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Global Sport Business Journal

Abstract

This study examines whether generational differences in National Football League (NFL) stadium design influence fans' evaluations of venue quality, addressing a gap in the sport management literature on the relative importance of modernization versus heritage in shaping spectator satisfaction. Drawing on the sportscape framework and environmental psychology, the study analyzes 539,660 fan-generated online reviews from across 30 NFL stadiums. Composite satisfaction scores were calculated and used to assess relationships among stadium age, capacity, and perceived quality.

Results indicate no statistically significant difference in satisfaction between legacy stadiums (opened before 2000) and new-generation venues (opened in 2000 or later). Although legacy venues exhibited slightly higher mean ratings, these differences were not meaningful, and stadium age was not a significant predictor of satisfaction. These findings suggest that experiential and symbolic factors, including tradition, place attachment, and social identity, play a critical role in shaping fan perceptions and may offset the advantages of modern design and technological enhancements.

This study contributes to sport management literature by empirically demonstrating that modernization alone does not guarantee improved consumer evaluations, reinforcing the importance of integrating emotional and cultural elements into sport facility design. The findings offer practical implications for sport organizations and venue developers seeking to balance innovation with heritage in future stadium investments.

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