Year: 2013 Volume: 12 Issue: d

Abstract: Literature focusing on sport spectator behavior is abundant. The North American based literature on sports spectator consumption patterns is situated within the context of the mainstream sports of gridiron football, basketball, and baseball. Soccer (association football), among other niche sports, is often marginalized in part due to its comparatively limited appeal to consumers in the region. International scholars have thoroughly explored the topic of soccer spectator attendance however these findings are contextual and specific to the region or locale under investigation. The following study is a contribution to both the global and domestic literature base on soccer spectators in the United States. Specifically, it explores the relationship between Major League Soccer (MLS) attendance figures and two conspicuous trends permeating the league: 1) the finance and construction of soccer specific stadiums and 2) paying market value for “designated players” (DPs). Implications of the findings are discussed.