,000
fans.
- Their second game also fell short of a sell-out,
with 59,145 fans in the 71,000-seat stadium in
Atlanta, Georgia.
- Additionally, only 29,864 fans attended Venezuela's 2-1 win over Ecuador at the 68,500-capacity Levi's
Stadium in Santa Clara,
California.
When we take a closer look at specific demographics, Copa
America is reaching its audience: soccer fans, who are not
only watching the games but are also very excited about the
event.
- 100% of those who actively watch soccer know about Copa
America.
- 80% of them know it's being hosted in the US this year.
- 90% of them are planning on watching the tournament.
- 45% of them say their enthusiasm for Copa America is
higher compared to other major sporting events.
However, CONMEBOL struggles to reach the general population in a
country where American football reigns, with 24% favoring it
compared to soccer's 14% popularity.
Affordability is another important factor. With tickets
averaging $200 and parking over
$100 in some cities, attending a game
can be very expensive.
The survey also indicates rising popularity of soccer in
America, which could continue to grow in the coming years. Yet, as
the USA prepares to host the World
Cup in 2026, the current situation should serve as a warning. All
sectors need to better capitalize on this opportunity by promoting
the event, boosting the sport's overall profile, and ensuring
stadiums are filled.
The full survey results and analysis by Hellotickets can be
found here.
Photo -
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2459178/Survey_by_Hellotickets.jpg
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-by-hellotickets-explains-empty-seats-at-copa-america-ahead-of-2026-world-cup-302194690.html
SOURCE Hellotickets