Fandom on the Field: How Sports Move the Masses

What makes someone stick with a team through losing seasons, changing conferences, and shifting media deals? We dig into the core of modern fandom with Clinical Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan and co-owner of AFC Ann Arbor, Mike Lorenc, tracing how identity, access, and economics shape the way people fall in love with sports—and stay there. From the evergreen pull of a never‑ending story to the way leagues actually make money, we break down what sets sports apart from other live entertainment and why that matters for anyone trying to grow an audience.We look closely at the new entry points for young fans: NFL‑backed flag football, the Olympic spotlight, and even video games that teach the language of a sport before a kid ever picks a favorite team. On campus, we face the squeeze of Name, Image, and Likeness, the transfer portal, and realignment eroding century‑old rituals, while student attention fragments into songs, FOMO, and social moments. At the same time, minor league clubs prove that intimacy and affordability still convert, especially when access to players turns a random night into a forever memory. And ticketing? It’s not a transaction—it’s the start of a relationship that begins at search, continues through smart, timely guidance to the right gate, and lives on with personalized keepsakes.We also confront hard trade-offs: empty VIP seats that look great in revenue reports but dead on camera, versus supporter sections that power atmosphere and future demand. Along the way, Mike shares two truths leaders forget: fans choose us, and executives should buy and use their own tickets to feel the friction fans feel.If this conversation gets you thinking about your own fan journey and how to grow the next one, tap follow, share with a colleague who needs to hear it, and leave a review to help more people find the show.Recorded Thursday, October 9th, 2025Hosts: Damian Bazadona, CEO & Founder, Situation & Maureen Andersen, President & CEO, INTIXGuest: Michal Lorenc, Clinical Assistant Professor of Sport Management at the University of Michigan, Co-owner of AFC Ann ArborProducer: Peter Yagecic, Innovation Advisor, Situation