Survey: Fans Have Not Cut Back On Sports Spending During Downturn

While Americans remain budget-conscious and focused on saving since the onset of the economic downturn, the majority (68%) say they did not decrease spending in the areas they are most passionate about -- food (60%), electronics/gadgets (35%), sports (34%) and fashion (25%), according to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. The study, conducted online from Aug. 17-20 among a sample of 2,025 U.S. consumers ages 18+, found that more than one third of consumers surveyed said they are passionate about sports, so much so that the majority (76%) of these fans say they didn’t cut back sports-related spending in spite of the economic downturn. Sports fanatics were also the least remorseful about spending on their passion compared to food lovers, techies and fashionistas also surveyed, with 49% of sports fans saying they did not feel guilty about their spending on their passion. The average total spend among the general population of sports fanatics in '10 is $725. The average among young professionals (under 30, college-educated, HH income $50K+) was $1,143, and the average among affluent people (HH income $100K+) was $1,544 . Listed below are the average dollars that sports fans will put toward certain big ticket items in '10 (American Express Spending & Saving Tracker).

AVERAGE DOLLARS TO BE SPENT IN '10 BY SPORTS FANS ON SELECT BIG TICKET ITEMS
SPORTS-RELATED ACTIVITY	AVG. DOLLARS
Season tickets to sporting events	$629
Sports trips (skiing, golfing, etc.)	$548
Betting on sports	$277
Following favorite teams to away games	$199
Occasional tickets to sporting events	$179
Cable sports TV package	$171
Tailgate parties	$158
Sports gear (jerseys, hats, t-shirts, etc.)	$125
Fantasy leagues	$101