Determinants of Attendance in Women’s College Volleyball: An Empirical Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17161/jas.v11i2.23448Abstract
The current study examined attendance at NCAA Division I women’s volleyball matches from 2021 to 2023, focusing on key factors influencing fan turnout. Despite record-breaking attendance and increased media visibility, limited research has explored the determinants of volleyball match attendance. The purpose of this study was to analyze how scheduling, team performance, opponent quality, and promotional efforts impact attendance.
The dataset included 15 teams and 712 matches across three seasons, with variables measuring match characteristics (e.g., weekend, evening start times), team performance (e.g., win percentage, past tournament appearances), opponent ranking, and institutional factors (e.g., enrollment, gender composition). Results indicated that evening matches and conference games significantly increased attendance, while promotional events led to moderate gains. However, team win percentage and past success were not significant predictors, suggesting that attendance is more event-driven than performance-based. Matches against unranked opponents were associated with lower attendance, emphasizing the importance of opponent strength.
These findings provide valuable insights for athletic departments, emphasizing the importance of strategic scheduling and targeted promotional initiatives to drive fan engagement and ensure the continued growth of women’s collegiate volleyball.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lily Barker, Alexander Traugutt
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