Unveiling the Influence of Air Pollution on Sports Demand: Evidence from the Chinese Football Association Super League

In the midst of China's football fervor, where fans' roars fill packed stadiums, a hidden adversary emerges. Deteriorating air quality not only threatens the health of individuals but also casts a shadow over the very essence of sporting passion. This study dives into the Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL), unveiling the intricate relationship between air quality and stadium attendance. Bridging a gap in environmental economics and sports consumer behavior research, we employ a robust regression model analyzing 720 CSL matches from 2015 to 2017. The results reveal a significant inverse link between air pollution and spectator turnout. We establish a novel connection between air pollution and overall satisfaction and engagement in sports. Our findings suggest that addressing air pollution is not only a health necessity but also crucial for sustaining sports enthusiasts' fervor. We advocate for strategic interventions to combat air pollution's impact on cherished sporting activities.