TENNIS TOURNAMENTS RALLY TO LOWER EMISSIONS AND INCREASE TICKET SALES

The research, undertaken by Fan Mobility working with the ATP and the four tournaments, analysed travel data of fans from: Chile ATP250, Halle ATP500, Båstad ATP250 and Kitzbühel ATP250.  Spectator numbers varied from 30,000 to 100,000 and locations differed from rural to more urban, seaside and alpine to ensure a balanced research sample.

Research highlights include:

• The majority of fans (68% across the four tournaments) arrive by car
• Measuring distances travelled, cars account for 88% of the overall carbon emissions compared to the low use of public transport at an average of 15% using buses and 13% of spectators using trains
• Nearly two thirds of fans (60%) said they would travel by shuttle bus and or public transport if it was offered
• Complaints around parking, congestion and the resulting pollution dominated feedback, further strengthening the case for improved travel solutions
• In one tournament, up to 8,000 more tickets could have been sold had fans been given better access to mobility solutions

Commenting on the findings, Cata Filiol, Tournament director of Chile Open says:

“Thanks to our partnership with Fan Mobility we now know where our spectators are travelling from and what modes of transport they are using.  Fans have spoken. They want less congestion, less pollution in Santiago, more shuttle buses and they want to help drive down emissions. We have listened and we will act to make the 2024 tournament better for our fans and better for the planet.”

Working with Fan Mobility, the tournament organisers are now identifying ways of reducing car usage and the distance travelled to each tournament. They have set a target of reducing usage with the distance travelled by car of 15% year on year. By switching fans from cars to coaches, as an example, could save up to 67% of emissions per journey.

Paul Coleman, Co-Founder of Fan Mobility adds: “Each of the tournaments are popular with a loyal fan base and the whole point of the initiative has never been about putting people off going to enjoy the sport that they love. The research highlights the majority of fans don’t want to travel by car but often feel they have no alternative. By improving travel solutions we will not just drive down emissions, we will also increase ticket sales which is great for both tennis and the environment.”

Mischa Zverev, Co-Founder of Fan Mobility and former No.25 in the world adds: “I joined Fan Mobility as they have developed an approach that quantitively reduces carbon emissions whilst enhancing the tennis fan experience, it is exactly the approach that tennis and the sports sector need to adopt.”

For further information and comment contact – Paul Coleman Paul@fanmobility.com Tel: +33(0)633 999 352 – www.fanmobility.com

Note to Editors

Mischa Zverev is available for interviews.

The research was carried out from February to September 2023 by Fan Mobility. 128 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX. For an interview or for more detailed information on the methodology and quantitative data, please call or email Paul@fanmobility.com Tel: +33(0)633 999 352