Fans, the Bundesliga and the Standing Room Debate. A study of the German Football Stadium Experience

Thesis (M.A.) from the year 2013 in the subject Sport - Sport Economics, Sport Management, grade: B, University College Dublin, language: English, abstract: This study looks at the current issues surrounding football fan behaviour, more specifically the fan problems in German football stadiums. Removing the standing room areas to curb negative fan behaviour while upholding the fan culture is currently under debate. It is important to research this debate as the outcome will have a major impact on the future success of Germany’s beloved football. This research analyses different areas of the fan experience including the dangers of Bengalos in the standing room areas, football and non-football fans’ positive and negative opinions of the stadium experience, and possible solutions to protect the image of German Football. Using fan surveys from 100 respondents and analysing the quantitative data gives insight into the respondents’ opinions on the standing room’s importance as an integral part of the football experience. The results show that the Bundesliga has a successful product on the field and boasts a fan friendly environment which makes it a unique League in Europe. The consensus among the respondents is to protect this culture and find a sustainable solution to the stadium disturbances, which fits into the business model of the Bundesliga.