I think a lot of institutions have lost sight of the true nature of the relationship of the consumer/producer relationship. They assume that we are desperate for their product and they can dictate the terms.
Professional sports is a pure luxury good that competes with a lot of other possible uses of our time and money. I’ve discovered I like spending my time outdoors, walking my dog, kayaking, talking with my neighbors, working on my lawn. As someone who tell you the starting lineup and the pitching rotation of almost every Cubs team of the 1970’s, I have no desire to even turn on a baseball game.
Many of our other institutions are going to experience the same phenomeman. Schools and universities assume that students will be there and gratefully accept whatever ‘education’ that teachers deign to give them. I think they will be shocked this fall as parents find alternatives for their children when schools and teachers refuse to do their job.
The list will be a long one.
Can you imagine what the archaeologists of the future will make of the LA Rams/NFL HQ FOUR BILLION DOLLAR stadium in Inglewood?
I wonder if it will ever host a game?
That’s why the Miami Marlins draw so few fans. There’s just too many better things to do in that city than watch baseball.
In addition to the entertainment and gambling, it was also a means of socializing. Get together with the guys, watch the game on the big screen, have some beers and a few laughs.
There are much better ways to connect with other like minded individuals, even if they're some distance apart.
The internet has also allowed more learning how to do things instead of being a spectator.