Spectators longing for live action: a study of the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on (football) supporters in Sweden

The purpose of the study is to investigate how sports audiences have been affected by being unable attend competitions physically on site during Covid-19 pandemic. shows Swedish supporters, mainly football fans, experienced 2020 season, coinciding with analysis highlights importance physical place for audience and discusses relationship between arenas digital platforms Finally, effects suspension live experiences are discussed. According persons studied, something essential—fellowship, solidarity, pulse, excitement—is lost when sporting events held without an audience. theoretical framework derived from cultural sociology draws inspiration key concepts such as topophilia, space place, emotional attachments.