In the NEW episode, number 206, Christopher Harris and co-host Kartik Krishnaiyer cover a range of topics including:
• We debate which is better — seeing games in person or on TV,
• Peacock makes U-turn and adds a feature back for soccer fans,
• We discuss the magic of the FA Cup,
• Univision gets into the streaming business,
• Plus letters from you, the listeners, in our mailbag section.
Listen to the show via the player above or via this link.
Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike, and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment.
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When it comes to watching games on TV vs in person, I would say in person is better because I can experience the atmosphere in real time and can share the experience with others in the stadium something that isn’t really possible when I am watching a game on TV unless I happen to be at a bar or watch party with others especially during the World Cup and the Euros. It should be pointed out that majority of the games I have attended are MLS games which has a reputation for having a dull atmosphere but I live in Seattle where the atmosphere is comparable to that of a Premier League or Bundesliga match. I would love once the pandemic is over to head over to Germany or England and watch either Chelsea or Dortmund play so that I can compare those environments to what i experience at Sounders matches. Before I go I have one question for Chris: Do you think CBS will use Nickelodeon to broadcast Champions League matches the same way they did with the Bears-Saints NFL playoff game this past Sunday as a way of drawing younger fans to the Champions League?
That would be interesting but I highly doubt it. We need to see more games on CBSSN and the CBS over-the-air network before that happens.
Think you’re both being much too pessimistic about eventual fan behavior when things get back to normal.
Watching games on television has given fans a better vantage point and info for many years, especially since the wide scale availability of HD. That isn’t the primary reason fans attend though.
It’s about the atmosphere, the camaraderie with fellow supporters, being part of the action in some small way (chants, taunts, distracting noise, etc).
The shutdowns and isolation are creating pent up demand for these shared experiences. When events become open for people to attend once again, they’ll rush back to enjoy the time with the masses and their friends. Not a permanent 15% drop or so in attendance as you speculate.
Let’s see…Hot or cold refreshments? Check. Facilities nearby? Check. Replays…NOT of the var kind? Check.
Enjoy the match
I would be remiss if I did not recognize my own personal waitress.
Football is not a TV show. End of.
Why people go to movie theaters if they can watch the same thing on TV. Why people go to concerts if they can hear Spotify. It’s the same it’s about the experience to share with hundreds/ thousands human souls certain event that can make you happy, sad, etc.. It happens that humans are social beings.
Reasons I gave up my Sporting KC season tickets after a decade (in order of importance):
1. drunks
2. rapidly escalating prices
3. traffic and parking hassles
4. brutally hot and sticky for many summer games
After a while it became a chore to go to the games. Easier and more fun to watch on TV.