Lecture: "The Fanatics: National Identity and the Traveling Fan"
Professor Sheranne Fairley of the Department of Sport Management will be the guest speaker at this week's Marketing Seminar. All are inviteed to attend.
The topic of the lecture is "The Fanatics: National Identity and the Traveling Fan."
Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to begin to understand the phenomenon of fan travel by examining the intragroup and intergroup behaviors of sport tourists. This study examines the motives and experiences of a group known as "The Fanatics," an Australian fan group, who travel the world to attend sport events. Data were collected through participant observation and ethnographic interviews during Fanatics trips over a four-year period, which included trips to the US Open (Tennis), a Rugby Union match against Ireland, and the San Fermin Festival in Spain. Results suggest that the sport event itself was not the sole attraction for many tour participants. In fact, many of the individuals that traveled with the Fanatics had never been to a tennis match before participating on the Fanatics tour. Identification with the social group and national identity played a large role in the sport tourism experience. The Fanatics, a small but particularly visible and vocal group, used travel to a sport event to join together and socialize with other expatriates to parade and celebrate the shared group and national identity. In particular, the group uses pieces of the Australian national culture and tradition (including songs, clothing and mannerisms) to somewhat humorously support Australian participants in international sporting events. Additionally, the social activities that occurred during the travel experienced allowed for newcomers to be socialized into the social group. Implications for sport marketers are discussed.
More information about Professor Sheranne Fairley.
