Abstract
In this article, we use attendance data from the two main domestic cricket leagues in England and Wales to estimate the impact of a series of recent structural changes. We find that changes to the organization of cricket in England have had major impacts on attendance. Attendance is significantly higher when an international match is not scheduled at the same time, when the game is played in the evening under floodlights, and when the game is played at a “minor” or festival ground. Festival matches are estimated to increase average attendance at County Championship matches by over 1,400 and at National League matches by nearly 400. This finding provides strong evidence in support for of a move toward greater use of festival grounds around the counties. We also find evidence that the presence of players centrally contracted to the national side significantly boosts attendance, particularly at one-day games.
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